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McGILL UNIVERSITY FACULTY OF LAW January 14 , 1991
Vol. XI, No.14
UNIVERSITE McGILL FACULTE DE DROIT le 14 janvier 1991
Legal Aid in the Arctic
by Alison Wheeler, LLB Ill I am in my third year of training in a who's older and wiser than you are.
profession that prides itself in its
Last summer I worked for a legal aid craftmanship of words. Words would only belittle the generosity
clinic on Baffin Island which serves 13 of courtworker and school teacher
eastern arctic communities. Maliiganik Knowing what res judicata means isn't a Tommy Enuaraq and his family of seven
Tukisiiniakvik has its main office is in whole lot of use when the outboard motor in Clyde River who took me in for 3 days
Iqaluit and a branch in Pond Inlet at the quits and you 're in rough water in a 22 in their 2 bedroom house while I helped
north end of Baffin. The practice is foot boat in the high arctic. Tommy interview clients for an
primarily criminal defence, and the rest is upcoming court circuit.
mostly family. Most of the clients are Being able to plead like Clarence Darrow
Inuit. won't get you very far when you left the Legal jargon doesn't bring much hope to
shells behind in the boat and a polar bear the eyes of a teenager who has just told
I don't think I can really tell you what it is sizing you up and the fish you left on you that one of his eo-accused buddies
was like to work and live in the arctic for the beach. killed himself within a week of being
a summer. Every time I sit down to do it, charged with the offence.
words seem incredibly inadequate. Even What law school teaches you about
though the summer is never far from my getting your point across and the value of Words can't even begin to convey the
mind, the people and way of life of the both sides being heard doesn't injustice that exists in a system that
eastern arctic are light years away from accomplish much when you 're lost in the would take a person's gun away from him
law school in Montreal. That words seem fog and you shou.ld just sit down and shut upon conviction for an offence having
so unfit for the task is disheartening-here up and trust the judgment of someone Con't on p. 7
L.S.AJA.E.D, HALFT'IME REPORT (PART I) \''!'. : : ; : :;:::: . . .: ::t . . : . :? \. ftI '
academic concerns and the work being •• ' . . . . . "' • ill} ! H
done by students on faculty committees
...
in conjunction with other universities.
It occurred to me over the holidays that .::::.::: ::::::::::.: :"..=.: '-~ . :[: ...
And away we go.
many students may not be aware of the
various endeavours, undertaken in their
Facilities: The L.S.A./A.E.D. is
name, by the L.S.A./A.E.D. Therefore,
responsible for the "student" areas of the
you will find below a brief synopsis of
faculty. This includes the two lounges,
what is going on. Any and all feedback is
the cafeteria, the Clubs Room and the
:
greatly appreciated as out mandate is to ..... ':}:.::
Association offices. The new and
promote the interests of all students in the
improved smokeless lounge seems to be
faculty. Don't by shy! Approach any
quite a success and is being utilixed an a
L.S.A./A.E.D. member with any
Office, in conjunction with the L.S.A./
comments, suggestions or criticisms that A.E.D. 's Careers Committee headed by
you may have. This article will deal with Richard Rosensweig, this event is a must . . ,,:;::
the non-academic side of things while for all lower-year students. It is an :::.it.: :
Part II, next week, will deal with Con't on p.7 : <:::;:; : : :
- - - -----=----=--=-----------·-'""··...·....,
--~==-_,='----"
'c':.'. l::ll
2
r At present consumers are on their own when facmg
the barrage of green advertising, with only a httle
ANN UNCEMENTS/ANNONCES help from environmental groups and prom1sed
help from the government. "Friends of the Earth"
in Britain has launched a "Green Con of the Year"
\.
award to be given to a company for "factual
to a premature end. The flash had been borrowed from a
GRADUATION PHOTOS - Attention les finissants! inaccuracy, significant omission and exploitation
friend (as he then was): I can't afford to pay him back,let
Photos for the composite, yearbook and personal pleasure of the public's fear and ignorance of some
alone buy myself a new camera. Please return these items
will be taken in the Common Room on Jan. 21 and 22. Sign to me and be assured that you can sell them «hot» for only environmental issues" essentially, for misleading
up now for a time slot outside the LSA/AED Office. Cheap
green advertising.
