The premier weekly newspaper for the legal profession in Ontario
Issue link: https://digital.lawtimesnews.com/i/50357
law Times • July 12, 2010 NEWS Why do lawyers love art? BY MICHAEL McKIERNAN Law Times ronto, you'll fi nd her trekking across Canada and around the world searching for the next big thing in the world of art. Her track record has made her a go-to art consultant for law fi rms looking to expand or refresh their collection. For 25 years, she has worked with Mc- Carthy Tétrault LLP at build- ing and maintaining its re- nowned collection, which she also curates for the fi rm. "I have to have my antenna W hen Jeanne Parkin isn't at her Yorkville- area home in To- 'It's because they're so smart' Art more at content. It's about the meaning of it much more than whether it's abstract or rep- resentational, a painting video." or Jo-Ann Mc- Cluskey, who has worked with Gowl- ing Lafl eur Hender- son LLP through her out there," says Parkin. "If I fi nd artists that are producing, then I want to get to them fi rst and see that work before some- body else does because it's quite a competitive fi eld." Sometimes, she even treats herself to a few pieces. "I keep on buying, that's my problem. I can't keep my hands off . I just can't stop." Th e plethora of paintings and photographs covering the walls of her apartment hints at her passion for art, but Parkin says that barely scratches the surface of her personal collec- tion. "I've got things lined up against the wall and under the bed. Every cupboard is full. I've got things just stacked up everywhere." Sound pieces and sculp- tures litter the tables and desks around the room to create a diversity Parkin says she tries to refl ect in her work for law fi rms. She encourages collectors to include video installations and photography in addition to paintings, thereby shifting their focus away from any par- ticular medium. "I look much Joan of Art corporate art con- sultancy, says that while fi rms can make a lot of money on a sound investment, there's plen- ty more to gain from a strong art collection. "It stimulates the workplace, which is what any corporate workplace should do and it makes a welcoming en- vironment for clients. You get some art with personality, and it makes it fun for people. Th ey walk by and talk about what they like about it." In fact, McCluskey says art can be an essential part of a fi rm's branding. "If I go on a web site and I see all this colour and personality, but when I walk into the offi ce and it's all bookcases and may- be some boring old pictures of judges or worse, pictures from Home Depot, then they're not portraying themselves as who they really are in the offi ce space. If they have half-decent art, that shows some sort of value. It gives people the feel- ing that they can trust them." McCluskey has also worked with a number of medium- and small-size fi rms she says would benefi t from a larger art bud- get but are reluctant to invest. Peter Riehm of Art Life Design in Ottawa has noticed the same trend. "Frugality is in," he says. "People want really good solu- tions that don't cost a lot." Many of Riehm's legal clients contact him when they move offi ces order in to seize and the Law on the oppor- tunity to purge a dated collec- tion and fresh. "Th ere's a style and professionalism that fi rms are trying to show," he says. "In the overall budget for redesigning an of- fi ce, art is a small part of it, but I think it has a greater impact in relation to its cost." At the same time, Riehm notes the structure of law fi rms encourages the principals to take a real interest. "Th e part- ners really want to be involved in the process because it's their fi rm, and they own it. It's re- ally refreshing to deal with the people who make the de- cisions and know what they want. At other companies, art is sometimes relegated to a facilities person or somebody start whose job it is to gather things for the offi ce." Parkin, however, has her own theory as to why lawyers fi nd themselves attracted to art. "I like to think it's because they're so smart," she says. "It's their intelligence that makes them veer towards art." Nevertheless, the structure of a law fi rm can pose prob- lems for art consultants. Many of Parkin's clients, for example, have art committees of vary- ing sizes. Sometimes, that can mean up to six or seven diff er- ent partners, each wanting a say in decisions on the collec- tion, are involved. For her part, Parkin sees her role as an edu- cational one exposing clients to the most meaningful and relevant art in the marketplace while gaining their confi dence in her choices and arrange- ments over time. "It's about being open to new ideas and to new experi- ences," she says. "Otherwise, you remain with a closed mind. Suddenly, a whole world Jeanne Parkin has worked with McCarthy Tétrault LLP on its art collection for 25 years. is opening up in a way you didn't expect to happen. It's so exciting for me because I get to see how far they've come from where they were." LT Th is is the fi rst instalment in the Law Times summer series look- ing at law fi rms' art collections and the people who put their time into making them happen. PAGE 5 McKELLAR STRUCTURED SETTLEMENTS INC. would like to thank all those who took part in THE 12TH ANNUAL McKELLAR CHARITY GOLF DAY on Monday, June 14th , 2010. This event raised $19,050 for WICC (Women in Insurance Cancer Crusade) for use and support in their fight against cancer. A special thanks goes out to our sponsors for this event: PLATINUM SPONSOR FINANCIAL HORIZONS GROUP GOLD SPONSORS BMO LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY SUN LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY OF CANADA THE STANDARD LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY OF CANADA and to our other generous sponsors: THE RIORDON DESIGN GROUP INC. TD COMMERCIAL BANKING We appreciate your support! At Kent Legal we know not just anybody can do the job. That's why we've taken extensive measures, like using the latest technology, tools and top recruiters to ensure we not only match the right applicant for your position, but that we do it in the best response time. We provide seamless placement services for legal secretaries, law clerks, office clerks, administrative management as well as e-discovery experts. We also understand the internal culture and hiring needs of every client we serve – whether it's for one expert, a team, direct hire, temporary or contract. www.mckellar.com Kent Legal – the most trusted name in legal recruiting. Call us today. (416) 363-7227 • Fax: (416) 363-6125 • kentlegal.com Kent legal monkey (LT 1-3x3).indd 1 www.lawtimesnews.com ntitled-2 1 7/5/10 12:21:31 PM 2/17/10 1:45:10 PM Photo: Michael McKiernan