Monday, April 18, 2016

VETERAN LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT LAWYER MOVES FIRMS
Jason Beeho has joined Levitt & Grosman LLP as a partner, as of early April. Beeho has practiced at Rubin Thomlinson LLP, as well at Blake Cassels & Graydon LLP.

“I built my reputation on being a problem solver, and on finding ways to negotiate a resolution to a dispute between an organization and its workers,” said Beeho, in a news release from the firm.

“Litigating should be a last resort; and that philosophy is shared by my new colleagues at Levitt & Grosman.” Beeho, a University of Toronto graduate, was called to the bar in 2001. “Jason’s extensive expertise in labour and employment law is both a terrific addition to our team as well as a good fit with our clients,” said Howard Levitt, senior partner of Levitt & Grosman, in the news release. “He works with senior executives on the employer side, as well as with middle managers on the employee side,” Levitt adds. “So, Jason will blend in well with the mix of work we do with a wide range of clients, both employers and employees dealing with a dispute.”

NEW DEAN IN WINDSOR
Dr. Christopher Waters has been appointed the new dean of the University of Windsor Faculty of Law.
Waters took on the role April 1. An announcement on the University of Windsor web site says Waters has been part of the university’s faculty of law since 2007 and the associate dean of law from 2009 to 2012. 
“He has earned a reputation as an outstanding teacher and an effective administrator, with a leadership style that inspires and motivates students, staff, and faculty,” said the announcement. “Chris brings to the role an astute understanding of what legal education in the 21st century needs to be, and he will be a champion for the Faculty’s strategic themes of Access to Justice and Transnational Law. His promotion of diversity and innovation in the Faculty will enable him to support faculty and staff and develop outstanding law graduates.”

SUBMISSIONS OPEN FOR TRUSTLAW INDEX OF PRO BONO
Submissions are invited for the third edition of the TrustLaw Index of Pro Bono, the world’s leading global pro bono survey. With the rapid spread of pro bono beyond traditional strongholds such as the United States, Australia, South Africa, and the United Kingdom, there is growing demand for an international platform that maps trends in pro bono and tracks the level of pro bono engagement across the globe.

The Thomson Reuters Foundation launched the TrustLaw Index of Pro Bono in 2014 to provide analysis on the key national, regional, and global trends shaping the pro bono marketplace, and to assess the pro bono participation of law firms on a country-by-country basis. In Canada, Canadian Lawyer constructed the first survey of pro bono activity in this country in 2014. Law firms are invited to submit their pro bono data through an online survey before May 23.

LAW TIMES POLL
This week, Law Times asked readers if medical assessments conducted by assessors in personal injury litigation should be recorded. Readers approved of the idea, with more than 61 per cent saying it was a great idea that could help provide the best evidence to the court.

Slightly less than 39 per cent said they do not like the idea and would proceed with caution, because it could lead to considerable issues around privacy and the law.