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ASSOCIATES Is it tough to always face the doom and gloom of environmental issues? "It can be demoralizing," says Wilkins. "These are serious issues. But you also see progress. That's uplifting and fulfill- ing." All the staff have a very positive outlook, he adds. "We think changes can be made so that we won't have doomsday scenarios take place. I sin- cerely believe that if we take strong, im- mediate action on climate change, for example, we can significantly reduce the harm that we're going to otherwise experience." To that end, Wilkins is helping with a judicial review application, taking the federal government to court in an attempt to force some action on greenhouse gases. "There is legislation which the government is not comply- ing with," he explains, referring to the Kyoto Protocol Implementation Act that was recently passed. "We want a declaration indicating that the govern- ment has not complied with the law. We also want an order of mandamus to force them to redo their climate change plan and set out measures to meet our Kyoto obligations. Yes, it will be difficult to meet those obligations. But right now we're not even making best efforts." It's going to be costly to adapt to cli- mate change, he adds. "And we're going to have to adapt because we can't stop it. All we can do is mitigate the sever- ity." Some say global warming would be beneficial for Canada, but Wilkins doesn't buy it. "I've seen editorials claiming that Canada will benefit from global warming because there will be more farmland. But we'll have boreal forests dying, droughts, and severe weather." Wilkins is trying to do his bit as a private citizen to reduce emissions. "I don't drive a Hummer," he says. "I drive a hybrid." Still, there are down- sides. "It is better not to drive at all," he admits. "Cars take a lot of resources to produce. And hybrids have big batter- ies. The disposal of those batteries is another issue. Batteries are full of bad stuff." File that under "you just can't win." Wilkins loves his work and has no regrets about leaving Bay Street. "The work there was good but it wasn't as fulfilling for me as doing public-inter- est work. The lure of golden handcuffs wasn't strong for me. My interests led me here, and I really enjoy it. There's no crappy part to my job." His advice for aspiring environmen- tal lawyers? "Get some experience in Cromwell. T.•Effective Written Advocacy 1/14/08 10:16 AM Page 1 advocacy, especially on environment- related issues," he says. "There are vol- unteer opportunities here at Ecojus- tice." Public-interest environmental law is a small area, he adds. But there's al- ways industry-defence work for law- yers. After all, the cement factory will have its own advocate arguing for why it's okay to burn tires and offal. It re- mains to be seen who will win. EFFECTIVE WRITTEN ADVOCACY Compiled by: The Honourable Justice Thomas A. Cromwell With contributions by: The Honourable Justice Marshall Rothstein, The Honourable John I. Laskin, The Honourable Justice Stephen Goudge, The Honourable Justice Thomas A. Cromwell, The Honourable Justice Paul Perell, Gregory J. Fitch, Q.C., John B. Laskin, David Stratas, Benjamin Zarnett, Stephen Armstrong Canada's top practitioners, writing experts and experienced judges explain what works and what doesn't Effective Written Advocacy brings together the wisdom of Canada's top practitioners, writing experts and judges to guide you on how to write powerfully and persuasively for your audience. Practical tips and illustrations are included. Commentary and annotations identify problems and provide solutions to make your written arguments clear and persuasive. With this book you will learn: • tips to improve the strength of your legal writing • how to take your writing from factual to persuasive • what works and what doesn't from a judge's perspective • how to anticipate and address the court's concerns in your writing • how to design your written submissions so the judge can tell, at a glance, how you plan to argue your case and what law applies • how to structure your writing to be as persuasive as possible No other resource includes this kind of expertise, insight and practical guidance under one cover. See for yourself. Order your copy of Effective Written Advocacy today! *Authors' royalties will be donated to the Honourable Marvin Catzman Bursary fund. Hardbound • Approx. 160 pp. • March 2008 • Approx. $90 • P/C 0196010001 • ISBN 978-0-88804-468-6 For a 30-day, no-risk evaluation call: 1 800 263 2037 or 1 800 263 3269 For a 30-day, no-risk evaluation call: 1 800 263 2037 or 1 800 263 3269 www.canadalawbook.ca Canada Law Book is A Division of The Cartwright Group Ltd. • Free Shipping on pre-paid orders. Prices subject to change without notice, and to applicable taxes. CL0208 www. C ANADIAN Law ye rmag.com FEBRU AR Y 2008 19