Blog – Legal Education Society of Alberta

Posted on March 3, 2021 March 3, 2021

Does your client know to call you first? How to help your client through a cyber-attack

Cyber-attacks are on the rise, and as a lawyer, it is wise to expect that your clients are likely to suffer some sort of hack. We are pleased to have Marin Kratz QC, chair of our upcoming “Alberta Legal Technology Conference“, guest author the below post to highlight important aspects of being a lawyer within a technological world.

In 2012 the then FBI Director Robert Mueller said:

There are only two types of companies: those that have been hacked, and those that will be. Even that is merging into one category: those that have been hacked and will be again.”

As a result of the rapid growth of cyber-attacks, a lawyer should start with the premise that his or her clients are likely to suffer some kind of cyber-attack, often ransomware or a social engineering attack.

These incidents are extremely stressful and many decisions have to be made quickly. A lawyer can be an important member of the breach response team. That lawyer needs to be (or find a) breach coach for the organization that suffered the attack. The lawyer can help with calm advice on what to do and what not to do, identify which regulators and authorities to contact and how, and provide investigatory and forensic work under the protection of a claim of privilege.

Too often, the client does not call the lawyer first and fumbles through the incident often making the problem worse; compromising important evidence and exposing important forensic and other specialist advice to discovery in subsequent litigation.

Does your client know to call you first?

Learn how you can be the trusted lawyer to help your client through a cyber-attack. Register for LESA’s 8-part webinar series “Alberta Legal Technology Conference” this May and June, 2021 to explore cyber-security and consider important aspects of how lawyers work within a world that is increasingly dominated by technology.

Conference Topics:

Click here for details and to register.

Guest Author: Martin Kratz QC

Martin has been internationally recognized as a leading lawyer in many fields such as intellectual property law, technology law, data protection, and cyber security. He has worked in intellectual property protection, transactions, assessments, enforcement, outsourcing, IT procurement, anti-spam, data protection, information and privacy law, and the protection and commercialization of IP.

Posted on March 1, 2021 March 2, 2021

How to Untangle Immigration Issues

Do your clients have immigration issues? If so, we have an upcoming webinar with Alicia Backman-Beharry and Susan Wood (from Holthe Immigration Law) that will provide an overview of important immigration categories. Attendees will untangle a fictitious case scenario while applying the concepts presented in this webinar. Topics will include travel restrictions, temporary versus permanent residence applications, spousal versus economic categories, and more. Walk away with greater awareness of key questions to ask your clients and of important documents that can impact immigration matters. Read on to find out a little bit more about our presenters for this webinar.

Meet the Faculty

Alicia Backman-Beharry has practiced as an immigration lawyer for 17 years. She was called to the Alberta bar in 2003 and was an associate with a medium sized firm and a boutique immigration law firm. Alicia went out on her own as a sole practitioner 8 years ago. She works with corporations, individuals and other lawyers to solve difficult immigration legal issues. Prior to joining the Holthe Immigration Law team, she also contributed as a part-time program lawyer at a non-profit poverty law clinic.

She finds it rewarding to help individuals and companies through the complex world of Canadian Immigration law. Having taught courses on temporary and permanent residence, Alicia is able to see how various pieces of the immigration puzzle fit together, and can provide advice so that people understand which application to pursue and why. Read more…

Susan Wood focuses her practice on Canadian immigration law. Before joining Holthe Immigration Law, she founded her own firm and was a solo lawyer doing immigration law for several years.

Canadian Immigration Lawyer Susan Wood is experienced with temporary residence applications for both visitors and workers, and permanent residence applications in both family and economic classes. She has successfully represented clients at the Immigration Appeal Division on spousal appeals. She enjoys the challenge of drafting submissions in reply to a procedural fairness letter or preparing a specialized application to overcome inadmissibility or non-compliance. Read more…

Webinar Details

“How to Untangle Immigration Issues: An Overview and Analysis of a Case Scenario” broadcasts live on March 25 at noon. Can’t make the date? Don’t worry, registration also includes access to the recording so you can watch and learn at your convenience.

