Latest News

Atomic Energy Canada not ‘immune’ from providing evidence in Chalk River case

Written by Jennifer Brown Posted Date: May 21, 2013

A sign is seen in front of a neutron spectrometer used for fundamental scientific research at the Chalk River nuclear facility. Photo: Chris Wattie/Reuters.

A federal Crown agency is not immune and must comply with letters of request to provide evidence and testimony in foreign proceedings, the Ontario Court of Appeal has ruled.

Back to the future

In-house Coach

Written by Fred Krebs Posted Date: May 20, 2013

While much has changed over the past 20 to 30 years, there is still substantial continuity in the manner in which in-house counsel have contributed to the success of their employers. While the issues change and skills and techniques evolve, many of the basic concepts remain the same.

Diversity in ADR: unfamiliar doesn’t mean inferior

Written by Jennifer Brown Posted Date: May 13, 2013

(l to r) Kathleen Bryan, CPR Institute; David Burt, DuPont; Barry Leon, Perley-Robertson Hill & McDougall LLP; and Sanjeev Dhawan, Hydro One Networks. Photo: Jennifer Brown

In-house counsel may be developing diverse internal departments and asking their external firms to staff with diversity in mind but when it comes to mediation or arbitration, diversity seems not to be on their radar.

B.C. mining company wins $90-million award against former director

Written by Jennifer Brown Posted Date: May 06, 2013

A Vancouver-based company has won what is likely only the first round in a battle with former CEO over Mexican silver mines. (Photo: Shutterstock)

A Vancouver-based mining company has won a $90-million equitable damages award against the former CEO and majority shareholder of its subsidiary for breach of fiduciary duty and self-dealing.

The perils of DIY contract drafting

Written by Murn Meyrick Posted Date: April 29, 2013

Can a butterfly fluttering its wings cause a hurricane on the other side of the world? In other words, can the after effect of a seemingly insignificant event build and build to result in a catastrophic outcome? When it comes to drafting contracts, it seems the answer is yes!

Corporate sponsors should not be considered ‘risk managers’

Written by Jennifer Brown Posted Date: April 29, 2013

The court says sponsors can’t be held accountable for participants’ injuries at sporting event.

Corporate sponsors who put up money to support a sporting event should not be held accountable in the case of an injury involving a participant, according to a recent Ontario Court of Appeal ruling.

JAG offers lessons learned to in-house counsel

Written by Jennifer Brown Posted Date: April 22, 2013

Corporate law departments can learn from the military experience, says Maj.-Gen. Blaise Cathcart. Photo: Jennifer Brown

He wears a uniform and has a legal team that makes decisions about life-and- death scenarios, often on the other side of the world, but Maj.-Gen. Blaise Cathcart says most corporate law departments can adopt his formula for in-house success.

Company’s ‘about face’ on appeal fails with Tax Court

Written by Jennifer Brown Posted Date: April 15, 2013

Cheryl Gibson says Bakorp shows companies need to assess their position before making an objection.

A company’s “180-degree turn” in its approach with the Canada Revenue Agency on a tax appeal demonstrates the need to have a well-developed objection or risk having it rejected.