Canadian Lawyer

48 M A R C H 2 0 1 7 w w w . C A N A D I A N L a w y e r m a g . c o m been hearing back from the profession and the judiciary and believes there's been more of a take-up on offering unbundled services, and as they "continue to educate, we'll see more of it." Sabreena Delhon, manager of The Action Group on Access to Justice, which is funded by the Law Foundation of Ontario and supported by the Law Society of Upper Canada, says that, last year, TAG organized continuing professional development sessions around unbundling and had LawPRO as a speaker to outline the correct way to offer limited-scope retainers. The Nova Scotia Barristers' Society says it "encourages limited- scope retainers" and its Code of Professional Conduct reflects this as well. In its 2015 annual report, the NSBS notes it hosted two work- shops "to increase support and understanding of legal coaching and other innovative law concepts," with Macfarlane as the speak- er for one of those. According to the report, "the participants saw coaching and other legal innovations as valuable approaches to addressing some of the challenges currently experienced by lawyers." Merrill says the research suggests self-reps make trials last longer, which is a drain on already over-burdened resources in the justice system. Schabas agrees, saying one of the hardest things for judges is dealing with unrepresented litigants and "any way in which we can ensure people get representation helps them." "There are some fairly simple things that can be done, but it does require the provincial governments to make some amend- ments to the rule of court," Merrill adds, suggesting a one-page form to make it easier for lawyers to get on and off the record as one example. "Maybe they could try it as a pilot project." While Macfarlane says she increasingly sees unbundling being embraced by family law lawyers, there are concerns because it's a "completely different way to practise than the model of, 'I'll take care of it and send you a bill and a reporting IT'S AMAZING HOW MANY PEOPLE WOULD DO A GOOD JOB OF MOVING CASES FORWARD IF THEY HAD SUPPORT AT KEY MOMENTS. NIKKI GERSHBAIN, Pro Bono Students Canada L E G A L R E P O RT \ FA M I LY L AW Each issue is packed with unbiased in-depth case analyses, valuable strategies, expert insights and a wealth of information that readers to prepare for cases and manage their practice. Your subscription includes: • 11 issues of print and digital editions • Access to digital archives • Canadian Legal Newswire - Weekly e-newsletter delivered to your inbox The ultimate source for today's legal profession! Subscribe to Canadian Lawyer today for only $102*! Order online at: bitly.com/CanLawyer-Subscription 416.609.3800 I 1.800.387.5164 Access a free preview at: bitly.com/CanLawyer-FreePreview @canlawmag *Plus applicable taxes ntitled-2 1 2017-02-15 10:21 AM

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