-only $25. aboutlS%oftheirvalue. Jt•s not worth !t!!! If anyone
has any information about the «break and enter>> which
occured during the last week of exams, please tell me. Last year's first place winner was British Nuclear
SEMINAIRESDEDROITCONSTITUTIONNEL-Le
professeur de Mestralrecherchequatre etudiants interesses Auriez-vous vu quelque chose de suspect? Sa vez-vous qui Fuels for ads equating being green with bemg free
a di.riger des seminaires en droit constitutionnel (03) au a vole ma camera et le flash en question? Aidez-moi a of carbon dioxide emissions, conveniently
decouvrircequi estarriveama camera bien-aimee. .. -Julie
deuxieme trirnestre. Priere de s'adresser au 398-6643. ignoring several unsolved environmental
Godin, Social Coordinator.
problems associated with nuclear power, like
CAREERS COMMITTEE LECTURE-«The Life of a disposal of radioactive wastes. A runner up award
FUNDING FOR GRADUATE STUDIES IN LAW:
Lawyer as a New York Associate and as a Quebec Crown
went to a fur company claiming its furs were
Prosecutor». Lori Weitzman will be at the Faculty on
Canadjan Enyjronmental Assessment Research "environmentally friendly". The ad was later
Wednesday, Jan. 16 at 12:00 p.m. in room 200 to discuss
Council CCEARC) Gradyate Stydent Research Grant censured, being one of six environmental clauns to
her experiences in various areas of legal practice. Me.
Weizman graduated from McGill's National Programme Program - The CEARC was established in 1984 to come under scrutiny of the Advertising Standards
in 1985. She went on to work as an associate in the investigate the scientific, technical and procedural aspects Authority in Britain.
of environmental assessment, and to ftnd ways of
corporate field at the New York law firm of White & Case.
improving its effectiveness. CEARC seeks and
Several years ago, Me. Weizman returned to Quebec to Environment Canada has plans for a labelling
encourages new ideas and research directed at clarifvinl:
serve as a Crown Prosecutor in the office of the P.G. program called "Environmental Choice".
(Quebec). the concept and irnprovin~: the practice and efficiency of
the assessment of environmental and related impacts of Producers will pay an annual fee of up to $5 000 1f
projects, programs or policies undertaken for economic or their product is endorsed as being environmentally
LEGAL INFORMATION CLINIC- Early reminder:
social development. In support of this objective, the friendly. In return, the product will be allowed to
we invite former volunteers and interested students (2nd,
3rd & 4th years) to pick-up applications at S.A.O. for the Council established a Graduate Student Research Contract bear the "choice" symbol- a maple leaf formed b)
Winter1991 term. Forms will be available afterlanuary7, Program to assist graduate students at Canadian three doves. However, you cannot yet bU)
Universities conducting research on environmental
1991. Think ahead, think about volunteering & we look products bearing the symbol, as the government Is
assessment. Each year, ten contracts of $5,000 each are
forward to seeing you! still grappling with such questions as how to
awarded to graduate students at Canadian Universities who
regulate its use, and how to ensure this use keeps
are conducting research related to environmental
THE SCARLET KEY SOCIETY - The Society
assessment. Application forms are available from pace with later improvements.
recognizes those persons who have made an outstanding
Professor Stevens. The deadline for submission is January
contribution to the student community at McGill. Think
30. 1991. Applicants must be graduate students. Meanwhile the "Mobius loop" recyclable symbol
you're deserving? See Bram for an application package.
Deadline is Feb. 15 1991. of three arrows has become common pla e. This
Canadian Memorial Scholarships 1991 -The Canadian symbol, while created by the U. ., is unregulated
GUIGNOLEE 1990-Merci a tous ceux qui nous ont aide Memorial Scholarships are awarded by the Canada public domain. In many cases the symbol can be
a Memorial Foundation in memory of the 900,000
realiser la guignolee '90! Nous avons ramasse une misleading, appearing as it does on single-use
Canadians who served with Great Britain during the First
quantite impressionante de nourriture. The Christmas bottles, cardboard boxes, and paper of vac) mg
and Second World Wars. It is intended to offer awards to
Food Basket Drive was a huge success. We literally filled
very able Canadian post-graduate students so that they may recycled paper content. For instance, how can a
the LSA office with food! Thanks to everyone who
study at a British university for a year. The scholarships plastic bottle be recyclable in practice unless the
participated and helped to make the season more pleasant
for many families. -Julie Godin et Marie Lussier. are available for students who wish to pursue either a consumer has a plastics recycling depot m the
research program or a post-graduate course at a university neighbourhood, or the bottle can be retumed to the
SKITNITE COFFEEHOUSE-To everyone who'sbeen or other appropriate institution. The Association of store to be refilled?
