FOLA & ASSOCIATIONS IN THE NEWS
Federation of Ontario Law Associations aims to be a "bigger voice among lawyers"
Court delays and the sustainability of law libraries key issues discussed at spring plenary - LawTimes
FOLA motion addressing ‘greying of the bar’ passes at LSO annual general meeting
The Federation of Ontario Law Associations’ (FOLA) motion that the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) implement strategies and incentives to address the “greying of the bar” passed at the annual general meeting (AGM) on May 10.
The motion, presented by FOLA chair, Douglas Judson, outlined four directives:
Press Release - LSO AGM adopts FOLA motion
At the May 10, 2023 Annual General Meeting of the Law Society of Ontario (LSO), voting members of the legal professions adopted a motion by the Federation of Ontario Law Associations (FOLA) that called on the LSO to do more to encourage lawyers to practice in under- served communities.
Ontario law federation raises alarm over dwindling number of lawyers in remote areas
FOLA motion will urge Law Society of Ontario to develop a plan to ensure legal access in underserved areas - CBC News
FOLA will push for ‘efforts to bring lawyers to under-served communities’ at next LSO annual meeting
At the Law Society of Ontario’s (LSO) annual general meeting on May 10, the Federation of Ontario Law Associations (FOLA) will bring a motion calling on the LSO to “do more to encourage lawyers to practice in under-served communities.” - Law360
FOLA motion calls for new efforts to bring lawyers to under-served communities
FOLA has moved a motion at the annual meeting of the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) that calls on the LSO to do more to encourage lawyers to practice in underserved communities.
FOLA REACTS TO LAW SOCIETY BENCHER ELECTION RESULTS
MIDDLESEX LAW ASSOCIATION APRIL NEWSLETTER
This edition of the MLA's "The Snail" features SW Regional Bencher Candidate profiles!
FOLA MOTION FOR LSO's 2023 AGM
FOLA has filed a Motion for the LSO's May 2023 AGM that would require the Law Society to develop strategies and incentives to draw licensing candidates and new lawyers to practice in under-served communities.
FOLA disappointed in lack of investments to justice in Ontario’s 2023 budget
The Federation of Ontario Law Associations (FOLA) has reacted to Ontario’s 2023 budget with disappointment, noting the budget “appears to be silent on necessary investments” to make the justice system “more accessible, fair, and efficient.”
In a statement, issued March 23, FOLA emphasized that it has “repeatedly called on the province to increase Legal Aid Ontario (LAO) funding to $480 million,” which would “bring funding levels back to the level they were at almost a decade ago, in 2014.” - Law 360 Article
Press Release: FOLA Responds to the 2023 Provincial Budget
FOLA is disappointed that Ontario's 2023 Budget appears to be silent on necessary investments to make our justice system more accessible, fair, and efficient.
FOLA raises concerns over FullStop campaign claims on law libraries; FullStop stands by statements
Media article in Law 360 re: FOLA's Press Release on #FullStop misleading comments
Press Release: FOLA Clarifies FullStop Campaign Statements on Courthouse Libraries
Funding for county and district law libraries is an issue at the forefront of the 2023 bencher election campaign. Early in March 2023, FOLA was alerted to some concerning statements in campaign literature from the FullStop slate, including commentary which impacts FOLA’s advocacy in support of sustainable library funding. As such, we issued a Press Release correcting the record.
FOLA raises multiple issues impacting justice system at annual Queen’s Park lobby day
An article in Law 360 about FOLA's Lobby Day 2023.
MIDDLESEX LAW ASSOCIATION - THE SNAIL NEWSLETTER
Read the MLS's Newsletter "The Snail - March 2023 Edition". Includes a message from the President, Practice Resource Centre news, Common questions regarding Distinctive Trademarks, Bencher Elections, & more!
