The most widely read magazine for Canadian lawyers
Issue link: https://digital.canadianlawyermag.com/i/1527910
www.canadianlawyermag.com 9 HILLCOUNSEL.COM A reputation built on trust. A litigation boutique for over 35 years, the firm continues to be sought after in the fields of litigation, arbitration and mediation. HS CanadianLawyerMagazine-half-page ad-7.25x5-v1.indd 1 HS CanadianLawyerMagazine-half-page ad-7.25x5-v1.indd 1 2024-09-23 9:58 AM 2024-09-23 9:58 AM receiving a new assignment. This type of informal mentoring is vital for developing professional judgment, which can't be fully taught in textbooks or online. The loss of these in-person interactions, coupled with the increasing focus on billable hours, has created a gap in the learning process for many young lawyers. In addition to these concerns, Myers also points to systemic issues in the judiciary. Despite having enough judges, the system remains under-resourced, with judges sharing assistants and researchers. This lack of resources hinders the ability to implement necessary reforms, a problem that Myers believes needs urgent attention. D e s p i t e t h e s e c h a l l e n g e s , My e r s remains hopeful about the future of the legal profession, particularly concerning technological advancements. He sees potential in artificial intelligence to streamline processes like document review, which could make litigation less costly and time-consuming. However, Myers is also critical of how the legal system is currently structured, particularly the "back-end loading" of cases, where discovery is overly broad and trials are delayed. "We know that 98 percent of cases are settled, which is an indictment of the system rather than being a success," he says. Justice Fred Myers was a recipient of the Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers recognition in 2024. See page 19 for a full list of awardees.