Remember that time, not so long ago, when we were all stuck at home and couldn't see each other in person? We did our best, zooming and socializing online, but eventually, we all wanted those real-life connections again. And then it hit us—what better way to gather safely outdoors than with a round of GOLF?! And just like that, the annual TLOMA golf tournament was born!

Even that first year, when a little rain tried to dampen our spirits, we didn't let it! We powered through and went ahead with our backup "rain date"—something practically unheard of for golf tournaments! But here we are now, four years in, and TLOMA's annual golf tournament is still going strong.

This event is your chance to enjoy the outdoors, hit the links, and network with your colleagues or meet new people.

So, come join us on June 12th for our 4th Annual Golf Tournament! There are incredible prizes up for grabs, delicious food, and let's not forget about that margarita truck waiting for you at hole 4!

For more information about participating in the tournament or sponsorship opportunities, please reach out to one of the golf committee members or register here. Let's make this year's tournament the best one yet!

All skill levels are welcome!

Here are some testimonials from the 2023 golf tournament:

"Really enjoyed the golf tournament last year. It was a great opportunity to get away from the office for the day and spend time with the business partners Malcolm Holtzberg and Andrew Brown from Record Express. We had a lot of laughs, and I am excited to attend the tournament this year! Thank you TLOMA for putting on such a fun day."
Tanya Postma, CHRL, Chief Administrative Officer, Smith Valeriote Law Firm LLP

"Every year, TLOMA does such a fantastic job hosting their golf tournament! As a multi-year Eagle sponsor, our team has nothing but positive things to say about the tournament - from the networking opportunities, the brand visibility, and the TLOMA teams collaboration, the event is always highly enjoyed from a Facility Plus standpoint."
Alicia Levy, Manager - Transformation and Corporate Strategy, Facility Plus

May is here — blooming with the full splendor of spring and radiating an uplifting energy that encourages us to relish every blossoming tree and bright, sunny day!

It's a month of colorful renewal, continued growth, and the heartwarming promise of sunny days ahead.

Let TLOMA and our upcoming events add to your sunshine, renewal and growth. Here's a summary of our upcoming events:

• The Professional Development seminar held on May 8^th covering generative AI; how can we use AI to boost our personal productivity and our wellbeing at the same time, and how can average people already use this to make our lives easier?  Join us for an informative and educational event.
• May 15 - TLOMA Technology SIG - Microsoft Copilot: Leverage The Power Of AI To Optimize Your Firm - Microsoft Copilot is a cutting-edge assistant that can help you create, edit, improve your meeting efficiency, and reclaim your time to optimize your legal practice
• May 28 - TLOMA MARKETING SIG - Enhancing Your Firm's Online Presence: Mastering Branding and Online Reviews - Join us for an insightful one-hour session where we delve into the intricacies of building and maintaining a strong online presence through effective branding and review management strategies.
• Don't forget to participate in the TLOMA 2024 Compensation Surveys; the deadline is May 31st.  You can contact Normandin Beaudry to participate.  Survey results will be released in September.
• Our annual Golf tournament will be held on June 12^th, at Royal Woodbine Golf Club.  AI will probably not help you hit that tiny white ball, LOL.    
  
  Lastly, don’t forget to register for the conference!

The 2024 Conference Committee is gearing up for another exciting TLOMA Annual Conference, set to take place from September 25th to 28th at the Niagara Falls Convention Centre.

This year's conference theme, "Innovate, Collaborate, Elevate," encapsulates our shared vision of pushing boundaries, fostering collaboration, and striving for excellence in our legal and business endeavors. We are excited to present a lineup of speakers who will inspire and provide practical insights for navigating today's ever-evolving landscape.

From the thought-provoking keynote address by Sarah McVanel to the engaging Special Interest Group (SIG) sessions, attendees will have the opportunity to delve into innovative strategies, harness the power of collaboration, and elevate their best practices. Additionally, our highly anticipated trade show will showcase the latest products and services designed to enhance your professional toolkit.

We are delighted to return to the breathtaking Niagara Falls, providing the perfect backdrop for meaningful connections and enriching experiences. Take advantage of our Early Bird registration rate, available until May 31, 2024, by registering using the link below:

Don't miss out on this opportunity to reconnect with colleagues, gain valuable insights, and take your professional journey to new heights. Your presence at the Conference will undoubtedly contribute to its success and make it a truly enriching experience for all.