FOLA calls for Ontario to boost legal aid funding and court innovation
Ahead of the province’s 2023 budget, the Federation of Ontario Law Associations (FOLA) is calling on the Ontario government to boost legal-aid spending and continue court modernization. - Law Times
In federal budget consultation, FOLA calls on Ottawa to fill judicial vacancies
The Federation of Ontario Law Associations (FOLA) is calling on the federal government to make “necessary investments” in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. - Law Times
FOLA's SUBMISSION TO THE MINISTER OF FINANCE RE: 2023 BUDGET
FOLA's Submission focused on Legal Aid Funding and funding for Courthouse modernization.
FOLA, & CLA stress presumption of innocence in bail reform submission
FOLA in The Lawyers' Daily following our submission to the Standing Committee on Justice Policy re: Bail Reform
FOLA LETTER TO THE SOLICITOR GENERAL RE: AMENDMENTS TO THE POLICE SERVICES ACT
Canadian Lawyer Magazine teams up with FOLA on Best in Law 2022 report to expand its reach
MIDDLESEX LAW ASSOCIATION - THE SNAIL NEWSLETTER
The Snail, the Middlesex Law Association's Newsletter, has published their Winter 2022/2023 Edition.
LSO and federation push Metrolinx to find alternative to new subway station on Osgoode Hall property
On November 25, 2022, FOLA sent a letter to Mayor John Tory urging him to block the December 5th start date for tree removal on Osgoode Hall grounds to make way for the Metrolinx Ontario Line. You can read that letter here. This letter was featured in the Law Times.
FOLA calls on feds to revoke legislation prohibiting residential real estate sales to non-Canadians
Article featuring FOLA's Real Estate Chair, Mark Giavedoni, in The Law Times which calls on the federal government to “revoke the Act.”
FOLA wants feds to revoke Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act
Article featuring FOLA's Real Estate Chair, Mark Giavedoni, in The Lawyer's Daily which calls on the federal government to “revoke the Act.”
LSO Motion on Law Society Fees Ignores Impact on Courthouse Libraries
An article by FOLA's Chair, Douglas Judson, in Slaw highlighting FOLA's concerns regarding an alternative Budget at the December Convocation that contains no fee increases.
FOLA urges LSO benchers to support ‘sustainable’ funding of courthouse law libraries
Article in Lawyer's Daily quoting FOLA Chair, Douglas Judson, about FOLA's letter to LSO benchers urging them to “support full and sustainable funding” of courthouse law libraries when they vote on the 2023 budget.
Pandemic led to rise in virtual real estate closings, but they're not yet the norm
Mark Giavedoni FOLA's Real Estate Chair in the Law Times.
CANADIAN LAWYER MAGAZING'S READERS' CHOICE AWARDS 2022
Canadian Lawyer Magazine website announcing their partnership with FOLA for the Readers' Choice Awards 2022.
DISCRIMINATON & HARASSMENT COUNCIL
Blog post by LSO Treasurer Donnelly about the LSO's DHC.
SHINING A LIGHT ON THE WELL-BEING RESOURCE CENTRE
Blog post by LSO Treasurer Donnelly about the LSO's Well-being Resource Centre
GETTING CREATIVE WITH ARTICLING PLACEMENTS
Blog post by LSO Treasurer about articling.
FOLA LOBBY DAY - LAWYER's DAILY
FOLA highlights inconsistencies in e-filing, legal aid, access to justice at Lobby Day - The Lawyer's Daily
FOLA LOBBY DAY - QPBRIEFING
Electronic courts overhaul like a 'Lamborghini without an engine’ lawyers tell ag
NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY LAW ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER
The Northumberland Association's Winter 2021/2 newsletter is now available. You can access it here.
OCLA ACCESS POINT - WINTER 2021
The Newsletter of the Ontario Courthouse Libraries Association
NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY LAW ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER
The Northumberland Association's September 2021 newsletter is now available. You can access it here.
