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 [...]