Keeping Tabs - Summer 2020

CHAIR CHAT
Chair Chat
Chris Horkins, Cassels
Over these past few months,
COVID-19 has forced us out of our
offices and courthouses, thrusting
many young advocates into the
challenge of working, parenting,
and surviving from home. Not long
after, the killing of George Floyd by
Minneapolis police sparked a wave
of protests against anti-Black racism
and police brutality. These moments
have been the catalyst for
reflection, upheaval and (hopefully
positive) change for society and for
our profession.
This issue of Keeping Tabs explores
both of these forces for change. Lisa
Jørgenson has compiled reflections
on the impact of COVID-19 on practice
from young advocates across
Canada in all areas of litigation practice.
Webnesh Haile’s article gives
practical advice on how we can all be
more effective allies.
YASC has been no exception to this
change. We’ve had to go back to the
drawing board to rethink how we deliver
on our promise of a welcoming
and inclusive community, a source
of learning and mentorship, and
a strong voice for the interests of
young advocates without being able
to gather and meet face to face. So
far, we’ve had some great successes:
• Young advocates participated in
online mentoring “dinners” allowing
seasoned lawyers from across
the country to connect with young
advocates and impart advice.
• 22 teams of young advocates
competed in our first ever Virtual
Trivia Challenge for Charity, raising
funds in support of Pro Bono
Canada. Congrats to the Filion
Wakely team for taking home the
(virtual) trophy!
• An online “Coffee Klatch”, pioneered
by YASC’s Health and Wellness
working group, gave young
advocates stuck at home alone
an opportunity for casual, drop-in
style networking to stay connected.
These examples are just the beginning.
Later this year, for example,
YASC will be hosting our popular, biennial
Fall Forum conference for young
advocates online with the theme of
“New Frontiers”. I will miss catching
up with friends in Blue Mountain this
year, but hope you’ll join us virtually
on October 23 for the same great programming.
If you have ideas for what
you’d like to see from YASC over the
next year, please feel free to contact
me at chorkins@cassels.com.
Fall Forum 2020:
New
Frontiers
Friday, October 23, 2020
2:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Live Online
TAS Members: $50 + HST
Non Members: $99 + HST
Our destination may have changed but the
heart of Fall Forum remains the same. The
Advocates’ Society, in conjunction with the
Young Advocates’ Standing Committee, is
pleased to present this one-of-a-kind event
for lawyers in their first ten years of practice.
Join YASC members from across the country
to explore issues that are relevant to you.
To learn more or register visit
www.advocates.ca
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