ACCESS TO ADEQUATE LIBRARIES VITAL FOR ALL LAWYERS
Access to legal information is the lifeblood of our profession. In a common law system where interpretation of precedent determines the outcome of issues, the fair and efficient implementation of justice relies on both sides having access to the legal information which decisions are made - by Nathan Baker in Lawyer's Daily.
DISCRIMINATION & HARASSMENT COUNSEL
For over 20 years, the LSO has provided the Discrimination and Harassment Counsel (DHC) service free of charge to the Ontario public including lawyers, paralegals and students. This is a blog post about the DHC by LSO Treasurer Donnelly in August 2021
OCLA ACCESS POINT - SUMMER 2021
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: OCLA Library and Member Profile; helpful technology tips; COVID-related articles; & garden pictures.
NORTHUMBERLAND LAW ASSOCIATION SUMMER 2021 NEWSLETTER
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Covid-19 Effects on LAO and Legal Clinics; Transcripts in the Time of Covid; Free Range Children; Librarians Working Together; Ontario Court Information; FOLA Update; and more!
CCLA Statement on the Mass Grave Discovery in Kamloops
During the final week of May 2021, the bodies of 215 Indigenous children were discovered in a mass grave at the former Kamloops Residential School. The pain of this loss is staggering.
Peel Law Association Response to "Stop Group"
In late April, the Peel Law Association ("PLA") issued a response to the email (dated April 16, 2021) by the group identifying themselves as "StopSOP/FullStop Campaign Team" (the "Stop Group") saying that the Stop Group’s suggestion that systemic racism does not exist within the legal profession is deeply troubling.
CCLA Statement in Response to #FullStop
The CCLA acknowledges the Joint Statement, dated April 16, 2021, from the South Asian Bar Association of Toronto (SABA Toronto), the Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers (Ontario) (FACL), the Canadian Association of Black Lawyers (CABL), and the Canadian Muslim Lawyers Association (CMLA), denouncing the recent “StopSOP/FullStop” communication criticizing “woke ideology” and “EDI dogma” in the Law Society of Ontario (LSO). The CCLA stands in solidarity with SABA Toronto, FACL, CABL, and CMLA. The CCLA also recognizes its allyship role in the ongoing work to address systemic racism and discrimination in the legal profession.
Where would you be without us? Librarian advocacy!
What would lawyers working in Ontario or even our own law associations be without their Courthouse librarians? Do you know? Courthouse libraries and their staff work to provide research and reference services, access to legal materials and databases that have prices which are out of the reach of solo and small firms, as well as facilitating continuing education programming, along with networking and mentorship opportunities. Lawyers Daily
Attorney general says Ontario moving forward with modernization agenda for justice system
As Bill 245 - Accelerating Access to Justice Act, 2021 moves to Third Reading. FOLA continues to urge caution regarding the proposed amendments to the Courts of Justice Act. Lawyers Daily
Northumberland Law Association Winter 2021 Newsletter
Includes information on Bill 118, Legal Aid, Family Law Rules Changes, NoticeConnect, Access to Legal Information news, FOLA update, and more!
Ontario government’s changes to how judges are named opens the door to patronage appointments
Ontario Attorney General's changes to how judges are named through Bill 245 opens the door to patronage appointments, legal organizations argue . TORONTO STAR
Morrisburg lawyer, and FOLA Real Estate Co-Chair, Eldon Horner awarded Law Society Medal
Dedication to his community and advocating for the legal profession have earned Morrisburg lawyer Eldon Horner the respect of his peers. Horner is one of seven recipients this year of The Law Society Medal. The medal, awarded by the Law Society of Ontario, honours the contributions made by lawyers and identifies them as role models in the legal community. WELLAND TRIBUNE
Justice Appointments a Power Grab - Toronto Star
In an omnibus justice bill tabled at Queen’s Park last month, Attorney General Doug Downey proposed several changes to the way provincial court judges are appointed.