Businesses are hiring more and more remote workers since the pandemic transformed the way we work. Millions of professionals have the option of choosing where to work from, especially since workers were as productive – or more – working remotely, according to an Owl Labs study.   

Regardless of how you’ve managed remote work arrangements so far, if it’s to be a part of your long-term vision for your firm, then you need to make sure it’s optimized and secure. Remote working capability is dependent on the implementation of a comprehensive strategy for cloud services delivery. Remote workers need to be able to do their work easily and in a cyber-secure environment. Any obstacles will prevent them from staying productive, which is why the right remote access solution is so important.

Microsoft’s Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) solution is a great tool for small to midsize law firms and is intended to help improve your costs and productivity, especially for remote or hybrid companies. This Microsoft technology is used to create a virtualized desktop, enabling users to access Windows remotely from any of their devices, giving employees the freedom to access their desktop and software suite from any location, at any time¹.

Main advantages of Azure Virtual Desktop

Traditionally, virtual desktop solutions may have been challenging for organizations to set up and manage because of the cost and complexity. However, the development of AVD has helped to improve the ease and affordability of virtual desktops, bringing many advantages to companies and its users.

* Simple deployment and scale on-demand

Partnering with an IT provider such as TELUS Fully Managed, can help you facilitate the setup, configuration and management of the virtual desktop. The system limits the need for infrastructure necessary to run and manage a virtual workforce and it can be easily scaled up or down to meet the needs of your firm.

* Efficiency and flexibility

AVD’s technologies can help create structural freedom and help you increase workplace flexibility, allowing your staff to remotely complete work, and can also help improve productivity by being able to adapt to their schedule.

* Optimized user experience

The remote connection application can offer a superior virtualized experience, within the only solution that is fully optimized for Windows 10, Microsoft 365, Windows Server desktop and application virtualization, for any devices from any internet-connected location. It also has the ability to enable remote app streaming for employees and customers. It offers seamless integration with Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise and Microsoft Teams, so employees can enjoy the same benefits they expect from desktop experiences.

* Improved cybersecurity

Like any other business, law firms rely on computers to help with communication, record-keeping, scheduling and the storage of data. Protecting clients' confidential information is one of the foremost responsibilities for any lawyer. Law firms often face elevated risks, influenced by the nature of their legal specialization, the sensitivity of the data they handle and the complexity of their network infrastructure.

To help you effectively maintain cybersecurity is by implementing measures that build a culture of best practices within your legal firm, such as strong password practices or regular cyber training, in combination with a range of carefully chosen technologies such as AVD.

Microsoft takes cybersecurity seriously. Azure has many compliance certifications, backed by its USD 1 billion annual investment in cybersecurity research and development. The platform includes built-in Azure security capabilities and is integrated with the security and management of Microsoft 365.

If you’d like to get more insights into the Canadian cybersecurity landscape and how this affects your law firm, as well as learn actionable strategies to help protect your firm, clients and staff against cyber threats, download our complimentary cybersecurity guide.

* Usage-based payments can result in higher Return On Investment (ROI)

The 2021 Forrester study "The total economic impact of Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop" shows that companies can have up to 210 per cent return on investment and a pay-back in three months. With Azure Virtual Desktop, you can often save by using existing licences, leveraging a cloud-based Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) to pay only for what your firm uses‌ and modernizing the infrastructure using the products that are already in the toolkit.

AVD can help you to impact your bottom line by minimizing infrastructure costs and reducing your reliance on expensive desktop computers. Additionally, centralization, as opposed to many hardware pieces, can help to mitigate costs when updates and necessary maintenance are required.

How TELUS Business can help

TELUS Fully Managed is a Microsoft-certified Solutions Partner and can help maximize the efficiency of your workforce, add layers of security, save your organization money and much more.

One of the easiest ways to implement, maintain‌ and ensure your virtual desktop technology reaches its potential, is with the help of a professional IT managed services provider. Our team can provide a cloud strategy that takes all of your firm’s needs into account. See how we helped JFK Law modernize operations with cloud-based applications.

