“Get closer than ever to your customers. So close that you tell them what they need well before they realize it themselves”.  Steve Jobs One of the most common questions from newer calls [...]

In Africa a thing is true at first light, and a lie by noon*. (Earnest Hemingway, True at First Light) An essential skill for any lawyer is the ability to evaluate a set of facts and, in [...]

‘The structure of language…becomes a mirror of the structure of the world as presented to the intelligence.” (George Santayana) In the same sense that younger lawyers must learn [...]

Lawyers carry a mental toolbox which makes up the skill sets they acquire as their development progresses.  Some skills are early acquisition skills necessary for survival; others are acquired [...]

We have been discussing here the many advantages of collaboration. On the weekend I attended the international sheep dog trials outside Kingston. To my delight, watching dogs and shepherds work [...]

I have been reflecting on what it is like for our developing lawyers to undertake something, exhilarated and alone, for the first time, such as a motion or trial, negotiating a deal, or closing a [...]

This season as part of our mentorship program we initiated something we call “Summer School”.  Associates are invited to identify subjects useful to their development for one on one discussion.  [...]

There are times when I can help you out, And times when you must fall. There are times when you must live in doubt And I can’t help at all. With thanks to Jerry Garcia and Co. (not to [...]

In my opening comments on practice management, I focused on the etiquette and goals of mentorship as a practice management tool.  This week, before addressing the organization and implementation [...]

This space will regularly comment on issues that face early call lawyers in the practice of law. I anticipate coming forward weekly, from my desk at Mann Lawyers LLP, to identify, examine and [...]