“It has been suggested that it might be to achieve some greater diversity; however, given that the (attorney general) appoints the majority of the committee and the fact that our bench is quite diverse, it does not appear that we have an issue in this regard,” federation chair Bill Woodward said in an email.
“This change gives the appearance of allowing the (attorney general) to have even greater control over the composition of the JAAC.”
Ontario lawyers’ groups express concerns re: Bill 245 - Lawyers Daily
Bill 245, the Accelerating Access to Justice Act, 2021, is currently before the legislature and is expected to pass later this month and William Woodward, chair of FOLA and a London, Ont.- based partner with Dyer Brown LLP, said a proposal to amend Ontario's judicial appointments process has raised concerns among many of the 12,000 members of FOLA’s 47 district law associations.
Importance of access to legal information
FOLA's 1st Vice Chair, Nathan Baker, in Lawyer's Daily on the importance of law libraries.
The year that flew by in slow motion
FOLA's Chair, William Woodward had his "2020 Year in Review" published in Lawyer's Daily.
FOLA supports expanding definition of child in Children's Law Reform Act
The Federation of Ontario Law Societies supports a proposal from the Ministry of the Attorney General to expand the definition of child in the Children's Law Reform Act. - Law Times
Toronto Lawyers Association’s Proposals For Reform - Family Law
The Toronto Lawyers Association (TLA) proposes changes which, unlike the family legal services provider (FLSP) initiative, would enhance access to justice for Ontarians. By Sarah Boulby, Chair, Family and Estates Committee, TLA
Lawyer’s Daily – December 3, 2020
Ontario family law event details recent innovations in service delivery
Family lawyers and other attendees were treated to a whirlwind tour of some of new initiatives at an Oct. 28 virtual event during Ontario’s Access to Justice Week titled Family Justice System: Access to Justice and the Changing Landscape. And FOLA's Jane Robertson was a participant! Missed it? Read this great article in Lawyer's Daily,
NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY SPRING 2020 EDITION – THE PANDEMIC EDITION.
Inside This Issue: Dictating in the Chicken Coop, Free Webinar (Forensic Accountants), Crazy Co-Workers, Consolidated Acts & Annual Acts, FOLA Update, Mindful Moments from the OBA, Survive (& Thrive) Working From Home, Letters from the NCLA President and Library, and information on the NCLA AGM
Middlesex Law Association April 2020 Newsletter
Some press on Attorney General Doug Downey's speech at Plenary
FOLA Chair Mike Winward on planned changes to the Justice of the Peace appointment process as an in the Globe & Mail. Read here.
Queen's Park Press Release - Simplified Procedure
Beginning January 1, 2020, people with civil court claims up to $200,000 will be able to use the Simplified Procedure process, up from the previous claim amount of $100,000. Read Ministry Release and see FOLA's quote here.
Northumberland County Law Association Fall 2019 newsletter
Once again, the NCLA newsletter is full of great content! Including a piece about Northumberland’s first female Justice of the Peace, info about family & civil rules and practices, amendments to Canada’s Divorce Act, and a FOLA update! Read it here!
BANACK BENCHER NEWS
Judges cite local need for unified family court
Brantford is far behind the rest of the province when it comes to helping families navigate the justice system due to a lack of a unified family court, Ontario Superior Court Justice John Harper says. Read article in the Brantford Expositor here.
FOLA invites lawyers’ suggestions for modernizing legal aid
Following meetings with Ontario's Attorney General and Legal Aid Ontario Chair, Charles Harnick, FOLA is urging Ontario lawyers to submit their ideas, concerns and views about legal aid as the provincial government works on amending the Legal Aid Services Act . Read More>
FOLA meets with Ontario Attorney General and Legal Aid Ontario Chair
Legal associations meet with Doug Downey, Legal Aid Ontario officials about legal aid cuts & upcoming changes to the Legal Aid Services Act - via Law Times. Read More!
