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is rapidly disappearing. Lawyers here are as good as anywhere else in the world." Indeed, says Mullett, "I think people from other jurisdic- tions would be surprised to know the diversity of litigation that takes place here and the high quality of legal expertise. It is a great place for a young lawyer to develop a plethora of legal skills and participate first hand in high-level litigation," she adds. What hasn't changed: the renowned Newfoundland warmth and friendliness. "There is a sense here of how you practise law that requires a greater degree of polite profes- sionalism," says Thistle. Boone agrees. "Lawyers in St. John's are really, I do believe, just nicer to each other and more courteous and more accommodating. . . . It's just the way we are." Part of that tradition of niceness can be traced back to the size of the profession in Newfoundland: it's small and famil- iar. "In Newfoundland, you still ask, 'So who is your grand- father?'" says MacDonald. "It is unusual not to have a family connection, which means you automatically have a connec- tion to the community. It's the glory of Newfoundland, and it's also a curse." A smaller bar also means a greater likelihood of run- ning into one another, routinely. "You will end up in court against people on a regular basis. You can also end up on the same side — in all circumstances treating everyone with an upfront and honest approach," says Thistle. Your survival as a lawyer depends on it. "When you're practising in this province, reputation goes a long way," says Mullett. "It is very important to maintain a professional working relationship with other lawyers and with the judiciary." However, she notes, there are disadvantages. "One of the drawbacks of being a smaller bar is that there are hierarchal and patriarchal structures within the private bar that are diffi- cult to change, especially as a young lawyer and a young female lawyer. There is certainly a place for new and innovative ideas within private practice." What is also missing — a common thread. The single biggest difference between St. John's, which was founded on the feast of St. John the Baptist, June 24, 1497, and most other major centres in Canada is the absence of a law school. That absence is noteworthy, says Thistle. "There really isn't a home team. There isn't a culture that is set from your law school days. In other provinces," he adds, "there is a com- Aubery L. Bonnell, Q.C. Paul R. Stokes, Q.C. Ian F. Kelly, Q.C. Peter N. Browne, Q.C. Irene S. Muzychka Gregory M. Smith Annette M. Conway Amy M. Crosbie Liam P. O'Brien Sheilagh M. Murphy Cheryl L. Mullett Jane C. Hennebury Daniel M. Glover Robynn J. Arnold Kelly C. Hopkins Robin F. Cook Elyse S.B. Bruce mon history. There is a degree of envy for that." On the other hand, the pace of practice in St. John's is the envy of many lawyers in larger cities. "I have a horrible com- mute to work. I don't get to listen to a full song," says Boone. "You can have a really interesting practice here and still get home for supper." In fact, says Mullett, many lawyers outside St. John's would be "surprised that many of my colleagues go home everyday for lunch." Many of them also head to the Duke of Duckworth, a popular pub in the heart of St. John's every Friday for a brew and breather. Today, there is much to celebrate. As MacDonald notes, "When the sea rises, everyone in the boat floats. That's defi- nitely the case here. Everyone is doing very well." P.O Box 337 St. John's Newfoundland and Labrador Canada A1C 5J9 Fortis Building, 11th Floor 139 Water Street Telephone: (709) 722-5181 Facsimile: (709) 722-7521 e-mail: curtisdawe@curtisdawe.nf.ca website: www.curtisdawe.nf.ca urtis_CL_July_09.indd 1 Your team in Newfoundland and Labrador for business law and civil litigation. 6/17/09 2:42:56 PM Suite 900 Atlantic Place, 215 Water Street, 709-579-2081 info@bensonmyles.com bensonmyles.com BensonMyles_CL_July_09.indd 1 www. C ANADIAN Law ye rmag.com JULY 2009 43 6/17/09 9:02:40 AM