If you’re ready for a chat, you can request a callback to learn more about how your company can benefit from Managed IT services, including Microsoft Azure’s Virtual Desktop.

As a lawyer in Ontario, a key set of forms that you must comply with are the "Form 9" documents. These forms, found under By-Law 9, range from A through E and cover various aspects of trust account management and real estate transactions. Let’s discuss the various Form 9 documents and the purpose they serve.

Form 9A: Electronic Trust Transfer Requisition

Among the Form 9 series, the one that you are likely most familiar with, as it is the one most used, is the Form 9A. Lawyers are required by the Law Society to complete a Form 9A before initiating any electronic fund transfers from their mixed trust account – such as e-transfers or wires.

Its significance lies in providing essential transaction details similar to those commonly found on a physical cheque. These details include: the amount to be transferred, client/matter references, reason for transfer, details of trust account to be debited, the recipient’s name, along with signatures from the person requisitioning and authorizing the transfer. Without these specifics, the ambiguity of the electronic transactions on bank statements are insufficient for posting bookkeeping entries or for auditing purposes.

In other words, completed Form 9A’s help your bookkeeper in their duties. They also help lawyers demonstrate they are properly administering client trust funds and that they are following LSO regulations, as these reports are required to be presented when being audited by the Law Society.

For more information on the Form 9A, click here.

Form 9B: Authorization of Withdrawal by Teranet

The Form 9B is an authorization form used by real estate lawyers to allow Teranet (the provider of Ontario's electronic land registration system) to withdraw funds directly from the lawyer's “special” trust account to pay for land transfer tax and registration fees. A Form 9B gives Teranet the necessary access to the lawyer's trust account to facilitate these electronic payments. The Form 9B must be completed before authorizing Teranet to withdraw funds. They must then compare the confirmation with the authorization record to verify the withdrawal.

This form streamlines the real estate transaction process and ensures required government fees are paid in a timely manner.

Click here for more information on the Form 9B.

Form 9C: Electronic Trust Transfer Requisition (Closing Funds)

The 9C is an Electronic Trust Transfer Requisition used specifically to request the electronic transfer of closing funds from a lawyer's trust account to complete a real estate transaction. Prior to the transfer, the electronic trust transfer requisition must be signed by the licensee or an authorized individual with signing authority on the respective trust account. The electronic transfer must produce immediate confirmation of the fund transfer. The confirmation of the transfer should include essential details such as account names, account numbers, and the date of transfer.

Click here for more information on the Form 9C.

Form 9D: Investment Authority

The 9D is required for private mortgage transactions. It provides (1) written instructions from the investor to the lawyer on how to handle the mortgage investment, (2) specific details of the mortgage investment and (3) cautions the investor that they are responsible for assessing the financial merits of the investment.

The Form 9D helps reduce the risk of miscommunication and protects the lawyer's professional liability insurance coverage.

Click here for more information on the Form 9D.

Form 9E: Report on the Investment

Finally, a Form 9E is a report on the investment that a lawyer must complete for private mortgage transactions. This ensures documented communication between the lawyer and client and is part of the LSO's efforts to protect the public and reduce insurance claims.

Click here for more information on the Form 9E.

Conclusion

In summary, Forms 9A, 9B and 9C are sometimes individually referred to as “The Intention” as they signify your planned actions and should be filled out before starting the relevant transaction withdrawals. These documents should then be saved with each “Execution”, the confirmation report that verifies that you followed through on your intended actions as stated.

Forms 9D and 9E relate specifically to private mortgages. Together, they show communication between the investor and the lawyer, facilitating the mortgage transaction process while ensuring legal compliance and transparency.

The Form 9 series of documents play a critical role in helping Ontario lawyers with managing their trust funds efficiently while also they ensure lawyers meet their regulatory obligations around trust accounting, real estate transactions, and private mortgage investments.

In the first installment of our series on data minimization strategies for law firms, we explored the foundational principles and the pressing need for implementing these practices within cloud environments. We highlighted the significance of regular audits, strict access controls, and the strategic deployment of encryption to protect sensitive information. We also looked at the new problems law firms are dealing with because of changes in how cloud storage is priced. These changes make it important for law firms to find flexible ways to use less data. This helps keep costs low while making sure the data is safe and follows the law.