Halton Law Unveils 2019-2020 Open Bar LIVE Education Series
The Halton County Law Association (in conjunction with the Milton Family Courts) has announced their Continuing Legal Education 2019-2020 Upcoming Programs. Read article about it in the Advocate Daily.
NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY LAW ASSOCIATION SUMMER 2019 NEWSLETTER
Includes: Changes to the Trademarks Act; Employee Interviews; Good Activities and Bad Injuries; Consent and Sexual Assault Cases; Building an Empire; Remember Your Lawyer Assistance Program; Favourite Apps; Travelling Librarian; FOLA Update; Letter from the President; and more! Read here!
Stakeholder collaboration vital for access to justice: FOLA
All stakeholders must chip in if access to justice is to improve in Ontario, says William Woodward, FOLA's 1st Vice-Chair. And Ontario should not hesitate to adopt best practices from other jurisdictions. Read more here.
ONTARIO COURTHOUSE LIBRARIES ASSOCIATION SUMMER 2019 NEWSLETTER
Get your summer 2019 edition of the OCLA here! Tips, resources, op-eds, and more! Enjoy!
FOLA: Province paying lip service to consultation on critical issues
The Ontario government’s lack of commitment to meaningful consultation is striking another blow to access to justice, says FOLA Chair Michael Winward. Continue reading here.
Remarks on the Rainy River District Judicial Vacancy
Remarks of Douglas W. Judson, President of the Rainy River Law Association, from the May 15, 2019 meeting of the Rainy River District Municipal Association. Read here.
NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY LAW ASSOCIATION SPRING 2019 NEWSLETTER
Lots of articles, including one by FOLA, one about what Rugby can teach us about Law, Legal Aid concerns, some podcast recommendations, and more! Read it here.
The advantages of articling in a small town - FOLA
Graduates would do well to consider choosing a small town practice over a big-city experience, says William Woodward, 1st Vice Chair, FOLA. Read more.
Legal aid cuts a step back on access to justice: FOLA
The provincial government is shirking its duties on access to justice, The Federation of Ontario Law Associations (FOLA) chair Michael Winward tells AdvocateDaily.com. Read More
ONTARIO 2019 BUDGET & JUSTICE: FOLA applauds some measures, has some concerns
FOLA was pleased to see that the Ontario Government announced in it’s April 11th Budget that it plans proposed legislation to reduce the use of civil juries for simplified procedure trials, noting that this should help maximize the use of the limited resources within the Superior Court of Justice. However, we are deeply concerned over the announced cuts to Legal Aid Ontario. Read more.
MIDDLESEX LA NEWSLETTER - THE SNAIL - APRIL 2019
The April edition of The Snail is now out! Read it here!
Lawyers flex creative muscle to commemorate Law Day
As Law Day approaches, mock trials have become a favourite community activity among Ontario’s Law Associations, says Katie Robinette, executive director of FOLA. Read more via AdvocateDaily.
It's Time to Hire an Articling Student. What's Next?
Article in the AdvocateDaily about FOLA's new resource page for lawyers thinking about hiring an articling student. Read it here!
THE RATIO - THUNDER BAY LAW ASSOCIATION's WINTER 2019 NEWSLETTER
A great read filled with library news, historical tidbits, and Lakehead news! Read here!
Inside this Issue: Great articles about lawyers creating change, responsibility for paying costs in family law, FOLA news, upcoming CPDs, research tips, and more! Contributors include FOLA's Nathan Baker & Katie Robinette. Read it here!
Advocate Daily article that about FOLA's new Practice Resource page that offers both a roadmap to important LSO information and lawyer-focused suggestions for those facing a complaint or are facing suspension. Read more
The deadline to make a contribution to your Retirement Savings Plan (RSP) is March 1st, 2019. Most people will likely benefit from opening an RSP early, investing regularly, and staying invested for the long haul.
