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news Keeping women in law a priority LSUC approves report on retaining female lawyers BY JEFFREY H. WAUGH D iscussions about how to keep women in the legal profession culminated in May with the Law Society of Upper Canada deciding to sup- port nine recommendations arising from the retention of women in private practice working group report. GIFFIN KOERTH Although the numbers of female law school graduates is about even with, if not above, those of men in Ontario, the numbers still aren't being reflected in the workforce. According to the report, women made up 32 per cent of the legal profession and 24 per cent of lawyers in private practice SMART FORENSICS How you look at it matters There's more to smart forensics than superb science and a knack for solving puzzles. Here's our view on what makes a preferred partner. 360 Services The real world is complex. Forensic files mirror that complexity. So should forensic services. Unshakeable Science To win more cases and settle to greater advantage, do the forensics first. Clear Communications Your case is not compelling unless it's clear – and the telling holds up under fire. Collaborative Work Style Today's cases are simply too involved for people to work on their own. Vital Culture People make a difference – especially when you make a difference for them. If you see it the way we do, give Chris Giffin a call at 416.368.1700. Giffin Koerth is located in downtown Toronto at 40 University Ave., Suite 800, M5J 1T1 'I really see this report as being thorough and comprehensive, and coming up with some very interesting and innovative proposals for dealing with the issue,' said Kirby Chown. as of 2001. Over the past seven years, those figures have only risen slightly, to 37 per cent of the profession as a whole, and 28 per cent of lawyers in private practice. Many of the problems facing women in the legal profession were outlined in the report, saying that the clash of career and family life is the main reason for why women leave their practice. "A shift in thinking is required both on the part of associates and on the part of employ- ers/firms," the report stated. "This shift would recognize the biological reality of an associate's child-bearing years, for which some accommodation is required, the long-term nature of a career in pri- vate practice, and the economic realities of operating a law firm." Lisa Borsook, managing partner of Weir- Foulds LLP, told Law Times it was critical to find ways of promoting diversity in every regard in the workplace, including finding a balance between men and women. "What a waste of time, money, brainpower not to do that," said Borsook. "We have to find a way not to squander all the time and the money and the effort that everyone put into having lawyers in the profession." Part of the recommendations, which www.giffinkoerth.com FORENSIC ENGINEERING • FORENSIC ACCOUNTING • COMPUTER FORENSICS 10 December 2008 ntitled-1 1 were all accepted by the LSUC at Convo- cation, included the creation of the Justicia Think Tank — a three-year pilot program promoting the retention and advance- ment of women in law. By November, over 45 medium- and large-sized firms continued on page 14 11/27/08 2:18:03 PM