Blog – Legal Education Society of Alberta

Posted on March 18, 2019

Program Feature—Alberta Legal Technology Conference

Hear from some of the most knowledgeable and innovative individuals and organizations in law about the current state of technology, and consider what the future might bring to Alberta’s legal community.

ABOUT

This year’s Alberta Legal Technology Conference is just around the corner. Join conference chair Keith Wilson (Wilson Law Office) to explore the latest technology trends.

Explore topics, including:

Cyber-Security
Tech Evidence
Legal Research
New Tech for Solicitors

Law Firm Automation
Litigation Support
The Future Lawyer

KEYNOTE ADDRESS | Join Matthew D. Peters (National Innovation Leader, McCarthy Tetrault) to learn the top things lawyers need to know about legal technology, from AI, blockchains, and automated contract review, to outsourcing, multi-disciplinary approaches to legal services, and law firm practice efficiencies. Discover how these technologies and processes could impact your legal practice.

With more than 20 years of private practice experience, Keith Wilson has represented clients in a wide range of cases. In 2011 he was recognized by the Alberta Venture Magazine as one of Alberta’s 50 most influential people. He is an early adopter of new technology, including law office automation, and is the founder of Veritas Litigation Support, which makes innovative digital evidence aids available to lawyers.

Cyber-Security | Join Elizabeth Aspinall (experienced civil litigator and current Practice Advisor at the Law Society of Alberta) and Nathan Lee (President and CEO of YellowWood IT.) for an informative session exploring cyber-security. Get the latest on cyber scams, tricks, and traps including how to spot them and how to protect your firm and clients.

Legal Research | Explore the latest developments in practical legal research technologies and what’s coming next with Rex Shoyama (Online Development Manager, Thomson Reuters) and Helen Voudouris (Director, Online Product Management, LexisNexis Canada).

New Tech For Solicitors | Learn about the ins and outs of electronic signatures, real estate and deal closing software, financing automation, and other new tech with legal technology innovator Jay F. Krushell.

Law Firm Automation | How do I successfully implement technology efficiencies and tools without being an international-sized firm? Join Richard G. Ferguson (experienced business and commercial law practitioner and past Chair of the Law Practice Management and Technology Section of the Canadian Bar Association) for an insightful discussion on firm automation.

Litigation Support | Get updates on the latest developments in eDiscovery and technology-assisted document review from one of the most well-known and influential eDiscovery lawyers in Canada, Maura R. Grossman.

REGISTER ONLINE

May 23, 2019 | Evening Social Event, Keynote Address, and Trade Show (6:30 PM–10:30 PM)

May 24, 2019 | Full-Day Conference (Breakfast: 7:30 AM–8:30 AM | Conference: 8:30 AM–4:30 PM)

Location: Fantasyland Hotel, West Edmonton Mall, 17700 87 Ave NW

View the brochure for details.

Posted on March 5, 2019

March Upcoming Legal Events

Here’s what’s happening this month!

LESA PROGRAMMING

Effective Legal Support: Matrimonial Property

EDMONTON (March 5) | CALGARY (March 13)

Provide more confident legal support in property division matters. Examine what is “property”, including real estate, bank accounts, businesses, and more. Review property division and the differences between separating common-law and legally married couples. Advance your understanding of financial disclosure and analysis, and develop strategies to find information when your client cannot locate the answer. Discuss tips, hints, and practical suggestions about property division matters from experienced family law legal support staff.

View the brochure for details.

Family Law Considerations for the Wills and Estates Practitioner

EDMONTON (March 6) | CALGARY (March 13)

View the brochure for more details.

EARLY BIRD DEADLINES

Dealing with Difficult People | Early Bird Deadline March 5

Civil Advocacy Series: Getting at the Facts | Early Bird Deadline March 12

BUNDLE & SAVE: Register for the Refresher and Pre-Refresher Add-On Program and save! | Early Bird Deadline March 19

LESA LIBRARY

Can’t make it to one of these programs?

With an annual subscription to the LESA Library, you can access hundreds of program materials anytime; anywhere. This cost-effective resource ensures you’ll always be up-to-date in your area of practice.

Click here to learn more about the LESA Library.

Posted on February 1, 2019 February 14, 2019

February Upcoming Legal Events

Discover what’s happening in the legal community this month.

