Law Times

PAGE 16 Enabling Lawyers through Technology Tel: 416.322.6111 Toll-free: 1.866.367.7648 Real Estate • Corporate • Estates www doprocess com The Confidential Inside Story MORE HIRES PREDICTED A new survey reports that 45 per cent of lawyers polled plan to hire new staff in the coming year, while just three per cent are look- ing ahead to staff reductions. "Caseloads are rising, both in corporate legal departments and within law firms," said Charles Volkert, executive director of Robert Half Legal, which de- veloped the survey. "A higher volume of litigation and an on- going focus on corporate gov- ernance mandates continue to drive legal hiring activity." Survey participants suggest- ed the fastest-growing specialty areas include bankruptcy, liti- gation, and ethics and corpo- rate governance. Volkert suggested that recent reports of an impending econom- ic downturn could be respon- sible for the anticipated growth in bankruptcy law, which 25 per cent of respondents expected will attract more work. "Lawyers surveyed may be re- acting to the recent economic re- ports and the possibility of slower growth — leaner times have his- torically led to increases in bank- ruptcy proceedings and, with it, higher demand for specialists in bankruptcy law." The survey was conduced by an independent research firm and consists of responses from 300 lawyers with at least three years of experience, representing some of the largest firms and corporations in the United States and Canada. FIRMS NET AWARDS A pair of Canadian firms have net- ted awards from British magazine Managing Intellectual Property. Heenan Blaikie LLP got the nod for Canadian patent case of the year, while Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP was named Ca- nadian patent prosecution firm of the year. Smart & Biggar/ Fetherstonhaugh grabbed the award for Canadian trademark firm of the year. "To be singled out as Canadi- an patent firm of the year is a sig- nificant achievement," said Scott Jolliffe, chairman and CEO of Gowlings. "Each year we look to improve on the year before, and MIP has confirmed our success in that goal." Heenan Blaikie was recog- nized for its work on the Federal Court of Appeal case Sanofi- Aventis v. Novopharm. "We are really pleased to be recognized by this award for our work with Novopharm," said Jon Stainsby, leader of the firm's litigation team in Toronto. "Win- ning this case enabled our client to enter the Canadian market for ramipril, a medication which treats high blood pressure." John Bochnovic, chairman of Smart & Biggar/Fetherston- haugh, said, "We are honoured to have been awarded this recog- nition by MIP. This acknowledg- ment is a testament to the firms' successful representation of sev- eral renowned brand owners and serves as a tribute to the firms' tra- dition of professional excellence within the field of IP." KUDOS TO BLAKES FOR DIVERSITY Blake Cassels & Graydon LLP has been named one of Canada's best diversity employers for 2008, making it the only law firm to make the list compiled by em- ployment periodical publisher Mediacorp Inc. "Blakes is committed to pro- viding a workplace rich with peo- ple from different backgrounds, perspectives, and cultures," said Jim Christie, the firm's chair- man. "Diversity strengthens the firm and makes us more effective in competing in an international legal market and in representing our multinational clients." Blakes' diversity initiatives include the publishing of Blakes Bulletin on Equity & Diversi- ty, seminars on the topic, spon- sorship of the Rotman/Univer- sity of Toronto Program for Women in Law, and its part- nership with U of T in the men- toring program Law in Action Within Schools. LT STG_05_LT_BaseBar 8/16/06 8:52 AM Page 1 For more Inside Story, please visit www.lawtimesnews.com BORED ROBBER ATHENS, Ga. — An alleged robber in Athens, Ga. would have been better off bringing along a sudoku to pass the time. Police investigating an armed robbery at a convenience store said they came across some key evidence when the suspect left behind a job application that he filled out to kill time as custom- ers exited the store, reports the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Police said the suspect, 28-year-old Demetrius Robin- son, used a knife to hold up a Golden Pantry store. The job application included Robinson's real name and a rela- tive's phone number. ARROWS STALL TRAFFIC RAPID CITY, N.D. — A man appeared in court, accused of aiming a bow and arrow at cars. Loren Two Bulls faces two charges of aggravated assault and one count of misdemeanor theft of lost or mislaid property, re- ports the Rapid City Journal. The 23-year-old — allegedly armed with a high-tension com- pound bow and many arrows — was taken into police custody after police received reports that the man had been aiming the weapon at vehicles as he stood in the middle of a street. Six victims were reported, although none APRIL 14, 2008 / LAW TIMES Bizarre Briefs By Viola James were injured or hit with arrows. "We're still trying to find out where the bow came from," said Capt. Deb Cady of the Rapid City Police Department. "He said that he found it." Two Bulls also was found with a large utility knife and seemed to be drunk at the time, said police. KEBAB CLAIM CANNED MUNICH, Germany — A court has turned down a dam- age claim from an employee who was on the receiving end of a hurled half-eaten kebab. The worker said a customer called her a "stupid cow" and pointed the meat at her, but she was able to duck out of the way, reports the Associated Press. She sought $390 in damages. The customer had asked for his money back but was turned down. He said he tossed the ke- bab behind the counter. The Munich court ruled the worker didn't prove her claim and that she's not entitled to damages, because the incident was not a "serious violation . . . of human dignity and honour." AN ASSAULT WITH SPINE WHAKATANE, New Zealand — Police say they've charged a 27-year-old for allegedly using a hedgehog to assault a teen. "It hit the victim in the leg, causing a large, red welt and sev- eral puncture marks," said Senior Sgt. Bruce Jenkins. "He was ar- rested shortly afterwards for as- sault with a weapon, namely the hedgehog." The New Zealand Herald re- ports that police said the suspect, William Singalargh, grabbed the animal and tossed it some five metres at the 15-year-old victim. Police wouldn't say if the vic- tim and suspect knew each other, and did not say if alcohol played a role. It's also unclear whether the hedgehog was dead or alive when it was allegedly used in the assault, but it was dead when po- lice acquired it as evidence. ICE SCRAPER STOPS SUSPECT CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — A woman is being credited by po- lice for using an ice scraper to catch a burglar before forcing him to clean up the stolen goods he lost during the failed getaway. Derdre Rodriguez told police that when she arrived home she heard someone exiting from a rear window and then saw the person taking off through the yard, carrying jewelry and other stolen goods, reports ABC13. She proceeded to chase down the 16-year-old suspect who started to have trouble keeping hold of his booty. Once Ro- driquez caught up with him, she clobbered him over the head with an ice scraper, prompting the robber to give up. LT Seen, heard, or been involved in a bizarre brief? Tell Viola James about it: viola.james@gmail.com "Sure Joan, we could employ all the latest hi-tech communication interfaces and the most advanced practice-management software but I truly believe that nothing can ever replicate the subtle nuances of genuine, human, face-to-face meetings." At Stewart Title, it's how we work that sets us apart. We deal in title insurance and related products, undertaking no part of the transaction that has traditionally fallen to legal professionals. Since our inception into the Canadian market, you will find that we have consistently combined comprehensive coverage with unparalleled support for legal professionals. We are dedicated to streamlining your practice and increasing your revenue through our programs and innovative technology solutions. At Stewart Title, we know it's our relationship with our customers that determines our success. That's why service is the foundation of our business and integrity, the keystone in all our dealings. Contact us today at (888) 667-5151 or visit www.stewart.ca. www.lawtimesnews.com

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