Read the Fine Print Can legal insurance make access to justice more affordable for low and middle-income Canadians? By Michael Rappaport, National Magazine Insurance buys peace of mind. It provides compensation for a wide range of accidents, from car crashes to burning homes. It can also protect us from another one of life’s mishaps: legal action. Legal insurance is widespread in Europe, where it originated. La Défense Automobile et Sportive, or DAS, founded in Le Mans,
MoreCourting technology In the future, observers agree, virtual court appearances will be standard, all documents will be digitized and the majority of disputes will be resolved online. But why does the future remain so far away? By Michael Rappaport,National Magazine Appearing in the judge’s chambers via closed-circuit TV, a bearded man in a blue suit pleads guilty to cocaine possession. Earlier, the defendant navigated an automated telephone message system to schedule and invite parties to
MoreAlumni programs mix networking with nostalgia Yesterday’s esteemed colleagues may be tomorrow’s top clients for law firms that know how to tap into their alumni network… By Michael Rappaport, LEXPERT Bay Street legal behemoths spend millions on advertising and marketing their services each year; nevertheless, a significant chunk of their work is still based on personal referrals. Perhaps the best source of referrals comes from past associates and partners, who left private practice for in-house
MoreDanger: Lawyer on Board A recently certified class action could discourage lawyers from sitting on boards. By Michael Rappaport, CCCA Magazine For years, corporate lawyers proudly served as directors on their clients’ boards; it was considered a mark of prestige, proof of their role as trusted advisers, and an excellent way of generating business. But corporate governance rules have since tightened, placing greater emphasis on the independence of directors, widening the scope of their personal
MoreLawyers as CEOs Moving on up from the legal department to the executive suite By Michael Rappaport Lawyers are far too risk averse to make it as entrepreneurs. They’re a bunch of naysayers, out to kybosh or toss cold water on every business decision. They’re obsessed with details and fail to see the big picture. They lack the bold vision, marketing skills and financial savvy to lead a company. The legal department is where deals
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