GHIZ JOINS GOWLING WLGA former Liberal politician from Prince Edward Island will now be part of Gowling WLG.
The firm announced that Robert Ghiz will “play an important role in growing the firm’s domestic and international business, and will provide strategic business advice to the firm’s clients across a wide range of sectors,” as a senior business adviser. Ghiz has experience as a former adviser to former prime minister Jean Chrétien. He was also manager of government affairs for the Bank of Nova Scotia.
“Never one to settle for the status quo, Robert spearheaded major economic and social reforms as premier of Prince Edward Island, significantly improving the lives of its residents,” said Peter Lukasiewicz, CEO of Gowling WLG Canada, in a news release announcing the hire. “He’s a talented relationship-builder and tireless problem-solver, and will be an ideal ambassador for the firm and adviser to our clients, both in Canada and abroad.”
ONTARIO REPORTS GO DIGITALThe Ontario Reports are moving to more digital distribution, announcing recently that those who still want a paper copy will now have to pay a “nominal fee” each year on top of the fees they already pay to the Law Society of Upper Canada to get their hands on a hard copy.
Some lawyers say they still like flipping through the paper version of the ORs for the latest news on whom is doing what and what jobs are available. With the LSUC and insurance fees hovering around $5,000 a year, some are questioning the extra charge.
Those who still are receiving the hard copy received an e-mail notifying them that after July 1 licensees and others who wished to continue to receive a hard copy can make arrangements and pay a fee of $225 directly with LexisNexis. Otherwise, they’d be getting the digital edition e-mailed to them to each week at no additional charge.
EMPLOYMENT LAWYER LEGAL BATTLEThe Canadian Press reports a legal battle has broken out between a well-known Toronto employment lawyer and a former employee.
Howard Levitt, of Levitt LLP, is seeking $25,000 in damages from former employee Theda Lean, according to The Canadian Press, for alleged “overbilling, fraudulent hours and double-billing.”
Levitt is known for his media presence, and a column in the
National Post. The Canadian Press reports Lean is seeking $25,000 in a counter-claim for “unpaid work, constructive dismissal and mental distress.” The Canadian Press reports no date has been determined for the matter before the Ontario Superior Court’s small claims branch.
LAW TIMES POLLLaw Times reported that drug policy lawyers say the federal government should consider new approaches when it comes to regulating drugs other than cannabis. Readers
were asked if they agreed with new regulations for drugs such as cocaine. About 59 per cent said that, yes, they agreed with the proposal that the federal government consider new approaches when it comes to regulating drugs other than cannabis. Another 41 per cent said no, they do not think the federal government should consider alternate regulation.