As we transition into the second part of our series, we aim to move from the conceptual framework to the practical application of data minimization strategies within law firms. This section provides a step-by-step guide for law firms. It shows how to build a firm culture that focuses on using less data, use technology to manage data better, and deal with the rules and regulations around data use. We will also look at the challenges and considerations when putting these strategies into practice. We'll discuss how to find the right balance between using data effectively and using less of it, how to deal with limits in technology and resources, and how to encourage changes within the organization. By addressing these aspects, law firms can advance towards achieving a holistic and effective data minimization strategy that not only complies with legal requirements but also supports their operational goals and client service excellence.

Continual data reduction strategies in cloud platforms

For law firms to keep up with the practice of using less data in the cloud, they need to regularly check and review their data. This means constantly looking at what data they have to see if it's still needed, identifying any data that's no longer useful or necessary, and following rules on how long to keep data before safely getting rid of it. Doing these regular checks helps law firms work more efficiently, keep their data safe, and manage their data better in the cloud.

In the context of cloud environments, enforcing data access restrictions and utilizing encryption are critical for safeguarding sensitive information. By assigning data access selectively, based on the roles of users and following the principle of minimal privilege, legal practices can substantially lower the likelihood of unauthorized data exposure and security breaches. Encryption is a key protection method, ensuring that, in the event of unauthorized data access, the information remains secure.

With the shift of law firms towards cloud-based data storage and management, they are introduced to a unique set of challenges concerning data handling. In particular, providers of Document Management Systems (DMS) and other cloud services are revising their pricing structures to incorporate data usage limits, a strategy aimed at offsetting their expenses related to offering cloud storage services. These changes have an immediate effect on legal practices. Firms are now pushed to find flexible ways to reduce data and avoid extra fees for going over data limits. To adapt to these evolving conditions, law firms need to be agile in their approach to data reduction, including checking their rules on how long to keep data regularly. They need to frequently check the data they have and remove any that's not needed for business or legal reasons.

While it's important to use less data, doing so can be tricky as firms try to meet legal standards and work efficiently at the same time. What these firms really need is a clear plan that helps them improve how they manage their data.

Strategies for enacting data minimization

Fostering an environment that prioritizes data minimization is an important first step towards its effective application within a law firm. This includes educating employees on the significance of minimizing data, promoting data handling practices that are cautious and mindful, and integrating the principles of data minimization into both the firm's policy frameworks and its daily routines. Using technology can be of importance here, as it lets law firms use tools that automatically sort, keep, and delete data following set rules. Advancements in this type of technology considerably reduce the labor-intensive aspects of maintaining data minimization protocols and ensure these rules are applied consistently across all types of data.

Law firms intent on crafting and executing a data minimization blueprint can follow a structured, actionable plan as outlined below:

• Data inventory evaluation: Execute a thorough audit to map out all data storage locations within the firm, organizing data based on its nature, level of sensitivity, and compliance obligations.

• Data minimization policy creation: Formulate precise policies regarding the collection, storage, access, and deletion of data that align with both legal mandates and organizational necessities.

• Employee training and awareness: Conduct educational sessions to inform employees about the importance of data minimization and the details of the firm’s specific procedures.

• Implementation of data tagging: Mark all data with classification labels to streamline the identification of data eligible for minimization as per the firm's guidelines.

• Technological solutions implementation: Use automated systems that help enforce rules for using less data. These include tools for regular data checks and finding data that's no longer needed or useful.

• Ongoing review and modification of practices: Regularly reevaluate data minimization procedures to ensure they remain compliant with changing legal standards and shifts in business operations.

• Collaboration with cloud providers: Talk with cloud service providers to understand the details of how data is stored and the limits involved. Work on agreements that support your firm's goals to use less data.

• Monitoring and compliance enforcement: Set up a system for constant monitoring and reporting to improve adherence to the data minimization policy, quickly fixing any problems or differences from the plan.

• Feedback loops and progressive refinement: Ask employees for their thoughts on how to use less data and constantly look for ways to improve this approach.

