Canadian Lawyer

March 2022

The most widely read magazine for Canadian lawyers

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FEATURE 10 www.canadianlawyermag.com CROSS EXAMINED "[The leadership program] was not just about having clients and going for wine and talking; it was about doing something that was meaningful to these women and then making sure that they were the star" two colleagues launched Pay Prompt — a web-based software program that helps construction companies track payment dead- lines without the need for a lawyer. "We spent weekends and evenings devel- oping the software, which we were giving away for free," says Bogach. While it may seem counterintuitive for a lawyer to design something for free that discourages the use of a lawyer, Bogach says she had the industry's best interests in mind. "We were committed to the construction industry. And it wasn't just about us churning a file or anything like that." In fact, by designing a tool that provided value, Bogach only helped cement her repu- tation in the industry. "It's been the best busi- ness development tool I've used," she says. At WeirFoulds, Bogach also curated a custom, fixed-fee legal services solution covering everything from employment issues to agreements and policies, construction contracts, disputes and collections, and incor- porating a business, always thinking of what was best for her clients. Internally, Bogach was also a keen mentor of young lawyers. For example, she helped develop a leadership program for women associates at WeirFoulds. "It was not just about having clients and going for wine and talking; it was about doing something that was meaningful to these women and then making sure that they were the star. … Leaving Big Law, what I'm going to miss the most is the opportunity to work with young lawyers." Yet part of the attraction for Bogach of launching a small firm is that she will have the freedom to structure different incentives for younger lawyers. Younger lawyers at her firm, for example, will have maximum bill- able hours, not minimum. "If we hit it, then we are not taking on more work. It's a very different model in that regard. It's about working on client outcomes." She also did not want her name used for the firm. "I didn't want it to be just my firm. I really want everyone part of the organiza- tion to feel that it's their firm." With her focus on authenticity over formality, it's not a big surprise that Bogach mentioned hugging, crying, giving birth and designing an app when she announced the launch of Construct Legal. But being open about personal matters did not always come easy to her. She recalls being particularly worried about writing about her infertility treatment experiences as an associate. However, when she posted the story years later, she received a positive response from clients, other lawyers, and even people in her neighbour- hood who had read the post. "It just created this bond with people. Some I knew, some I barely knew, but [it created] a sense that they really understood me." PAY PROMPT CONSTRUCTION SOFTWARE Helps construction companies track payment deadlines in accordance with Ontario's Construction Act User inputs answers to simple questions Software calculates and diarizes dates, such as when the user: will get paid has to pay others can expect to receive a notice of non-payment should give a notice of non-payment

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