LSUC TO REVIEW PARALEGAL REGULATION
The Law Society of Upper Canada will begin reviewing the regulation of paralegals under the Law Society Act next year.
The law society is required to conduct the review five years after paralegal regulation took effect.
The review will look at regulation of paralegals in the past and its effect on them and the people who use their services.
Licensed paralegals and members of the public who have used their services can participate in focus groups looking at the matter at lsuc.on.ca. Parties can also make written submissions by Jan. 31, 2012.
LEGAL HIRING SLOWDOWN PROJECTED
Legal hiring is set to slow down in the new year, according to a new Canadian survey by Robert Half Legal.
The survey released last week shows 36 per cent of lawyers interviewed plan to add staff during the first quarter of 2012. A further four per cent are projecting staff reductions, the firm found. The results indicate a slowdown from the previous quarter’s forecast.
Lawyers, assistants, and paralegals are the most in-demand positions. Growth areas include corporate law, litigation, and restructuring and insolvency.
“Law firms are taking a strategic approach to recruiting,” said John Ohnjec, a division director of Robert Half Legal in Canada.
“They are seeking senior-level associates with valuable client contacts and experience in high-demand practice areas, such as corporate law, litigation, and restructuring/insolvency, to enhance service offerings and grow revenue.”
NEW LAW SOCIETY CEO
The deputy minister of labour for British Columbia, Robert Lapper, is set to become the new CEO of the Law Society of Upper Canada.
Lapper will be responsible for the staff of the law society and its day-to-day operations in his new role. He’ll replace current CEO Malcolm Heins effective Feb. 1, 2012.
“Mr. Lapper has a passion for legal and justice issues, a collegial style of working with legal professionals, and a proven track record in overseeing the complete organizational and service transformation in the legal services branch of British Columbia’s Ministry of the Attorney General,” said LSUC Treasurer Laurie Pawlitza.
“As an associate deputy minister in the office of the premier, he was responsible for providing strategic advice and logistic support to the cabinet, the premier, and government on the relations between British Columbia and other governments.
He had a direct role in developing government legal positions on many public law issues including aboriginal litigation, government’s response to historic abuse claims, the implications of the Patriot Act on government procurement, and many Charter and federal provincial division of powers matters.
I am very pleased that Mr. Lapper has agreed to bring his wide-ranging experience in legal policy and his operational background to the Law Society of Upper Canada.”