This guide is no way one-size-fits all but aims to help law firms tackle the challenge of setting up a data minimization strategy in a structured and effective way. It highlights key parts of creating a strategy, from the first steps of assessing data to making continuous improvements. This ensures law firms handle their data correctly, keeping in line with legal rules and standards. Although this type of roadmap offers valuable guidance for data minimization initiatives, the path to effectively doing so is full of obstacles like technology limits and people within the firm resisting change. Understanding these challenges and important factors is crucial for law firms trying to successfully navigate data reduction, which helps adhere to compliance regulations and work more efficiently.

Obstacles and key factors in data minimization initiatives

The process of integrating data minimization tactics within legal practices is not without specific hurdles and critical factors that must be carefully managed. Here are some of the primary challenges and considerations that law firms need to navigate in order to successfully reduce data volumes while ensuring compliance and maintaining operational effectiveness:

• Equilibrium between data reduction and utility: Legal firms are tasked with the delicate act of minimizing data to mitigate risks and diminish costs, all while preserving sufficient data to competently serve clients and fulfill legal mandates.
• Adherence to diverse regulations: Trying to meet many privacy laws in different places makes reducing data more complicated. Law firms need a well-thought-out plan to make and follow rules that deal with these complexities.
• Constraints of technology and resources: The adoption of data minimization strategies frequently requires substantial investments in technology and personnel training, posing challenges for firms with restricted budgets.
• Organizational resistance to change: People within a firm often resist new rules, which can impede the start of data minimization efforts. This shows how important it is to have a plan for encouraging a workplace culture that values keeping data private and safe.
• Data accuracy and accessibility maintenance: As law firms work to use less data, they also need to make sure the data they keep is correct, up-to-date, and easy to get to. This is necessary to meet both client needs and legal rules.
• Data security across various platforms: As client information is often dispersed across a multitude of platforms and devices, law firms face the difficult task of achieving thorough data minimization and safeguarding without compromise.
• Monitoring and policy enforcement: Keeping a continuous eye on following data minimization rules and making sure those rules are regularly followed demand significant effort and resources.

By understanding and carefully tackling these challenges, law firms can use data minimization methods more successfully. These methods are crucial for protecting sensitive information, following legal rules, and improving how the firm works.

In wrapping up this second part of our series on data minimization strategies for law firms, we've ventured beyond the foundational concepts into more tangible steps and considerations important for implementing these practices effectively. We've outlined the systematic approach required to not only adopt but also sustain data minimization within the legal sector. From cultivating a data-conscious culture within firms to leveraging technology for data management, we've looked at ways law firms can better protect their data and stay in alignment with data privacy regulations. Additionally, we addressed the many challenges that firms may encounter, including balancing the utility of data with minimization efforts, navigating diverse regulatory landscapes, and overcoming resistance to change.

Our discussion covered the importance of keeping data accurate and easy to access, protecting client data on different platforms, and the continuous effort needed to check on and stick to data minimization rules. These points show how complex and crucial data minimization is for law firms today, with all the digital and legal requirements they face.

As we conclude this segment, it's clear that the journey toward effective data minimization is ongoing, requiring continuous adaptation and refinement. Law firms are encouraged to revisit their strategies regularly, embracing innovation and fostering a culture of privacy and data protection as key components of their operations.

To law firms embarking on or continuing this journey, here is the call to action: prioritize data minimization as a core aspect of your data management and security strategies. Embrace the practical steps outlined, confront the challenges head-on, and remain flexible in your approaches. By doing so, you can safeguard sensitive information, comply with changing legal requirements, and ultimately, support your firm’s operational goals and client service standards.

LegalRM are presenting a series of webinars on this topic. You can register for our first educational masterclass, ‘Optimizing efficiency and cost – Mastering DMS cloud migration strategies’, by clicking here.

If I had a nickel for every time an HR leader told me their employees complained their vision coverage was not enough, I’d have enough to fund your vision plan for 100 years. 

Historically – eyeglasses and lenses have been very expensive, and most group benefit plans include some vision coverage, which helps subsidize the cost. However, the covered amounts haven’t really changed over the years. Employees may have $150 to $200 coverage every 24 months that they can use towards the purchase of frames and lenses. Glasses, though, cost far more than that. So why hasn’t the benefit amount increased? It likely hasn’t increased due to exposure to extremely high claims. If companies offered substantially higher vision coverage, there would be a dollar for dollar increase in claims, which would not help at renewal time.