Posted on February 22, 2021

Upcoming Digital Law Forum (Feb. 24 and Mar. 3)

The Digital Law Forum is just around the corner! This upcoming online event runs February 24 and March 3 and is co-hosted by the University of Alberta Faculty of Law, AI4Society and the Digital Law & Innovation Society. Explore the current challenges and opportunities that digital technologies pose for decision-making in the judicial and executive branches of government. Consider risk and responsibility associated with AI, opportunities and benefits of digital technologies on the public, and the role of academics and practitioners in advancing justice in a digital age.

Digital Law Forum Agenda:

February 24 | 12:00 – 1:00 PM MT
Professor Argyri Panezi
Liability for AI: An Ecosystem Approach

February 24 | 5:00 – 6:00 PM MT
Pia Andrews, Special Advisor – Digital, Employment & Social Development Canada, Government of Canada
Artificial Intelligence, Administrative Law & Governance

March 3 | 1:00 – 2:00 PM MT
Panel: Jason Fung, Counsel, Government of Alberta & Blair Neufeld, Innovation Lead, Digital Innovation Office, Government of Alberta
An Alberta Perspective: Digital Infrastructure & Legal

March 3 | 5:00 – 6:00 PM MT (Open discussion, requires registration)
Hosted by Pia Andrews and Professor Péter Szigeti (University of Alberta Faculty of Law)
AI, Law & Governance Challenges in Focus: Regulating Critical Digital Infrastructure

Click here for details.

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If you are interested in technology and the impact on the legal profession, be sure to check out LESA’s upcoming Alberta Legal Technology Conference. Chaired by Martin Kratz QC, this 8-part lunchtime webinar series will discuss topics such as Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Insurance, Cloud-Based Wills, and more. Save $165 if you sign up for all 8 sessions before May 13th. Can’t make a date? Don’t worry, registration automatically includes access to the recordings so you can watch and learn at your convenience.

Posted on February 19, 2021

Court of Queen’s Bench E-Filing

Join Court of Queen’s Bench staff for an in-depth discussion on email filing at the Court. As a result of the global pandemic, there have been a number of changes to court filing this past year, including the addition of email filing. Attend this program to gain an understanding of the current document requirements for filing, the email filing process, and upcoming changes. Consider common errors for email filing and how you can avoid them.

Join us on March 12th from 9:00 AM–10:30 AM for an interactive program, including a Q&A with staff from the Court of Queen’s Bench. If you can’t make this date, don’t worry! Registration includes access to the recording so you can watch and learn at your convenience. Ensure you are up to date on email filing requirements at the Court of Queen’s Bench. Click here for details and to register.

Posted on February 11, 2021

Virtual Family Law A-Fair

As many things have pivoted to an online format this past year, the 13th Annual Family Law A-Fair will also shift to the virtual world for this year’s event. Organized by the CBA Family Law Section Executive in conjunction with the University of Alberta Faculty of Law Career Services, this event will take place on Zoom on February 23, 2021 from 12:00 PM–1:30 PM. This year’s topic will be: “Tips for Securing & Succeeding in Family Law Articles”.

This event provides law students at the U of A with an opportunity to learn about potential careers in family law. Networking has been a huge component of this event in the past, with an annual wine & cheese event. This year, law students, recent law graduates, articling students in family law, and family law lawyers are invited to to join on Zoom for an interactive event using the meeting format with break-out rooms for small groups to preserve opportunities for direct interaction and networking.

If you are interested in attending, email Tracy Brown at [email protected] by February 18th to take part!

See below for confirmed speakers:

Sandra Badejo, Crerar Badejo Hagen Family Law Group

Andrea Doyle, Legal Aid Alberta

Moosa Jiwaji, SettleAssist

Lulu Tinarwo, Tinarwo Law

Darren Queck, Queck & Associates

Janan Jarrah, E-Law Alliance

Posted on February 9, 2021 February 10, 2021

Coercive Control and Determinations Regarding Children

Dive into the upcoming amendments to the Divorce Act requiring that family violence, including coercive controlling behaviours, be considered when making best-interests determinations regarding children. This interdisciplinary program presents the valuable insights of an experienced psychologist on coercive control and how it may manifest in the day-to-day practices of family law professionals.

Join co-chairs, John-Paul E. Boyd QC of John-Paul Boyd Arbitration Chambers and Glenda Lux MA, R.Psych. of Lux Psychology with presenters, Wayne Barkauskas QC of Wise Scheible Barkauskas, Carrie McManus RSW of Sagesse, and Allison Mitic of Wise Scheible Barkauskas for a 2-day webinar series entitled, Coercive Control and Family Violence.