Colleges and Universities of Canada, I 51 Slater St.,
busy dreaming up brilliant ideas for skits over the holidays
Ottawa, Ont., K!G SNl, is responsible for all matters
bring your suggestions to the Skit Nite Coffcchouse on For now it is left to the consumers to use common
Thursday January 17th at 8 p.m. All proceeds will be put concerning selection of the candidates and for decisions
sense in considering the claims before buymg,
concerning academic studies. The scholarship includes all
towards this year's Skit Nitein March. Live entertainment
begins promptly at 9 p.m. Anyone interested in performing tuition fees and livin~: expenses as well as a number of while holding producers to their clauns where
hould leave a note in the Skit Nite Box in the LSA. ~:rants for various other items. Applicants should be under appropriate, and encouraging producers to use less
the age of 30. The application deadline is February 1st, packaging.
1991. Application forms can be obtained from Professor
LAST CALL FOR «TRIAL BY JURY~ - The
David Stevens.
graduating class would like to «make a difference». We are What about our record as green consumers? A
trying to form a cast of singers to perform Gilbert and 1990 survey taken by the Grocery Products
Sullivan's «Trial by Jury~ in the Moot Court as a Manufacturers of Canada concluded that onl)
fundraising event for the Law Library. Anyone in the Law GREEN' SPACE about one quarter of Canada's grocel) shoppers arc
Faculty who loves to sing is invited to a first meeting in the
"committed" to reducing environmental damage.
Common Room at 5:30p.m. on Thursday, January 17th.
Some specifics: while 69% of the respondents
Look for us in the corner of the Common Room or please
eave a note for us in SAO. All students, faculty and staff supported curbside recycling program , only 31%
are urged to sing in this delightful Gilbert and Sullivan by Juli Abouchar, LL.B. Ill were. willing to supply their own bags and
operetta on breach of promise of marriage- Judy Knight contamers when shopping. Not such a great record
and Seth Dalfen. "Greener than thou" appears to be the latest in for all that talk!
corporate slogans. Do you ever wonder if anyone
UNSOLVED MYSTERY-To the person who stole my
1s checking up on the validity of claims of
Canon AE-1 camera and a Vivitar flash from the LSA
"environmentally friendly", "biodegradable",
Executive Office during exams, thank you for ruining my
"recyclable" or simply "green"?
holidays and bringing my career as yearbook photographer
3
Public Interest Groups:
AN IN-HOUSE EXPERIENCE
An Alternative Summer Job Experience
by Fraser Baird, Nat. IV
by Glen Grossman, BCL Ill Upon arrival in Washington, I was
fortunate to have some friends there so I
Looking for a summer job, are you?
Some of you will recognize this article as did not have a problem with
it was published in last year's Careers accomodation. Rent is expensive but not
It can happen. After you've looked over
Day Issue, but since there are many good as expensive as Toronto or New York.
the firms you thought you'd like to work
things to say about the public interest Further, Washington offers a wide range
for, none of them may satisfy you, or
field, it is being reprinted again. of cultural and social activities. The
none of them may want you. Rather than
Smithsonian Museums, which are free,
wait until mid-April, mid-exams, when
During the summer of 1989, I had the and the night life of Georgetown can
you 're tom between that legal aid job and
chance to work for Public Citizen, a non make your summer an informative and
editing the casebook for a prof, think
profit membership organization based in li:ely experience. As well, the Capitol
about summer in a corporation's law
Washington, D.C., representing H1ll area where the office is located is
department. (I waited.) This is not a
consumer interest through lobbying, always buzzing with activity.
career choice you'll hear a lot about in
litigation, research and publications.
law school, but it's an area where,
Since its founding by Ralph Nader in If one is interested in working for one of
increasingly, lawyers are finding a niche.
1971, Public Citizen has fought for Ralph Nader's groups or any other public
consumer rights in the market place, for interest group, all that must be done is to
It is alleged that these jobs only go to
safe products, for a healthy environment send a resume and cover letter to the those who "know" someone. I heard last
and work place, for clean and safe energy specific group you wish to work for. Be year that the legal department at the
resources, and for corporate and prepared; if it is cash you are looking for, Royal Bank of Canada wanted a summer
government accountability. then you are in the wrong arena. I had two student. I applied. I was hired. Act
jobs during the summer so that I could
pushy, though; they may be new to the
Public Citizen is active in every Public pay my bills. Unfortunately, unlike job and don't advertise.
Policy forum: the Congress, the courts, many U.S. law schools and some
government agencies and the media. canadian law schools, McGill is not part Remember, as a summer student you
Public Citizen fights for citizen interest of any program which would give a p~obably aren't going to rewrite legal
through five groups: Congress Watch, stipend to students who wish to pursue a history. But you want some fun, right?