LESA PROGRAMMING

Intellectual Property Law for Non-IP Lawyers

EDMONTON (February 5) | CALGARY (February 12)

Intellectual property rights can be found in nearly every transaction and are often the most valuable asset of any business. If your client has a business name, provides a product or service to others, uses a website or software, gets referenced on social media, creates or improves on technology, or has confidential business information such as customer lists and data, they have IP rights to consider. Join experienced IP practitioners and develop strategies to protect your clients.

Advising Small & Family Businesses

EDMONTON (February 6) | CALGARY (February 13)

Small and family business owners have unique challenges. As trusted advisers, lawyers are well-positioned to help address these challenges. Investigate issues that small and family businesses face so you can more competently provide advice.

Junior Lawyer Series | Session #5: Drafting Effective Affidavits & Statutory Declarations

EDMONTON (February 7)

Learn the “dos” and “don’ts” of effective drafting of affidavits and statutory declarations. Explore how to navigate and understand the nuances of drafting affidavits versus statutory declarations in a variety of legal and extra-legal settings.

Adult Guardianship & Trusteeship Fundamentals

EDMONTON (February 20) | CALGARY (February 27)

Explore adult guardianships and trusteeships from start to finish. Get tips for managing represented adult matters, and learn key strategies to help set up guardians and trustees for success.

LESA RESOURCES

Pot Topics: Legalization of Cannabis (Program Materials)

Cannabis: Challenges in Multi-Unit Housing

Legalization of Cannabis – Implications for Employers

Contentious Matters in Wills and Estate (Program Materials)

Recent Alberta Surrogate Case Reviews

Family Maintenance and Support Claims: Why Step-parents (and Other Claimants) Do Not Have the King Midas Touch

Capacity and Undue Influence: Diminished Will or True Intentions?

Costs in Estate Litigation

Appellate Advocacy (Program Materials)

The Factum: Tips & Strategies’
Court of Appeal Procedures: Overview of Applications Before a Single Appeal Judge or Panel, Filing Deadlines, and Case Management
Digest of Alberta Court of Appeal Cases Considering R v Oland
Court of Appeal Practice: Short Snappers
Appellate Practice Points: Applications Before a Panel, Costs, and Judicial Dispute Resolution
Appellate Advocacy (Seminar on Demand)

Environmental Law: Key Strategies for Everyday Practice (Program Materials)

Introduction to Environmental Law
Practical Steps for Environmental Due Diligence in Commercial Transactions
Environmental Law: Contaminated Properties
Solicitor-Client, Litigation, and Settlement Privilege
Appeal Mechanisms in Alberta’s Environmental Legislation

Condominium Law Update (Program Materials)

Using Condominiums Safely and Effectively: Avoiding Unplanned Results
Collections – What Options Does a Condominium Corporation Have if an Owner Defaults on Payment?
Condominium Bylaw Enforcement
Condominium Insurance – Considerations in Coverage

LEGAL COMMUNITY EVENTS

AssistCommunity: Coffee Circle (Calgary)

February 6 | MobSquad Café (150 9 Ave SW (21st Floor))

Assist invites you to join them to meet as a group, foster collegiality, and build connection among your peers in the legal community. Buy a beverage and sit in on the conversation, and learn more about AssistCommunity. Click here for details.

Posted on January 28, 2019

Program Feature—Family Law Considerations for the Wills and Estates Practitioner

Join us on March 6 (Edmonton) or March 13 (Calgary) for Family Law Considerations for the Wills and Estates Practitioner, and consider the implications of family law on your wills and estates practice.

ABOUT

CHAIR

Fulvio Durante | Dunphy Best Blocksom LLP | Calgary

FACULTY

Rhoda Dobler QC | Dunphy Best Blocksom LLP | Calgary

Laura Bruyer | Gordon Zwaenepoel | Edmonton

Shelly Chamaschuk | Reynolds Mirth Richards & Farmer LLP | Edmonton

Catherine Gerrits | Dunphy Best Blocksom LLP | Calgary

Sherrilynn J. Kelly | Parlee McLaws LLP | Calgary

Michael Klaray | Duncan Craig LLP | Edmonton

Understanding family dynamics is key to setting up a solid estate plan or to resolving challenges that arise in estate administration. Explore family law considerations that wills and estate practitioners should keep front-of-mind. Discuss child and spousal support obligations in circumstances of separation, divorce, death, and incapacity. Explore estate administration and the implementation of EPAs and PDs during separation and divorce, and review collaborative law and ADR approaches in family and estate matters. Discuss relevant acts and recent case law so you can provide more competent advice.