On Day 1 (February 17), we will explore how harmful patterns of behaviours present themselves in family law disputes. Discuss the perils of subjective impressions, as well as areas where the legal system and the interventions it provides are vulnerable to misuse.

On Day 2 (February 24), hear an important refresher on the Protection Against Family Violence Act and a review of the amendments to the Divorce Act addressing family violence. Consider the strengths and weaknesses of the tools available to deal with family violence in the context of family law disputes

Click to play this short clip illustrating the learning objectives for this 2-day webinar series. For more info and to register, click here.

Thank you to Glenda Lux MA, R.Psych. of Lux Psychology for creating and sharing this video with us.

Register Today!

Dates:
Day 1 – February 17, 2021
Day 2 – February 24, 2021

Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (each day)

Price: $345 + GST

Posted on February 2, 2021 February 17, 2021

Labour & Employment Update 2021

Join us for a 2-part webinar series exploring an update on labour and employment law.

Part 1 takes place on February 23, 2021 and will discuss human rights including changes at the Alberta Human Rights Commission. There will also be a panel discussion on the potential future implications arising from the current global pandemic with topics including, constructive dismissal in a global pandemic, disability due to stress (and does stress qualify as disability), employer rights in vaccinating employees, and more.

Part 2 takes place on March 9, 2021 and will consider updates to employment law and recent amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety Act as well as “A View from the Bench” with Justice Kevin P. Feehan. Topics will include, termination pay, liability for unauthorized overtime, proper draft of employment clauses, and more.

Save $45 when you register for both Part 1 and Part 2 before February 23. Each session requires individual registration and will include an interactive Q&A with our panel of faculty. If you have a burning question you’d like to get answers to, click here to submit your question(s) for our seasoned faculty members to address. (Note: Questions will be divided between the two parts based on their relevance to the topics presented in each session.)

Scroll below for details on our experienced panel of faculty.

Labour & Employment Update 2021 Part 1

Chair: Teresa Haykowsky, McLennan Ross LLP

Presenters:

Craig W. Neuman QC, Neuman Thompson

Clayton Cook, McGown Cook Barristers & Solicitors

Michael Gottheil, Alberta Human Rights Commission, Chief of the Commission and Tribunals

Melissa Luhtanen, Alberta Human Rights Commission

Jean Torrens, MLT Aikins LLP

Labour & Employment Update 2021 Part 2

Chair: Teresa Haykowsky, McLennan Ross LLP

Presenters:

Justice Kevin P. Feehan, Court of Appeal of Alberta

Alison Adam, McLennan Ross LLP

Steve Eichler, Field Law

Kelli Lemon, Seveny Scott

Posted on January 26, 2021

Preventing Fraud and Disputes in Contracts and Agreements

Explore how an accounting perspective can complement a legal review. Errors and omissions can easily contribute to disputes and litigation. Learn how accountants and finance professionals view due diligence, drafting agreements, and contractual compliance.

We are excited to have Lisa Majeau Gordon, FCPA, FCA, CA-IFA, CFE, CFF from MNP LLP present a series of real-life examples in our upcoming Preventing Fraud and Disputes in Contracts and Agreements webinar. See what went wrong and how issues could have been avoided. The devil is in the details!

Attendees will explore 4 key stages during the lifecycle of an agreement where an accounting perspective can complement a legal review:

Selecting Your Vendor/Contractor

Common Issues:

Due diligence on parties to a contract
Due diligence of financial statements
Due Diligence of pro forma financial statements or projections

Drafting Your Agreements

Common Issues:

Accounting terminology
Contract language
Availability of records and the Right to Audit clause
Tenders

Financial Management and Reporting

Common Issues:

Financial management
Continuous monitoring

Contract Compliance

Common Issues:

Non-compliance
- Non-compliance that goes unnoticed
- Intentional non-compliance through mischarging schemes
Refusal to provide records
Outdated contracts

REGISTER TODAY!

Date: February 3, 2021

Time:  12:00 PM – 1:30 PM

Price:  $125 + GST

This program is being offered in collaboration with MNP LLP.