The Health Research Group, the career in Public Interest. I do know of Otherwise you'd plant trees or go home
Litigation Group, the Critical Mass some Toronto law firms who will allow to mow the parent's lawn. I was offered
Energy Project and Buyers Up. I worked McGill students to work for them for half a job file-shuffling and land-description
for Congress· Watch which monitors the summer, while spending the second proofing- not exactly leading edge, but it
legislation on Capitol Hill, documents half with a public interest group. The paid better than other options.
campaign financing abuses, tracks firm will pay your salary for the entire
House and Senate voting records, and summer. You find yourself alone at a big table in a
lobbies for the Public Interest. small windowless "library", and they left
During the summer of 1990, I switched
air-conditioning out. But you have a file
Most of the staff is made up of lawyers capitals and worked for the Department so it's o.k. Study the Bank Act in your
and lobbyists with administrative and/or of Defence in Ottawa, Canada. I worked spare time. Meet lawyers, smile at
government backgrounds. I worked for for the Judge Advocate General in the secretaries (they run the office), and
two of the lawyers on two major projects International Law area. Unfortunately, I always be nice to the librarian.
during the summer. One dealt with white could not afford a second summer with a
public interest group. This should not
collar crime and th~ effect of proposed Then someone asks, "What do you know
new legislation dealing with this discourage people from doing it. You about partnerships?" Edit the treatise to
problem. The other covered the abuse of have the rest of your life to practice law in ten pages, and they tell you the facts. Cut
a law firm.
the Antitrust law in the insurance it to three and answer the question. Then,
industry. As well, I had other small just as files start to trickle in and you relax
All in all, it was a rewarding experience
research projects to do throughout the for a rest, you 're needed. One lawyer left
to work with people who have a strong
summer. for maternity leave early. There's work
desire to help others before they help
Con't on p.4
themselves.
4
relaxed, 8:30 office conferences and
Quid No vi is published weekly by students at
In-House ...
lunch at Dominion tavern. For the single
the Faculty of Law of McGill University,
Con 't from p. 3
3644 Peel Street, Montreal, H3A 1W9. mother with kids to raise, it's ideal; for
aplenty and take some home if you want.
Production is made possible by support of the the partner disillusioned with a senior
I wrote memos on everything from
Dean's office and by direct flll1ding from the partner who thinks he's Caligula in
"confusion" to Offshore-Banking in
students. Opinions expressed are those of the leotards, it's great; for the parent who
Barbados, reviewed the bank's litigation
author only. Contributions are published at wants to see the kids before they're 16
files, and discovered the law of lender
the discretion of the editor and must indicate
and want to borrow the car it's perfect.
author or origin. liability.
For those who say it's not real law, I can
Butyou'reon your own you say. "I want
answer that it's a chance to decipher the
Editor-in-Chief I to work with my friends. At least with
good from the bad. You're both a lawyer
Redacteur -en-chef
someone!"
Jean-Philippe Gervais and a client. But I got to advise regional
headquarters on legal issues, proofed
First, your friends are all in the same boat
Associate Editor/ land descriptions and chewed out local
and bitchin about it. You' re the only one
Redacteur adjoint James D. Hughes counsel for the errors, and often dealt
off at 6:00. Don't just get valuable legal
with lawyers on the phone and
experience in law, but enjoy the charms
English Editor I
discovered I had learned both the
Redacteur anglais of Montreal, Vancouver, Toronto, or
arguments and the answers.
Michael B. Kleinman wherever you wind up. Discover the
charms of Victory Hot Dogs, or picnic
An in-house summer experience offers
French Editor I with your pals and the pigeons in Victoria
both a good summer and good training.
Redactrice fran9aise Helene Gagnon Square (sorry, Fran~ois).
You can also discover a growning market
Arts Editor I for lawyers, and one that lets you have a
Discover a different legal lifestyle with
Redacteur artistique life, as well.
Michael Wilhelmson
Treasurer/
Tresoriere Marie-Claude Rigaud
by Jordan H. Waxman, LLB Ill
Conference Editors/ 1) Personal contact with clients: Why go
Responsables des conferences The first day of my summer vacation ... I to a smelly jail cell to interview a client at
V alerie Heroux woke up early ... I took the subway down the end of a long day of work (visiting
Caspar Landolt
to Osgoode Station. I met the hours are usually 6:30 p.m. onward)
receptionist, the two partners, one when you can send a student instead?