If the benefit amount is not going to change any time soon, what can your firm do to help your employees? Recent reports show there is a cause for concern because employees are facing many vision and vision care issues, and this is directly correlated to their productivity and health.

Canadians not taking care of their vision

Almost half of Canadians who had vision benefits in 2022 didn’t plan to use their available coverage by the end of that year, says the Canadian Eye Exam Survey by Specsavers. For 2023, the survey reveals that one-in-four Canadians who do not wear corrective lenses have not had an eye exam in at least 10 years, including 10 percent of Canadians who have never had an eye exam. The reasons for not going for an eye exam more frequently include cost (33 percent) and no symptoms of vision loss (22 percent).

In addition, the report says over one-third of Canadians (35 per cent) would only book an eye exam if they experienced vision issues. However, catching eye diseases early through a comprehensive eye exam allows for preventative measures to maintain as much vision as possible. What many don't know is that often eye diseases, such as glaucoma, progress without symptoms in the early stages.

Moreover, time at work may be contributing to vision problems as research now points to prolonged screentime as the cause of or contributor to digital eye strain, dry eye disease, and myopia (nearsightedness).

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that increased screentime and time spent indoors are leading to more people suffering from myopia. The WHO says that by 2050, 50 percent of people worldwide will have myopia.

The kicker is that 75 percent of vision loss is preventable and treatable, and half of Canadians don't know this. Specsavers and the Canadian Council of the Blind say eye exams for those without pre-existing conditions should occur at a minimum of every two years, and every year for Canadians under 18 and over 65.

Employers can play a huge role in prevention

The key to good eye health for the long term is prevention. And employers can play a huge role in preventing vision health issues.

However, if group benefit plans aren’t going to increase vision allowances any time soon, what can Canadian employers do to help their employees?

Employers can start by introducing preferred provider networks – establishing a relationship with a national eyewear company will allow employees to save dollars if they shop at those stores. They can also educate employees on online eyewear companies. These providers might not offer brand-named glasses, but they will keep dollars in employees’ pockets.

The next consideration is removing vision coverage entirely from the benefits plan. If employers increase their vision coverage, they could be penalizing employees that have perfect eyesight. Instead, employers can introduce a health care spending account (HCSA) or increase current allowances. This option adds a tremendous amount of flexibility for all employees.

The addition of eye exam coverage

Finally, since the cost of eye exams seems to be an issue with Canadians, employers should consider changing the eye exam parameters. Most Canadian companies offer a fixed dollar amount towards eye exams every 24 months, perhaps $75 or $100. If employers remove the dollar amount and change it to Reasonable & Customary, they offer far more flexibility to their employees. This means the insurance carrier will approve the exam amount based on the average cost associated within that specific geographical region. If an optometrist charges $100 in Brampton, ON, is that reasonable and customary? If an optometrist charges $150 in Vancouver, BC, is that reasonable and customary?

Improve workplace conditions to prevent eye strain

Employers can also improve conditions within the workplace – whether employees work in the office or at their home office – to help prevent eye strain. Employers can provide information on vision health, encourage workers to have regular eye exams, offer educational interventions, and develop official guidance on safe screen use.

Experts recommend employees should:

~ Limit screen use and take breaks – workers should follow the 20-20-20 rule to reduce
   digital eye strain. They should spend at least 20 seconds looking at something at least
   20 feet away every 20 minutes. Employers can encourage participation by setting
   timers to prompt employees to take a break.
~ Install screen filters or use computer glasses
~ Go outside or just get up from their desk and move around
~ Have their screen(s) at the proper angle to their eyes
~ Move the screen to an angle where they are not straining to look up and keeping their
   eyes open wider
~ Use lubrication drops with no preservatives
~ Have safety measures at work such as protective eyewear or eyewash stations as
   necessary

In a 2021 report, Fighting Blindness Canada and the Canadian Council of the Blind say vision loss cost Canadians $32.9 billion. $6 billion is spent every year on indirect health costs and lost productivity, including reduced workforce participation and productivity, additional time off work due to illness and caretaking, loss of future earnings due to premature mortality, and loss of caregivers’ income.

Employers will benefit from supporting vision health, whether they do that with flexible vision coverage or creating a workplace where vision health is a priority. They can build a culture that shows employees they care, while at the same time increasing productivity and engagement.