Posted on January 25, 2021

Effectively Manage Family Law Matters

Substantive law knowledge and practice management skills greatly benefit lawyers in effectively managing family law matters.

Only 2 days left to register!

Join us for a full-day deep dive into the fundamentals of family law. If you are unable to block off the entire day for this program, don’t worry. Your registration includes access to the recordings and materials so you can watch and learn at your convenience. Register today!

Family Law Fundamentals

Date: January 27, 2021

Time:  9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Price:  $345 + GST

Effective Family Law Practice During COVID-19

Learn more about court processes and pandemic operations, including new court procedures, litigation management, e-filing, remote commissioning, virtual questioning, desk applications, and other pandemic best practices.

Adult Interdependent Partners and Property and Support Contracts

Explore why, when, and how to draft agreements addressing property and support obligations between adult interdependent partners. Walk away with practical tips and precedents as well as a greater understanding of how to advise clients and prepare agreements that comply with the Family Property Act.

Matrimonial Property Equalization Charts

Everybody uses a different chart or table to divide matrimonial property. Discuss what should (and should not) be in them, by looking at various examples. Consider what information lawyers should have to create useful Charts.

Domestic Violence

Understand your obligations under the amendments to the Divorce Act as it relates to domestic violence. Discuss EPOs and how to navigate the intersection between the criminal justice system and the family law system.

Spousal and Child Support Scenarios

Hear a primer on principles and calculation of spousal and child support in various scenarios.

Faculty

Chair:

Heather L. McKay QC, Daunais McKay + Harms

Presenters:

Timothy S. Chan, Daunais McKay + Harms

Jonathan F. Griffith, Daunais McKay + Harms

Christopher A. Jackson, Jackson Law

Imogen Jenkins, Daunais McKay + Harms

Emily Koch, Daunais McKay + Harms

Katherine Palmer, Strathcona Law Group

Dustin Tkachuk, Lawrence & Tkachuk

Posted on January 18, 2021

Understand how Coercive Control Relates to the Best Interest of Children

Family lawyers must understand how coercive control relates to the best interest of children. Upcoming amendments to the Divorce Act will require that family violence, including coercive controlling behaviours, be considered in this regard. Join us this February for what promises to be an informative and engaging two-day webinar series. Attendees will walk away with a greater understanding of the concept: how to recognize it in client narratives and how it impacts the trajectory of a file.

Co-chaired by John-Paul E. Boyd QC of John-Paul Boyd Arbitration Chambers and Glenda Lux MA, R.Psych. of Lux Psychology, this interdisciplinary program presents the valuable insights of an experienced psychologist on coercive control and how it may manifest in the day-to-day practices of family law professionals. Coercive control often accounts for the sense in a file that “something isn’t right” – yet you cannot quite put your finger on where the dysfunction is, or how to frame it. Walk away with valuable information from senior family law lawyers on the pending amendments to the Divorce Act, the obligation to screen for family violence, and the tools available for that purpose.

Coercive Control and Family Violence

Day 1 – February 17, 2021
Day 2 – February 24, 2021

Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (each day)

Price: $345 + GST

New Faculty Added

Co-Chairs

John-Paul E. Boyd QC, John-Paul Boyd Arbitration Chambers

Glenda Lux MA, R.Psych., Lux Psychology

Presenters

Wayne Barkauskas QC, Wise Scheible Barkauskas

Carrie McManus RSW, Sagesse

Allison Mitic, Wise Scheible Barkauskas

Program Overview

Day 1: Understanding Coercive Control in the Context of Family Violence

This session will provide family law professionals with information they need to get a basic understanding of how this concealed, patterned, and harmful behaviour presents in family law disputes and discuss the impact of coercive control on the development of parenting plans. Attendees will explore the perils of subjective impressions, as well as areas where the legal system and the interventions it provides are vulnerable to misuse. Family Law lawyers will walk away with a framework to help identify the specific behaviours they can expect to see in cases of coercive control.

Day 2: Understanding the Legal Framework

This session provides an important refresher on the Protection Against Family Violence Act and a review of the amendments to the Divorce Act addressing family violence. Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the tools available to deal with family violence in the context of family law disputes, the duty of litigators, mediators, arbitrators, and parenting coordinators to screen for family violence, the new federal screening questionnaire, and other means of assessing for the presence of family violence.

Registration includes both days.