Summary of Meetings: General Practice, Solo & Small Firm
Number of Meetings Held:7
November 04, 2020
Registration Count: 40
Guest Speaker: Sara Forte, Forte Law; Edith Szilagyi, Nova Law Corporation, LSBC practice advisor; James Chen, CMJC Law Corporation
Meeting Title/Topic: So You Want to Start Your Own Practice?
Synopsis: The “Big Firm” life has its perks, but it’s not for everyone. Kirsten Scrimshaw and Andrea Zappavigna are partners in a boutique firm, but both started their practices in a more traditional law firm. They discussed the biggest differences they’ve noticed between large and small; shared their journeys and experiences in deciding to go small; and provided tips and advice on how to take the best from the Big Firm experience to succeed at the Small Firm level.
January 26, 2021
Registration Count: 60
Guest Speaker: David Ibbetson, Lawyer Coach
Meeting Title/Topic: Immersive Experience into Lawyer Wellness
Synopsis: We engaged in a coversation about the immersive experience in developing and fostering lawyer wellness with David Ibbetson, an advocate for Lawyer Wellness and a coach for lawyers. David provided us with valuable insights on lawyer wellness from his 46 year career as a lawyer. The webinar also explained coaching and immerse participants in self-coaching exercises under David's guidance (individually as well as in small groups) with the goal to allow participants to obtain a glimpse of what self-coaching looks and feels like as well as how it can contribute towards lawyer wellness and potential.
February 22, 2021
Registration Count: 41
Guest Speaker: Brenda Benham, Memorable Presenter Consulting
Meeting Title/Topic: How to Make Your Presentations Memorable
Synopsis: Brenda Benham, from Memorable Presenter Consulting, talked about things you can do to improve your presentations.
March 18, 2021
Registration Count: 107
Guest Speaker: Allison Wolf, PCC, Founder of the AMP Club
Meeting Title/Topic: Navigating Through Practice Management Challenges
Synopsis: Allison Wolf, PPC, provided tips and tools that can help you when dealing with common practice challenges such as time management/organizational issues, burning out, balancing file management and client management, etc.
April 21, 2021
Registration Count: 93
Guest Speaker: Heather Suttie
Meeting Title/Topic: Where Do We Go From Here: Thriving in a Post-Pandemic Legal Market
Synopsis: Heather Suttie presented on practical strategies and tactical tips to define your market position and determine a sensible budget, to make sure attendees are thriving rather than surviving.
May 05, 2021
Registration Count: 88
Guest Speaker: Jeremy Hessing-Lewis, Small Law
Meeting Title/Topic: Small is Beautiful: The Economics of Small Law Firms and the Impact of Legal Tech
Synopsis: Jeremy Hessing-Lewis' presentation addressed the economic reality of small and solo practices in Canada. He addressed many sensitive topics within the business of law, such as increased profit margins made possible from new legal technology.
June 23, 2021
Registration Count: 46
Guest Speaker: Leanne Wood, Lawyers Indemnity Fund
Meeting Title/Topic: Are You Covered? Everything You Need to Know About Coverage Under Your Indemnity Policy and LIF's Top Risk Management Tips
Synopsis: Leanne Wood, Claims Counsel, Lawyers Indemnity Fund answered attendee questions about the indemnity program and the new cyber coverage.
Comments and Observations of the Chair
Despite the pandemic, our section hosted seven well-attended virtual events in the past year. A big thank you to our section members and attendees. We look forward to seeing you at our future virtual and in-person events!