Special Issues Editors/
associate, one articling student. Then, I
Responsables des parutions speciales
went to District Court to see a trial. That 2) Hands-on experience in court: About
Patricia Armstrong
Julie Godin afternoon, I was taken to Hy's for lunch. 3 outof4 days, I went to court; sometimes
3 differentcourts a day. My tasks ranged
Production Manager(s)/ This was an atypical day in «My Summer from setting court dates and
Gerant(s) de production Philip Lapin in a Criminal Law Firm». adjournments to actually pleading a case.
Greg Moore
First off, the only other time I was taken 3) Fast pace: The hours are long and
to lunch was on my last day of work-also irregular and there is always a chance that
Quid No vi est une publication hebdomadaire to Hy 's. Secondly, I did not see my office your plans will be altered at the last
assuree par les etudiants de la faculte de droit
mates all that much. However, I did have minute- night or day. That's the strange
de l'universite McGill, 3644 rue Peel,
the most stressful and exciting summer of thing about criminal law - people arc
Montreal, H3A 1W 9. La publication est
my life.
a always getting arrested! Weekend work
rendue possible grace l'appui du bureau du
doyen, ainsi que par le financement individuel was not required but long days were
des etudiants. Les opinions exprimees sont Most Criminal Law firms are small common.
propres a l'auteur. Toute contribution n'est operations headed by at most a few
publiee qu. a la discretion du comite de partners and supported by a small staff. 4) Travel OpportyniLics: No i1ight.s lO
red action et do it indiquer 1' auteur ou son The advantages of this from the student's
origine. point of view are many: Con't on p. 5
5
Jail... class was in T.O. this summer, and
Con't from p.4 networking paid off with great lunch and
New Zealand, however, but I did drive to after-hours fun. The secret for me, a
Brantford twice! Most days I was on the consummate Montrealer, was to enjoy
road to one court or another in Southern the experience and the city for what it
Ontario. was, and not to compare bagels.
· a tous ceux qui ont contribue de 5) High Rewards: No, not salary! The By the same token, it is not fruitful to
temps et de leur talent au Quid No vi true rewards come as research is used compare this type of firm with the large
dant la premiere session. At ous nos almost immediately upon its completion. «Perrier» law firms. It is always a
utres lecteurs, qu'attendez-vous pour Criminal law is a high-turnover field. If tradeoff. I had no corporate shmoozing,
us ecrire? cases drag on too long (and if the delay no catered lunches or free gym
isn't caused by the defense attorney) memberships, but I met the tattoo lady of
e 'd like to thank all of the following there is always the threat of a Charter College Park. I didn't close deals, but I ·
who contributed articles to the infringement; and aside from the odd, dated Bob Rae's niece.
during the first semester. To long trial, most cases are wrapped up
~.:..:::....:~~
11 of our other readers, what are you quickly. In sum, the experience was excellent. I
[Waiting for? recommend working in a criminal law
Life in the City: firm to anyone who wishes to either hone
li Ann Abouchar, Susan Abrarnovitch, or use one's advocacy skills on a daily
~
arc-Antoine Adam, Patricia I heard horror stories about the dog days basis, who relishes meeting and
rmstrong, James Austin, Julie of summer in Toronto. Miraculously, the interviewing clients -even if they are in
tBeauchemin, Maryse Beaulieu, Drew relatively cool weather kept down the the keyster- and who enjoys a dynamic
[Berman, Arnold Bornstein, Olivier sweat factor. environment (the court houses are quite
!Boyer, Jonathan Burn ham, Eric Buzzetti, interesting places; but that is an expose
~olin Chang, Stuart Chelin, Susan Toronto is exciting (and expensive), with on its own).
t<=Iarke, Brett Code, Leigh David great restaurants, clubs, music venues
Crestohl, Michelle Cumyn, Seth Dalfen, and people. Traffic can be nuts, One of the firm members once told me:
[)agmar Dlab, Chile Eboe-Osuji, especially on the highways due to high «Criminal Law is the only real law
~tephane Ethier, Robert Fabes, Brian commuter volume, but public transport- anyhow», and whether or not that is true,
!Fell, Robert Frank, Bram Freedman, streetcars, buses and subways - is I felt that I played an active role in the
elene Gagnon, Michael Sean Gaudet, generally very good. Literally half my
rian Z. Gelfand, J ean-Philippe Gervais,
ulie Godin, Marie-Claude Goulet,
hilippe De Grandpre, Francis Harvey, ~ fUNDED BY ALMA MI\TER
McGILL
rian Haynes, Tom Heintzman, Valeric
eroux, James Hughes, Tracy Jackson, JNIGHTLINE
Christopher Kent, Michael Kleinman,
Eori Know les, Rick Kuzyk, Philip Lap in, ~98-6246
!Anctrew Lister, Marie Lussier, Zino
IMacaluso, Kevin Macneil, Veronique An an()nym()us and C()nfldenUal
Malka, Alissa Malkin, Gregory Moore,
llstenlne, lnf()r-matl()n. and r-efer-
avid Morgan, Karine Morin, Angelo
r-al ser-vice ()pen nlehUY fr-()m
~oce, Colleen O'Brien, James O'Brien,
ohanne Poirier, Teresa Regan, Marie- f3p.m. t() la.m.