But perhaps, you are not like most people. Maybe an RSP is right for you. Maybe it’s not. So what is right for you? Read the full article on AdvocateDaily.
The LSO recently endorsed two pathways to licensing for law graduates — articling with a firm or completing a Law Practice Program at university — but graduates would do well to consider choosing a small town practice over a big-city experience, says William Woodward, 1st Vice Chair of FOLA. Read the full article on AdvocateDaily.
Landing an articling position is a very competitive process and many law students find it very stressful. But with ample preparation, many challenges related to finding an articling position could be overcome. Read the full guest article by Faridah Nassali on Advocate Daily.
If the unexpected is truly unexpected, who knows what to expect? Frederick Vettese is an actuary and partner at Morneau Shepell and the co-author of The Real Retirement and author of Retirement Income for Life. He's looked at the most common shockers that we prepare for in retirement. His conclusion? Some Canadians are over-saving for retirement because they fear events that will probably never happen. And he’s got some math to prove it. See the numbers and read more on AdvocateDaily.
The Federation of Ontario Law Associations (FOLA) has a new page on our website just for you! Read the article on AdvocateDaily.
FOLA Media Release about our resource page to help Ontario lawyers join in on #BellLetsTalk conversation about #mentalhealth. You can read it on AdvocateDaily.
FOLA has joined the Global Legal Blockchain Consortium (GLBC), an organization of legal and technology industry stakeholders focused on increasing the security, productivity, and interoperability of blockchain technology. Read more on AdvocateDaily.
FOLA Chair, Mike Winward, talks about the upcoming Bencher Elections at the LSO & our new bencher election resource page. Read article on Advocate Daily.
From November 7th through November 9th, 2018, Law Association Presidents, Law Association delegates and Law Association Library staff members in Waterloo, ON to attend FOLA’s Fall Plenary. Read our Press Release on Advocate Daily.
Winward is eager to work with FOLA’s Executive in representing Ontario’s Law Associations and staying true to FOLA’s history of serving as a true grassroots organization in advocating on behalf of the 12,000 lawyers who are members of their local law associations. Nov 2018 - AdvocateDaily
Membership in a local law association can help new lawyers stand out from the crowd, says FOLA's new Chair Michael Winward. Nov 2018 - AdvocateDaily
FOLA has partnered with CPDonline to provide Ontario's law association members 24/7, unlimited access to their extensive cpd library for only $199.00 per year. Nov 2018 - AdvocateDaily
FOLA announces five new videos to help Ontario's law associations both retain existing and attract new members to your local law association. Nov 2018 - AdvocateDaily
The LSO's call to reduce the number of its benchers could adversely affect regional representation while adding to already heavy committee workloads. Nov 2018 - AdvocateDaily
The article, in which FOLA Chair Jaye Hooper is quoted, discusses concerns around litigators who advertise "free" services. Oct 2018 - AdvocateDaily
Jaye Hooper, chair of FOLA, will chair the association’s plenary session, which takes place Nov. 7-9 in Waterloo. Oct 18, 2018 - AdvocateDaily
Algoma District Law Association Oct Newsletter
ADLA's many activities for Access to Justice Week 2018: Events, Important Info, and a Contest! Oct 2018 - Newsletter
10th Annual LCLA Mentoring Dinner
On Wednesday October 10, 2018, the Lincoln County Law Association hosted the 10th Annual Mentoring Dinner at Coppola’s Ristorante & Banquet Facility in St. Catharines. Theme: ‘Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion.’
Ontario Courthouse Libraries Association Oct 2018 Newsletter
OCLA's Oct Newsletter includes pictures, information on COLAL, a book review about Franz Kafka's "The Trial", and more!
The first phase of the long-standing renovation of the CCLA's library was recently completed, giving it a new look, which includes a raised ceiling and spectacular light fixtures. Jaye Hooper quoted.
Sept 2018 - AdvocateDaily
Northumberland Law Association Sept 2018 Newsletter
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