REGISTRATION

Register online for Family Law Considerations for the Wills and Estates Practitioner and attend on March 6 (Edmonton) or March 13 (Calgary).

Posted on January 24, 2019

PROGRAM FEATURE—ADULT GUARDIANSHIP & TRUSTEESHIP FUNDAMENTALS

Get tips for managing represented adult matters, and learn key strategies to help set up guardians and trustees for success.

ABOUT

Join program chair, Janice M. Bruni QC, and faculty for Adult Guardianship & Trusteeship Fundamentals on February 20 (Edmonton) or February 27 (Calgary), and explore adult guardianships and trusteeships from start to finish.

CHAIR

Janice M. Bruni QC | Bruni Law | Calgary

FACULTY

Explore topics, including:

how to assess decision-making options properly, and discover when it may be valuable to assign supportive or substitute decision-makers;
informal trustee arrangements and options available for less intrusive measures;
capacity assessment requirements;
whether to file desk or regular applications;
emergencies, situations for 17-year-olds, removal of existing decision-makers, and relevant legislation;
the roles of review officers and clerks;
time frames for the various phases of applications;
the duties of both guardians and trustees;
report letters, record-keeping, accounting, reviews and passing of accounts, guardian and trustee plans, and authority to sell or encumber property;
tools for assessing the adult and strategies for situations where the adult refuses to participate;
what to do when an adult asserts capacity, including conducting a second assessment

And more!

REGISTRATION

Register online to attend Adult Guardianship & Trusteeship Fundamentals on February 20 (Edmonton) or February 27 (Calgary).

Posted on January 22, 2019 January 22, 2019

PROGRAM FEATURE—ADVISING SMALL & FAMILY BUSINESSES

Small and family business owners have unique challenges. As trusted advisers, lawyers are well-positioned to help address these challenges. Join us for Advising Small & Family Businesses on February 6 (Edmonton) or February 13 (Calgary), and investigate issues that small and family businesses face so you can more competently provide advice.

ABOUT

Do small and family businesses really have different challenges than other businesses? Though many businesses face similar issues, the nature of small, closely held, or family businesses are such that lawyers must often consider additional factors when advising clients.

Develop a thorough understanding of challenges common to small and family businesses. Explore strategies to address these challenges and learn practical tips, including how to broach trickier topics with clients.

CHAIR
Nolan Johnson | Huckvale LLP | Lethbridge

REGISTRATION
Register to attend Advising Small & Family Businesses on February 6 (Edmonton) or February 13 (Calgary).

Posted on January 7, 2019

Program Feature—Effective Legal Support: Matrimonial Property

Join us in for Effective Legal Support: Matrimonial Property in Edmonton (March 5) or Calgary (March 12), and discover valuable tips so you can provide more confident legal support in property division matters.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Join program chair Rachel Woynorowski and faculty for an informative afternoon on legal support in property division matters.

Discuss key topics including:

The Nuts and Bolts of Property
Examine what is “property”, including real estate, bank accounts, businesses, and more. Delve into less common and commonly forgotten or overlooked types of property. Explore the role of legal support staff in property division matters.
Does It Make a Difference if They’re Married?
Review property division and the differences between separating common-law and legally married couples. Discuss additional documentary evidence and the information needed to establish a joint family venture and to prove unjust enrichment claims, exemptions, and tracing.
Evidence and Disclosure
Advance your understanding of financial disclosure and analysis. Explore evidence issues to help you complete undertakings and compile affidavits of records.
How to Get Stuff Done: A Review of Practical and Procedural Matters
Develop strategies to find information when your client cannot locate the answer. Investigate alternative evidence sources, including obtaining client authorizations, expert valuations, and expert opinions. Once a file is concluded, examine how to assist clients with protecting their property and realizing on judgments.
Matrimonial Property Top 10 Tips
Discuss tried, tested, and true tips, hints, and practical suggestions about property division matters from experienced family law legal support staff.

