Canadian Lawyer

12 J U L Y 2 0 1 5 w w w . C A N A D I A N L a w y e r m a g . c o m W hen 95-year-old Con- stance Isherwood, British Columbia's oldest practising female lawyer stood at the University of British Columbia's podi- um receiving her honorary doctorate in a late May ceremony, she reminded attending law students that they were graduating in a significant year. It marked the 800th anniversary of the signing of the 1215 Magna Carta, a foundation document for human rights. "King John had to submit," she said as the document laid down rights for the barons. It also marked the evolu- tion of a legal process where no one today is considered above the law whether it is church, unions, corpora- tions, Parliament, or royalty. "It has been so for 800 years and we look to you to see the spirit of the Magna Carta will prevail," she said. In the same egalitarian spirit, Isher- wood said, in an interview with Cana- dian Lawyer, that it was important for lawyers to be seen as accessible. "You need to be approachable. Sometimes lawyers can be abrupt; they are formi- dable people," she said, adding with her trademark wit, "I've heard it said people are as reticent about going to a lawyer as going to a dentist." She encouraged lawyers to let clients talk about their concerns. "You are a bit of psychologist as well as a lawyer." It will pay off in the long run with a loyal clientele. Isherwood began as legal secretary Constance Holmes to Victoria lawyer Ernest Tait, who became her mentor and encouraged her in 1948 to pursue law. "Jobs were hard to come by," she said, adding she was already doing a lot of research and helping Tait in his law practice. She spent a year upgrading at a college near UBC and then enrolled in law, becoming one of eight women in a class of 200 men. Her reputation for immaculate notes and following up on unanswered questions earned her the nickname "Sherlock." When she graduated in 1951, Holmes became the first woman to receive the law society's gold award recognizing the student with the highest grade point average. She returned to Tait's practice, worked for him for two years before he died and then took over the business. A fellow law graduate from her class, B.C.'s oldest practising female lawyer honoured \ AT L A N T I C \ C E N T R A L \ W E S T REGIONAL WRAP-UP Get expert insight on the legislation and case law impacting roads, streets, and highways. This classic resource offers a practical approach to 41 key road principles in Ontario. For each principle, you'll find a concise explanation and the historical background as well as the most recent cases and a review of the Municipal Act, 2001. New in this edition • Eight new road principles – Private Access Roads – "Seasonally Maintained" Roads – Road Easements: The 40 Year Shelf Life under the Registry Act – Letters of Credit: Municipal Services – "Improved Roads" Surveys – Public Lands Act: Roads Under – Local Roads Boards: Roads Administered By – Road Allowances: Mistakes When Opening • References to new legislation • Recent judicial decisions • Two new chapters Turn to Russell on Roads, 3rd Edition, and you'll understand the issues, prepare for the problems, get immediate access to the case law, and make sense of it all with clear commentary. Faced with a road problem in Ontario? New Edition Russell on Roads, 3rd Edition W.D. (Rusty) Russell, Q.C. Order # 986453-65203 $106 Softcover approx. 450 pages April 2015 978-0-7798-6453-9 Shipping and handling are extra. Price(s) subject to change without notice and subject to applicable taxes. 00227AS-A47722 Available risk-free for 30 days Order online: www.carswell.com Call Toll-Free: 1-800-387-5164 In Toronto: 416-609-3800

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