Firm News

We aim to ‘walk the talk’: our Statement of Principle regarding Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

November 9th, 2017 by Iler Campbell

As many of you have read in the media, and last week on our blog, the Law Society of Upper Canada has decided to take action to improve the circumstances of racialized lawyers and paralegals.

As lawyers, we are already required to follow the Law Society’s Rules of Professional Conduct that apply to all lawyers in Ontario. Among other things, those Rules say that, “A lawyer has a duty to carry on the practice of law and discharge all responsibilities to clients, tribunals, the public and other members of the profession honourably and with integrity.” The Commentary on this particular Rule includes the following: “A lawyer has special responsibilities by virtue of the privileges afforded the legal profession and the important role it plays in a free and democratic society and in the administration of justice, including a special responsibility to recognize the diversity of the Ontario community, to protect the dignity of individuals, and to respect human rights laws in force in Ontario” (emphasis added).

Continue reading “We aim to ‘walk the talk’: our Statement of Principle regarding Equality, Diversity and Inclusion”

Catch us at the 2017 ONPHA Conference and Tradeshow!

October 30th, 2017 by Iler Campbell

Are you attending the 2017 ONPHA Conference and Tradeshow this weekend? Be sure to stop by our tradeshow booth! We’ll be at booth number 124 on Friday from 8‑3. We love seeing faces new and old. Chat about your legal needs and learn about the free legal education opportunities we have on offer. Plus, fill out a ballot for a draw prize!

We’re also participating in several sessions at the conference:

Lauren Blumas is co‑leading a session as part of Education Day on Friday November 3rd. Titled, “Consent, capacity and substitute decision-making: A housing perspective” the ½ day session will address how to help elderly tenants maintain successful tenancies in a way that respects their dignity and autonomy.

Lauren is also co‑presenter of session 501 on Saturday November 4th, titled “Breathing easier: Smoke-free non-profit housing” Learn the rationale behind establishing smoke-free buildings (including within individual units), and hear practical advice on implementing policies and legal guidance on creating and enforcing the policy.

Finally, Michael Hackl and Katie Douglas are presenting session 502 on Saturday on End of Operating Agreements titled, “EOA: Ensuring legal readiness.” They’ll address the many legal matters to consider as you prepare for your EOA.

Iler Campbell at CHF Canada London Fall Education Event this weekend

October 25th, 2017 by Iler Campbell

This Saturday, be sure to join Iler Campbell LLP lawyers at CHF Canada’s 2017 London Fall Education Event.  Celia Chandler, who spoke at least year’s event on human rights, is joined this year by her colleague, Safia Lakhani.  Safia’s a litigator with the firm and together they will talk about how a co‑op can use Small Claims Court to its advantage.  They both look forward to reconnecting with clients and housing co‑op friends and to meeting lots of new ones.

Iler Campbell at the CHFT Fall 2017 Education Event

September 27th, 2017 by Iler Campbell

The Co-operative Housing Federation of Toronto’s 2017 Toronto Fall Education Event is October 21 at Oakham House on Ryerson’s campus.

Katie Douglas will be leading a workshops called “Am I allowed to …? What you can and can’t do in your unit”

You can read about the event here and register here.

Articling position filled for 2018-2019

August 18th, 2017 by Iler Campbell

Thank you to all those who applied to Iler Campbell for a position for the 2018‑2019 articling period.   We were pleased to receive applications from 150 well‑qualified candidates.  We interviewed the top 12 this week following the process set out by the Law Society of Upper Canada; our offer to our top candidate was accepted.   We are confident she will make a great contribution when she joins us in a year’s time, joining the ranks of some terrific students we’ve had over the years.

We wish all those seeking articling positions the best of luck in their search.   We will advertise again next May for the 2019‑2020 articling period.

Adam Vaughan brought me to tears: dispatches from CHF Canada’s 2017 AGM in Niagara Falls

June 14th, 2017 by Celia Chandler

The Co‑operative Housing Federation of Canada (CHF Canada) AGM, a highlight in my annual calendar, is over for another year. Last week, co‑op members, staff, and others in the sector gathered in Niagara Falls to learn, to strengthen ties across the country, to hear from politicians, to make organizational decisions, and yes, to have fun. For me, all those things happened and more.

Continue reading “Adam Vaughan brought me to tears: dispatches from CHF Canada’s 2017 AGM in Niagara Falls”