ONLINE REGISTRATION

Edmonton (March 5)
Calgary (March 12)

View the brochure for program details.

Posted on January 2, 2019 January 2, 2019

January Upcoming Legal Events

Happy New Year!

Discover what’s happening in the legal community this month.

LESA PROGRAMMING

Intellectual Property Law for Non-IP Lawyers | EARLY BIRD EXTENSION January 8
EDMONTON (February 5) | CALGARY (February 12)

Junior Lawyer Series (Session #4) | SOLD OUT!
EDMONTON (January 17)

Hear the Bench’s perspective on recent jurisprudential developments in the Alberta Courts regarding the law of summary judgment and summary dismissal. Brief Q & A session to follow.

Civil Enforcement Fundamentals
EDMONTON (January 22) | CALGARY (January 29)

Learn how the Civil Enforcement Act works with other legislation for the enforcement of distraint for rents, personal property seizures under security agreements, Notices to enforce security, and possession under Court Orders. Learn how distributions are determined and where priorities are given so you can provide proper advice to your clients about the costs/benefits of Civil Enforcement. Explore post-judgment enforcement and how to maximize your client’s return.

Wills and EPAs—Commonly Occurring Issues
EDMONTON (January 23) | CALGARY (January 30)

Wills and enduring powers of attorney are essential to an effective estate plan. Analyze common issues that arise in the drafting of these documents. Discover how to avoid these issues before they arise or deal with them if they do.

Posted on December 20, 2018

Law Society of Alberta: New Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer

LESA is pleased to welcome Elizabeth J. Osler as the new Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Law Society of Alberta (LSA). Ms. Osler will begin in her new role on January 1, 2019.

Ms. Osler has been with the LSA since September 2012, first as the Director of Regulation and later as Deputy Executive Director. She oversaw several departments within the LSA including Governance, Communications, Human Resources, Counsel, Conduct, Investigations, Custodianships, and Trust Safety.

Prior to joining the LSA, Ms. Osler worked at the University of Calgary as Associate General Counsel & University Secretary. She has also worked as a securities lawyer in private practice and as corporate counsel and corporate secretary in-house.

Ms. Osler, born and raised in Calgary, received her Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Alberta, and holds bachelor and master degrees in Canadian History from the University of Calgary. She received her ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors, and serves on the National Discipline Standards Committee for the Federation of Law Societies of Canada and as a Board member for the Canadian Society of Association Executives.

We are sad to say farewell to outgoing LSA Executive Director and CEO—and trusted LESA board member—Don Thompson, QC. His extraordinary leadership not only helped transform the LSA into a leading regulator of the legal profession, but also supported LESA in delivering exceptional educational programming for the Alberta legal community. We are excited to embark on a new journey with Ms. Osler and are confident that she too will excel in her new role as the LSA’s Executive Director and CEO.

Read the Law Society of Alberta’s full announcement here.

Posted on December 19, 2018

ASSIST: New Parents Practicing Law Events

Are you the parent of a child under the age of 5 who is juggling legal practice with new parenthood? If so, then please join Alberta Lawyers’ Assistance Society for their inaugural New Parents Practicing Law program, hosted and sponsored by Bennett Jones LLP.

Lawyers and articling students are invited to join Linda Parsons, Professional Coach and Practice Consultant, who will provide information and resources about practicing law as a new parent.

Linda is a parent with over twenty-five years’ experience as a lawyer in private practice, having been recognized by Best Lawyers in Canada in 2013 and 2014, and profiled in the April 2010 Lexpert health law cover story. She held a variety of leadership roles within her firm and the legal profession during her years of practice. Linda is certified in executive coaching through Columbia University and is a member of the International Coaching Federation, and provides parent, performance, leadership and business development coaching for lawyers. Linda has a wealth of knowledge and experience to share with new parents practicing law.

REGISTRATION & DETAILS

Date: January 16, 2019
Time: 12:00 PM–1:00 PM
Location: Bennett Jones LLP | 4500 Bankers Hall East, 855 2 St. SW | Calgary

Lunch will be provided. Please RSVP by January 11, 2019, and please include your dietary restrictions.