1 laude Rigaud, Richard Rosensweig, students talkine tu
Egya Ndyinanse Sangmuah, Genevi;ve
~aumier Jean L. Schere, Mark
students
~teinberg·, Dennis Stevens, Erica Stone,
r:orina Stonebanks, Franco Tamburro,
piana L. Torrens, Garth Wallbridge, t;ive us a call!
~nne-Marie Waters, Jordan Waxman,
!Ruth-Claire Weintraub, Todd Wetmore,
ichael Wilhelmson, Jennifer Zercy.
6
meeting, lawyers discussed new developments in
the law or particular cases with which they were
To specialize or not to specialize, that is the question! involved. As a summer student, a lot of the work
given to me involved research of more or less broad
by Marie Lussier, Nat. IV areas of the law. I helped two lawyers prepare talks
In Canada, about 300 to 400 lawyers practice in this
to be given in the fall, and I updated monographs
area, mostly in private firms. Although some
Two summers ago, I worked in an Intellectual sent to clients, detailing their IP rights and
companies have small patent departments, less
Property law firm in Toronto. Although many informing them of recent developments in the law.
than 5% of the profession works for companies.
students hesitate to spend the summer or to article I also had the chance to acquaint myself with
Most of the firms which do IP work restrict their
at a firm which does work in only one area of the certain files and to follow their progress.
practice to this area, although some large corporate
law, I feel that this allowed me to gain invaluable
firms have IP departments. Probably more than
experience. IP work allows you to apply general legal notions
90% of the Canadian firms in this field are in
to practical problems. As well, it allows you to
Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa, and the trend is
Intellectual property law involves the protection combine knowledge in non-legal areas with your
toward Toronto as the main centre for IP work.
and exploitation of innovations in science legal practice and to work alongside people with
technology and the arts and of the distinctiv; diverse backgrounds. For example, my particular
The best way to begin in the profession is as a
features of someone's business. The main areas of interest is biotechnology, but I found myself
~ummer student or an articling student. Generally,
IP are patents, trademarks and copyrights. if you do not specialize at the anic ling stage, it will worl~ing with people with degrees in engineering,
Although this type oflaw is a specially, there is a mus1c, fine arts and literature. A signi ficanL
be very difficult for you to do so later on. An
great variety of work within the field. Inventions advantage, for me, of working in an IP firm is its
articling experience with a general law firm is of
are all different one from the next and it is amazing relatively small size. The firm where I worked was
little value to an IP firm, whereas training in IP law
.· to be paid to keep abreast of developments at the the second largest IP firm in Canada, yet involved
can easily open the door to work in a general
forefront of technology. As well, a lot of the work less than forty lawyers. It was possible forme to get
corporate firm.
done in IP is for high-profile clients, such as motion to know most of the people in the firm quite well
pictur~ studi~s, rock stars, designers and sports Intellectual property work involves a steep and I was surprised to find everyone to be very
franchises. Smce IP rights are worldwide, there is approachable.
learning curve and firms usually organize various
a strong international aspect to the practice. At the
educational programs, to allow senior lawyers to
firm where I was, 60% of the work was done for pass on their knowledge to junior lawyers and It is very satisfying to gain in-depth knowledge of
Canadians, 25% for U.S. residents and 15% for students. At the firm where I worked, sessions on~ area of the law and specializing is something
clients in other countries, mostly Germany, Japan were held over lunch (provided by the firm). The which students should consider for it is a decision
and the U.K. This is not to say that you will be which must be made early in one'slegal career. As
atmosphere at these meetings was informal, and
me_eting with Calvin Klein or flying to Europe and each dealt with a particular topic within trademark an added bonus, you soon discover that
As1a every day, but the practice of IP law, unlike or patent law. Furthermore, at the firm's monthly «everybody's an inventor» and your IP skills will
what some may believe, is far from routine. make you an instant hit at cocktail parties!
