University of Toronto Professor and Schwartz Reisman Chair in Technology and Society (and recent co-recipient of the David Mundell Medal for Legal Writing) Gillian Hadfield speaks with Julie about the myriad challenges facing the legal profession. Their conversation touches on finding a sustainable economic solution to the affordability crisis in law, access to justice, and pressures for the expansion of legal service models and deregulation. How can the lawyers of tomorrow refocus on client needs and interests, rather than the protection of the profession?

Related links:

Gillian’s book, Rules for a Flat World (Oxford University Press)

Gillian on Twitter

Gillian’s blog on why legal aid and pro bono will not solve the A2J problem

Utah Supreme Court creates a new Regulatory “Sand Box” (2Civility)

Jordan Furlong’s (upcoming podcast guest) blog on the potential end of lawyer control over regulation (Slaw)

In Other News:

In other news: a Law Society of Ontario meeting last week made some important decisions, including a new strategic plan; the American Bar Association recently had a heated fight over a motion to open the door to new models for legal practice in the U.S.; and lastly, ICYMI, a recent article in The Star outlines the story of how NSRLP got started, its initiatives over the years, and our new #Justice4All funding campaign – we encourage you to read and share this article as widely as you can. And please consider making a donation – every dollar helps!

“Law Society’s 4-year plan: Avoid rules that are inappropriate or blown out of proportion” (Law Times)

“ABA Poised for Heated Fight Over Resolution on Access to Justice” (Bloomberg Law)

“To increase access to justice, regulatory innovation should be considered, ABA House says” (ABA Journal)

“She’s helped hundreds of Canadians represent themselves in court. This year, she’s making sure the work ‘outlives me'” (The Star)

Jumping Off the Ivory Tower is produced and hosted by Julie Macfarlane and Dayna Cornwall; production and editing by Sikandar Saleem; Other News produced and hosted by Ali Tejani; promotion by Moya McAlister and Ali Tejani.

One thought on “It’s Not About You

  1. sandra olson says:

    may i once again,, suggest that a single payer system be instituted for the legal system, And it needs an independent regulatory system,, In fact, any self regulated organization is not regulated, A single payer system will take care of all issues, put standards in place, and make the legal system accountable to the people they serve, anything less will not,

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