The most widely read magazine for Canadian lawyers
Issue link: https://digital.canadianlawyermag.com/i/50834
THE PRAIRIES regional wrap-up SOKALSKI BECOMES NAME PARTNER O ne of Winnipeg's highest-profile lawyers has jumped ship. Bob Sokalski, a 30-year veteran at Pitblado LLP, has joined Hill Dewar Vincent after partner Rob Dewar was recently appointed to the Court of Queen's Bench. The firm was subsequently rechristened Hill Sokalski Vincent Walsh Trippier. Sokalski, a commercial litigator and trial lawyer, says he made the move because of the firm's reputation in the litigation community both in Winnipeg and across the country. "The holes in the cheese are all lining up at the same time. A boutique firm has always been of interest to me. With the Supreme Court of Canada decisions on conflicts of interest and duties of loyalty, sometimes being in a big firm deprives one of the opportunities to attract clients you'd like to attract. I may bring in a particular litigant but somebody [else in the firm] might have a duty of loyalty to the other side of that piece of legislation. That's more prone to occur in a large office," he says. Dave Hill, partner and co-founder of the firm, says the addition of Sokalski and subsequent rebranding represents a new beginning for what was known two years ago as Hill Abra Dewar (prior to Doug Abra receiving a Court of Queen's Bench judge appointment). "[Our firm] had a lot of good will and our lawyers were well known. That's why we decided to bring in a senior person like Sokalski. He's a very good lawyer, I've seen him in action. He's certainly Canada Law BookNew! MEEHAN & SHARPE on Appellate Advocacy DVD Eugene Meehan, Q.C. and The Honourable Robert J. Sharpe How to develop an 'appealing' case With this video you'll get tips on written and oral advocacy and expert advice on how to triumph on appeal. Features winning techniques and strategies and identifies common pitfalls. Learn how to: • write an effective appellate factum • construct a compelling argument • improve your oral advocacy skills • marshal the facts and law for a successful case This 'how-to-win-an-appeal' video is an excellent guide to the essentials before an appellate court. Also includes tips on appealing board decisions useful in: • Labour Law • Human Rights • Provincial, Federal and Territorial Tribunals ORDER your copy today DVD • Approx 30 minutes Approx $165 • November 2009 P/C 0765150001 ISBN 978-0-88804-496-9 canadalawbook.ca MERGING TRADITION WITH TECHNOLOGY For a 30-day, no-risk evaluation call: 1.800.565.6967 Canada Law Book is a Division of The Cartwright Group Ltd Prices subject to change without notice, to applicable taxes and shipping & handling. 10 NO VEMBER / DECEMBER 2009 www. C ANADIAN Law ye rmag.com Meehan & Sharpe_Video (CL 1-3sq).indd 1 10/28/09 10:14:49 AM CL1109 a popular and unique personality. He knows a lot of people and other lawyers in Manitoba and Canada wide, that's always attractive," he says. Sokalski, whose involvement in sports goes back to his childhood, says he will release an updated version of his "rookie card" — his business card featuring a picture of him playing intramural hockey at the University of Manitoba while a third-year law student (complete with CCM Super Tacks skates and Cooperall pants). To complete the deal, Sokalski says Hill had to send over "not one but two boxes of hockey tape" in return. Sokalski says he enjoyed his time at Pitblado and has no hard feelings about his departure. In fact, none of the non-litigation work he has attracted over the years will be moving with him. "I'm telling my clients to keep the work [at Pitblado]. They have tremendous people there who I'd prefer would service my files and clients outside the world of litigation," he says. — GEOFF KIRBYSON gmkirbyson@shaw.ca MOVES AND SHAKES IS ONLINE If you or anyone in your firm has made a move, won recent accolades, or done anything else noteworthy that should be shared with your colleagues across the country, let us know. E-mail your moves and shakes to moves@ clbmedia.ca. We'll be updating the web site daily, so keep your eyes on www.canadianlawyermag.com to see what your friends and colleagues are up to.