By ArnoldBernstein, LLB Ill
The Pits
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lE Pt:..OS~ IN /~DUTH, • L.-' .._,::
rop... A ME-.~! CA . I 1 Ne:, :.,f. . THE
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7
your colleagues when you 're getting on
... Arctic ... LSA ...
Con't from p.l eac~ other's nerves, and the expense of Con't from p.l
gettmg. there effectively cuts you off
nothing to do with a gun, when that opportunity to browse and see what's
from fnends and family in the south. My
person hunts to support himself and available and not a job interview process,
many other people in a small isolated ow~ ~xperience was on the whole very so leave your fancy clothes at home.
positive, but it's not for everyone.
community.
Law Games: McGill's contingent to the
So, what's the point? The point is that
Being able to recite all the case law about Law Games is close to 120 students
there are jobs out there that are not (with
s. 7 of the Charter doesn't offer much which is very impressive for a school of
all due respect) a predictable summer law
c~nsolation when the accused charged our ~ize. Lori Knowles is doing a bang
student programme at a big downtown
with .murder breaks down and cries upon Toronto firm. There are a lot of other u~ JOb of organizing this logistical
heanng her father testify at the mghtmare and all seems to be going
ghings you could be doing. Work for the
preliminary inquiry and you haven't according to plan. The Law Games run
Crown in your hometown in Northern
even got a kleenex. from Jan.23-27 and promise to be a
·ontario, work for a public interest group,
rollicking good time as the host
work for a legal aid clinic, word for social
Words aren't going to convince those of University of Western Ontario is known
services.
you who remain skeptical that «entitled for its hospitality and insanity.
to the best defence» is not just empty
They're jobs that are much harder to find.
rethoric -that the client beside you at the Clubs: The Association funds many
You may have to convince an
defence table is a real live person who is clubs in the faculty which bring in
organization to hire a summer student for
up against the machinery of a system that speakers, organize conferences and hold
the first time ever. You'll get more
isn't looking out for the little guy. seminars. They provide an invaluable
rejection letters than someone who failed
service in providing different
Business Associations applying to New
What is it I really want to say? I'd like perspectives to the issues facing all of us
York firms. You might end up eating
you to understand the subtle elation you as we embark upon our careers. The
humble pie and crawling to a big firm for
feel when the Crown or the RCMP hasn't Environmental Conference held in the
a job in April anyway. But you might get
done their job properly and someone first term was an ambitious undertaking
to do something really neat.
walks. I'd like you to know how it feels that proved to be quite successful. The
to hear the judge tell your client that she's Native Rights Conference, to be held
They 're riskier jobs-you will have less of
listened to the representations of his this term, promises to be just as
an idea of what sort of an experience is in
counsel and she's giving him another interesting and stimulating for students.
store for you. You may end up in a
chance and not sending him to jail. I'd
situation that will require a lot of effort to
like to tell you the story about one of the Recycling: The L.S.A./A.E.D., in
make it worthwhile· and enjoyable. But
lawyers I worked for who was the only conjunction with the Dean's Office is in
you've got the rest of your life to
person in the courtroom able to console a the midst of ensuring Chancellor Day
experience Bay Street.
sobbing Crown witness so that the trial H~ll becomes an environmentally
could proceed. I'd like to be able to paint fnendly building. As such, a full-scale
My advice- write a lot of letters. Make
an arctic sunset for you. I'd like to recycling program should be in place by
contacts. Write to people you have read
convey the utter irrelevance of time when February.
about whose work really interests you. If
you have 24 hours of daylight. I'd like
someone can't help you ask them to
you to taste whale blubber and caribou Graduation: The Graduation Ball will
forward your C. V. or give you the names
and arctic char. I'd like you to understand be held in the ballroom of the McGill
of other people who might be able to hire
what it really means to be proud to work Faculty Club, a more intimate venue
you. Talk to professors who may have a
on the case of someone charged with than in previous years. Keep your eyes
given interest in the area. Thank people
aggravated sexual assault. out for details. Graduation photos will
whom you deal with properly even if they
be taken in the faculty on Jan. 21 and 22
can only offer you words of
I'm not trying to persuade anyone to do so be on the lookout for sign-up sheets.
encouragement. It makes a big
work up north. You shouldn'tdecide that
difference to them, and they may get back
this is for you on the strenght of a rose That's about it for now and my apologies
to you in the future with other
tinted article such as this. Life in a remote to any event or activity that I have
suggestions. And don't give up. Just
community has its downsides- the cost of neglected to mention is this brief
because no one has ever done it before
living is about 300% higher than in summary of L.S.A./A.E.D. activities.
doesn't mean it isn't worthwhile or that it
Montreal, there is little fun that you don't Stay tuned for an update on academic
can't be done.
make yourself, it's hard to get away from matters.
