Canadian Lawyer

w w w . C A N A D I A N L a w y e r m a g . c o m J U L Y 2 0 1 6 9 \ AT L A N T I C \ C E N T R A L \ W E S T REGIONAL WRAP-UP effects of hourly billing, stating it has "negative consequences on lawyers' work- life balance and health. The 'race for hours' means that lawyers must make difficult choices between family, health, and work. In the long term, these dynamics can have repercussions on lawyers' physical and mental health." The report also found "this business model where results are under- valued in relation to hours worked and billed is particularly penalizing women," who represent two-thirds of all new mem- bers. Its culture of "devotion to work" also clashes with the "values and expectations" of younger generations." While baby boomers are generally used to and comfortale with hourly billing, 46 per cent of young practitioners in big firms say they cannot keep up the pace imposed by the system for more than five years. According to PAMBA's 2012-2013 fig- ures, the group that requires the most help is 22- to 35-year-olds, who are under most pressure to reach billable-hour targets. The barreau report promotes the migration from hourly billing to a model better suit- ed to modern legal practice. Cadieux notes the generally bad image of lawyers in the media is also a factor, reports the Journal de Montréal. A recent controversy illustrates the point. It involved the censorship of a standup comedy skit during a popular comedy gala by the insurance company of the organizers. The company's lawyers said the skit was too provocative and risked lawsuits. The law- yers were labelled party-poopers by many a commentator in legacy media as well as social media. The comedians claimed their freedom of speech had been violated. In the eyes of the public, lawyers impose high fees, lack humour, cause delays in the administration of justice, and are either too aggressive or too cautious, only acting in their own interests. In the court of public opinion, they are damned if they do and damned if they don't. A recent INFRAS poll of 1,000 Que- beckers shows 45 per cent have a negative opinion of the legal system, 52 per cent do not believe court decisions are fair, and only 51 per cent trust lawyers. Part of the blame should be borne by lawyers them- selves, wrote lawyer and La Presse op-ed contributor Mélanie Dugré in a recent column that reported the poll numbers. The bellicose culture of legal practice has to change, she says. The younger gener- ation is much more aware of the need to be civil and more collaborative. However, she says that work conditions and articling positions are deteriorating, according to another poll of the young bar association's members, which does not help the imple- mentation of a less confrontational, less stressful environment. In that context, members will welcome the announcement by the barreau that it will actively promote paid articling pos- itions and that it will review professional training at the École du Barreau in order to better prepare students for the realities of law practice. — PASCAL ELIE pascalelie636@gmail.com CONNECT WITH IN-HOUSE COUNSEL COLLEAGUES AT LEXPERT.CA/CCCA Check out in-house counsel's best networking tool! The 2015/16 Lexpert CCCA/ACCJE Directory & Yearbook online edition is a user-friendly, outstanding key resource for all in-house counsel. Access more than 4,000 listees, more than 1,900 organizations, find fresh editorial content, and information on deals and links to important resources. ANYWHERE. ANYTIME. ANY DEVICE. Untitled-2 1 2016-06-14 3:48 PM Our cases have changed the law. Consider referring your client to us. Untitled-1 1 2016-03-22 7:41 AM

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