In today’s competitive landscape, law firms are under immense pressure to enhance revenue and profitability. Recognizing the potential of data intelligence, a considerable 54% of legal professionals have invested in additional legal tech over the past year. The utilization of tailored data technology solutions presents a significant opportunity for firms to generate a substantial return on investment (ROI) while overcoming organizational resistance.

While the benefits of data intelligence are clear, the process of choosing and integrating the right analytics tools can be daunting for law firms. This is where FP&A consultancy services can lend their industry expertise to your firm’s advantage. By partnering with an experienced consultancy, firms can navigate the technological black box with confidence.

One of the primary advantages of working with an FP&A consultancy is their expertise in identifying critical data sources. These sources span finance data, people data, client engagement data, internal team communications data, and other external sources. Through meticulous analysis, consultants assist firms in pinpointing these key data sources, paving the way for effective data intelligence capabilities.

A common misconception is that firms need pristine data before diving into advanced analytics. However, FP&A consultants advocate for a reverse-engineering mindset. They encourage firms to start by defining focused business questions aligned with their strategic landscape. Whether it's identifying organic client growth opportunities, evaluating cross-collaboration within a client network, or predicting clients at risk of decline, addressing specific business questions provides a clear roadmap for the data analytics process.

With the guidance of FP&A consultants, firms can develop hypotheses aligned with their business objectives. Consultants help firms avoid the pitfall of overwhelming the process by focusing on one or two impactful business questions, leading to early success and smoother implementation. By prioritizing attention and leveraging firm data assets effectively, FP&A consultancy facilitates efficient data intelligence.

FP&A consultants play a crucial role in assisting firms with data discovery. They help determine which data sources are most critical for answering business questions, assessing factors such as quality, completeness, consistency, and maturity. Imperfect data sources are not a barrier; consultants advocate for starting with available data, even if not entirely clean, to extract valuable insights and drive informed decision-making.

Furthermore, FP&A consultancy services aid in fostering a data-driven culture within law firms. By demonstrating actionable insights and tangible business impact, consultants help gain buy-in from key stakeholders. Their expertise in showcasing how new technology can improve work lives is instrumental in winning hearts and minds across the organization.

When scaling data-driven technology, FP&A consultancy provides a thoughtful implementation strategy. Consultants recommend starting with a small group of stakeholders to consume insights and create value, inspiring wider adoption. Engaging system owners, domain experts, and project sponsors ensures accurate interpretation of insights, support from senior leaders, and alignment with business context.

While implementing data intelligence tools, FP&A consultancy advocates for avoiding excessive customization and prioritizing stakeholder involvement from the early stages. Positive engagement fosters adoption and trust in data's value throughout the organization, driving the realization of benefits.

In conclusion, partnering with an FP&A consultancy empowers law firms to unlock the full potential of data intelligence. By leveraging their expertise, firms can gain a competitive edge, enhance competitiveness, and safeguard revenues from future volatility. With the guidance of FP&A consultants, law firms can confidently embrace the future of legal practice and drive sustainable growth.

For law firms striving to maintain high standards while adapting to fast-paced shifts in technology, continuous professional development (CPD) is essential. From online courses to in-house seminars, CPD resources make it easier to stay informed, improve skills, and ensure compliance with the latest industry standards and regulations. This article takes a closer look at the convenient and flexible options designed to help Ontario lawyers fulfill their professional development and credit requirements.

Law Society of Ontario (LSO)

The LSO itself offers a range of free online programs and webcasts that cover various aspects of legal practice. These are designed to help lawyers and paralegals meet their CPD requirements without cost. The programs often include updates on law changes, ethical considerations, and practice management.

Ontario Bar Association (OBA)

While not all resources are free, the OBA frequently hosts free CPD events for its members. These sessions, included in the award winning Mindful Lawyer Series and Inclusive Leader's Series, cover current issues and trends in the legal field by offering insights from seasoned professionals and thought leaders in the industry.

Canadian Bar Association (CBA)

The Canadian Bar Association offers a range of free continuing professional development opportunities for its members. These programs include webinars, interactive workshops, and online courses that cover current legal issues and practice management strategies. They cater to the needs of both new and experienced lawyers, helping them stay informed about important changes in the law while enhancing their practice skills.