8
I took out the stuff I needed for my firs
exam -National Judicial Administrativ
Evidence Processes (NJAEP). It was a
boring as it sounded. I had my casebook,
by Frank Tamburro, Nat. IV As I went the other way, I spotted a text, statute supplement, class notes and,
familiar face, but not a friendly one. most important, the summary. But this
It was my worst nightmare. Let me tdl Jacques «The Ripper» Levesque. He was was not just any summary, it was a
you how it started. the best athlete in the faculty by a mile. A Fenderbender summary! Carla
natural jock. But he wasn't exactly Fenderbender was a faculty legend. She
It was a Saturday morning. I was on my pleased with me. Last semester, my ball graduated a couple years back. Her
way up to the library. A late night and too hockey team played his during the summaries were gold, a guaranteed B for
much bourbon had given me a headache intramural playoffs. Late in the game I even the dumbest saps. They sure helped
the size of Tokyo. But it didn't matter. I made a move around him and beat him me. I sat down, facing the window, with
downed a couple of aspirin -I had a job to clean. Set up the winning goal. It was one my back to the rest of the fifth floor.
do. of those once-in-a-lifetime moves. I'd
never done it before, could never I had been studying a couple of hours. I
My name is Dan Wade. I'm a McGill duplicate it. It was good, but lucky. Still, had gone to the can, checked a couple of
Law Student. I had embarrassed him. He didn't take it cases in the D .L.R. 's, gotten a drink ...
kindly. He was not applying for water, not bourbon. I saw that we were
Studying had brought me to the library on membership in the Dan Wade Fan Club the only five people on the floor. I didn't
a Saturday, a week and a half before the any time soon. remember hearing the door or the
Christmas exam period. I rode the elevator. It was a very quiet Saturday.
rickety elevator up to the fourth floor. I turned left around the stacks. Pipper
«Ka-chinkita! Ka-chinkita!» It was Johnson was sitting there. He nodded My mind drifted. I thought back to a joke
noisy. It did my headache zero good. It hello when he saw me. I nodded back. I heard a couple of weeks ago. Seems lhal
was also slower than maple syrup Pipper was a good Joe, even if he was two guys walked into a bar and the first
running uphill in January in Moose Jaw. wearing those trendy torn jeans with one---
You get the idea. patches sewn in. But he was a good little
guy. Personable. Friendly. Nobody BOOM!!!!
The door opened on the fourth floor. I got didn't like Pipper. And smart. Sharper
out. I went through the turnstile. The than a tack. He was a sure bet to win the There was an explosion inside my head!
library was quiet and empty. Good. faculty's highest academic prize, named Everything went black! I was out.
Solitude was an old friend I knew well. after its most eminent alumnus- the Ken
The librarian looked up and saw it was Dryden Gold Medal. When I came to, there was a sharp pain in
me. Then he went back to his jigsaw the back of my neck. I opened my eye .
puzzle. I walked on down, looking for a quiet My head was face down on the desk. I
desk. Near the end of that row of desks checked my neck. There was no blood.
I went up to the fifth floor. I came out of was Thierry O'Neill. He was a French Obviously, someone had nailed me there,
the stairwell and turned left. There, a Irish exchange student from Paris. He hard. Maybe with a Chevrctte & 1a.rx. I
couple desks away from the water was fiercely pro-I.R.A. One evening, hadn't been out more than a couple of
1
fountain was Trudy McCall. I froze for a over some bourbon at Thompson House, minutes. The pain would pass. I'd live.
second. She spotted me, too. The we talked about Northern Irelanda and
daggers from her eyes made a beeline for the Irish Republican Army. But he took I checked my pockets. My wallet was
the middle of my chest. I turned and went it personal and serious. From then on I still there. Nothing was missing.
'
the other way. was Numero Uno on his hit list.
Everything was still in the bag, too. All
Trudy and me, we had a thing going for a Finally, I decided to take the desk facing the other stuff was still on the table. So
while, some time back. It didn't work out out the big window on the west side. I put whywouldsomeone-Wait! No!!! The
- we had «irreconciliable differences». my bag on the desk. Then I took off my Summary!!! My Fenderbendersummary
She handed me my walking papers when fedora and stripped off my trenchcoat. It was gone!!! I could forget about the
I said «Less filling» and she insisted on was minus 20 Celsius outside, but I could exam! My career was history!!!
«Tastes great». I was no longer exactly take the chill.
Mr. Wonderful to her. TO BE CONTINUED - NEXT WEEK
