A new post up by Deanne Sowter on her research relating to ethical and professionalism dilemmas within family law.

On June 14, 2016, the Ontario Court of Appeal released its decision in the above matter, dismissing Joseph Groia’s appeal relating to the Law Society Appeal Panel’s findings of professional misconduct against him in relation to his in-court conduct towards opposing counsel and finding, inter alia:

[241]  The requirement of professionalism for lawyers, both inside and outside a courtroom, including zealous advocacy accompanied by courtesy, civility and good faith dealings, secures the nobility of the profession in which lawyers in this province are privileged to practise.  The Appeal Panel concluded that this requirement was breached in this case.  This conclusion, in my opinion, was both reasonable and correct.

For some commentary on this decision, see this article in the Toronto Star, and this blog post by CALE member Tom Harrison.

An article in the Edmonton Journal by Paula Simons about a case involving a suspended lawyer seeking to act as a legal agent.

Today, the SCC released its decision in the above case wherein it held that the exception in the Income Tax Act allowing taxation authorities to demand accounting records from Quebec notaries and lawyers is both unreasonable and unconstitutional under s 8 of the Charter.

A story in Law Times this week that discusses a recent case raising issues of disclosure obligations and ethics surrounding litigation finance loans.

A new Slaw post by Amy Salyzyn discusses the risks and opportunities in using legal technology to enhance access to justice.