Toronto Lawyers Association

The Toronto Lawyers Association (TLA) provides a rich array of free continuing professional development programs to help lawyers expand their expertise in key business aspects of legal practice. The TLA schedules these sessions at convenient times and offers them in various formats—online, live in-person, or hybrid—to ensure accessibility. Importantly, all programs are recorded, allowing members to access the content at a later date through web replays.

Inderly

Inderly’s legal practice management consulting services include staff training sessions that are accredited by the Law Society of Ontario. These sessions are designed to help legal teams adapt to and thrive amidst the technological challenges that modern law firms face. By participating in these sessions, legal professionals can gain practical knowledge and skills that are directly applicable to their daily work.

Other Free CPD Resources

These resources, while not accredited, present opportunities for free legal research and knowledge enhancement.

Canadian Legal Information Institute (CanLII)

CanLII provides free access to a wealth of legal documents and case law. It is an excellent tool for self-directed learning and research. Understanding recent cases and decisions enhances practical knowledge and aids in professional growth.

University Law Libraries

Many university law libraries in Ontario provide free access to legal research resources and workshops. These libraries, such as those at the University of Toronto and York University, often host seminars and training sessions that are open to legal professionals.

Peer Learning

Sometimes overlooked, peer learning forums and networks can be powerful CPD tools. Many local bar associations and legal groups host regular meet-ups and discussions, fostering a collaborative environment where professionals can share knowledge and best practices.

Conclusion

Remember: the goal of CPD is not just to fulfill professional requirements but to foster a culture of continuous improvement and excellence within your firm. By using these resources, law firms in Ontario can ensure that their teams are well-equipped to handle the modern professional demands. Continuous learning and adaptation are key to providing high-quality legal services and maintaining client trust and satisfaction, and free CPD resources make this vital ongoing education accessible to all firms, regardless of size or budget.

If you would like to learn more about CPD resources for law firms as well as IT tools for that can enhance office operations, head to our website for short informational videos.

1. Name of Organization / Company

LawStream by Streamline IT

2. Organization / Company Overview

a) Expertise & Growth –

Streamline IT has provided expert service to a variety of small businesses, for over 15 years. Many of these clients are law firms in the GTA. As Streamline cared for the unique IT needs of their Client Partners in the Legal Community, we saw a need to provide a more customized approach. In 2022, LawStream was born. LawStream offers the experienced service of Streamline IT, tailored for Law Firms.      

b) Service Overview –

Streamline IT provides a Managed IT Service called LawStream for Law Firms. LawStream is cloud-based platform that complies with current regulatory requirements for law firms in Ontario. We provide 24/7 technical support, from an experienced Dedicated Technical Advisor. To help law firms to prepare for growth and upcoming technology needs, an IT strategy expert creates a custom IT roadmap. Cybersecurity planning and monitoring is integral to our infrastructure and service.

1.  How many years have you been a Business Partner of TLOMA?

Streamline IT joined TLOMA in 2022.

2.  What has been your partnership experience with TLOMA over the years?

We’ve been happy to attend the annual TLOMA conference as a Business Partner Sponsors for the two years.

3.  Favorite TLOMA memory?

The Annual Business Partner Dinner is always an exciting event. We particularly enjoyed last October’s ‘Night at the Museum’ themed event. The venue, the Canadian Museum of History, was so unique and elegant. We had a great group at our table, and had fun giving out our prize.

4.  Where was the last place you vacationed?

This winter, my family and I did an Asian Tour. Starting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia we travelled by cruise boat to Singapore, Vietnam and Thailand. Thereafter, we explored Hong Kong, Macao and Guangzhou, China. We ate authentic and delicious food with chopsticks, explored beautiful natural landscapes, and discovered fascinating night markets.

5.  What is your favorite lunch spot during the workweek?

Café Landwer

6.  What was the last movie you saw?

Last movie that I saw in the theatre was Dune: Part Two. Having previously read the book, Denis Villeneuve’s big screen adaptation did not disappoint.

7.  What are your favorite hobbies?

Building things and doing renovations around the house. Like a new backyard shed that my ten-year-old son and I built, last summer.