Law Times

PAGE 16 Enabling Lawyers through Technology Tel: 416.322.6111 Toll-free: 1.866.367.7648 doprocess com www The Inside Story REGULATORY EXPERTISE The Calgary office of Borden Ladner Gervais LLP has re- cruited Neil McCrank to join them as counsel. "This is a major win for our clients," said Randall Block, partner in BLG's Calgary office, in a release. "The process to get large energy projects approved in Alberta has become increasingly complex and demanding." McCrank brings a great deal of experience and expertise re- lating to the province's regula- tory system. He is the former chairman of the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board, a position he held from 1998 until his re- tirement in March 2007. Along with his role at BLG, McCrank holds several other high profile positions. They in- clude vice chairman of the Cana- dian Association for the World Petroleum Congress and an appointment by the federal minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development as the minister's special representative to review potential improvements to the northern regulatory system. ALLAN ROCK LEADS UNIVERSITY OF OTTAWA The University of Ottawa has named former federal cabinet minister Allan Rock as its 29th president and vice chancellor. "As a University of Ottawa alumnus, I am deeply honoured and privileged to have been select- ed by the university community to lead this great institution," said Rock in a release. "I look forward to working closely with all mem- bers of the university community to continue to move the institu- tion forward in a progressive, in- novative, and inclusive manner." Following his legal career, Rock held positions as minister of Jus- tice, attorney general, and later as minister of Health. He also served as ambassador to the United Nations from 2004 to 2006. Rock's appointment will be- come effective July 15. SUMMER STUDENT BLOG Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP are introducing a student-run blog aimed at sharing the experiences of four summer students working with their firm. "This is the first student-run blog devoted to capturing the Cas- sels Brock summer experience," said the firm's practice support lawyer Leigh-Ann McGowan in a release. "The blog was named, developed and is maintained by the four students. No one at the firm previews the blog entries before they are posted." The blog promises to offer in- sight into the day-to-day experi- ences of the four students. They will post on a wide variety of top- ics including work-life balance, why they chose the firm, and their thoughts and feelings on the in- terview process. One recent post comments on the joys of remote access for helping with the com- pletion of weekend assignments. The blog is available at http:// casselsbrockandblogwell.blogspot .com/. TRUDEAU SCHOLAR Irvin Studin, a doctoral candi- date and lecturer at Osgoode Hall Law School, has been chosen as the first-ever York Uni- versity student to be named as one of the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholars. The award is worth up to $200,000. "To say that this is a presti- gious award would be an under- statement," said Osgoode dean Patrick Monahan in a release. "It really is in a class by itself, reserved for those scholars who are actively engaged in their fields and expect- ed to become leading national and international figures." Studin will be awarded a bur- sary of $50,000 per year that will allow him to pursue his re- search and further enhance his career. As a Trudeau Scholar, he also gains access to the Trudeau Foundation community, which boasts of leading experts in a variety of settings. "Irvin, whom I've come to CLOSET DWELLER KASUYA, Japan — Police ar- rested a 57-year-old homeless woman after discovering she'd been hanging her hat in an un- suspecting man's closet. The homeowner caught on JUNE 9, 2008 / LAW TIMES Bizarre Briefs By Viola James to Tatsuko Horikawa's creative solution to her lack of shelter after installing security camer- as that captured images from within his home, and sent them to his cellphone, reports The Guardian. He'd previous- ly noticed that food had been disappearing from his fridge, even though he lived alone — or at least thought he did. "We searched the house checking everywhere someone could possibly hide," said a police spokesman. "When we slid open the closet, there she was, nervously curled up on her side." didn't think I was going to get her. Well, senior citizens aren't easy prey." Kopenis acknowledged his surprise at his ability to track down the woman, who he says robbed him at an ATM — he had a stroke five years ago and takes several prescription meds, reports the Kansas City Star. Erin Vanmatre has been charged with robbery, harass- ment, and other offences. The woman was on probation for conspiracy to commit theft and was jailed on $10,000 bail. The woman — who po- lice said was "neat and clean" on account of the showers she took while the owner was out — is believed to have been liv- ing on the top shelf of a closet for several months. NO EASY TARGET KINGSTON, Pa. — A 22-year- old woman has been charged with a series of offences after her attempt to rob a 71-year- old veteran was surprisingly denied by the man and his wheelchair-riding friend. "Maybe she thought I was BYLAW TO TRIM UNTIDY YARDS CANTON, Ohio — City council has tightened Canton's high-grass and weeds law, and violators have been advised to break out the mowers or pos- sibly prepare for a stint behind bars. grown yards bring in rodents that can cause health and safe- ty problems, reports the Can- ton Repository. "This is the type of action The changes mean that a second violation for failing to keep grass and weeds at a rea- sonable length — in Canton, that means no higher than eight inches — will lead to a fine of as much as $250 and 30 days in jail. Health officials say over- easy prey," said Harry Kope- nis, who chased and tackled the woman and held her down until police arrived. "She $250,000 to trim 2,000 yards each year following public complaints about untidy lots. PIMP MY CELL SAO PAULO, Brazil — A Bra- zilian inmate has been shifted to another facility after being caught with a number of lav- ish possessions not meant for his prison cell. United Press International reports that Genilson Lins da Silva had compiled gym equip- ment, a TV, two handguns, and over $170,000 in his cell. Despite Brazil's notoriously overcrowded prisons, da Silva also was the only occupant of the cell. Investigators are looking into just how he was able to make such acquisitions while serving a 28-year sentence for murder and armed robbery. TUNA STATUE GOES MISSING CHARLESTON, Ore. — The local merchants' association is on the lookout for a giant wooden tuna statue that wel- comed visitors to this coastal fishing town. we need to take in order to clean up our neighbourhoods and our city," said Mayor Wil- liam Healy II. "You're really talking the worst of the worst." It costs the city about replica fish named Charlie, which has stood for two de- cades at the end of a bridge that visitors cross to enter the community, is presumed to have been stolen — a chain holding it in place was cut, re- ports the Associated Press. Mel Campbell, a member of the merchants' association, says Charlie "looked cute at the end of the bridge," and was more popular than the 12-foot replica tuna found at an information kiosk. The blue, eight-foot-tall LT Seen, heard, or been involved in a bizarre brief? Tell Viola James about it at viola.james@gmail. com. know well as his doctoral super- visor, is a truly gifted scholar and the law school is very pleased and proud that he has received this well-deserved honour," noted Monahan. The program first began in LT 2003. With the introduction of 15 new scholars this year, it will bring the total number of award recipients to 84. DD LT GRLBBD-07 Print bw 5/27/08 4:56 PM Page 1 For more Inside Story, please visit www.lawtimesnews.com. "Ha! You call THAT a junior associate?!" The business of printing solutions GOOD NEWS! We're advancing to new levels in the printing technology industry to offer our customers the highest quality and most diversified services. 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