I also help create strategies and story ideas for law firms and legal departments, and I train lawyers to write in plain English that people want to read. I’ve created this site to showcase thoughts and opinions about law and the business of law, as well as providing a resource for law firms, legal departments, and their marketers interested in my services.
What I offer is a unique skill set that will help you take your firm to new levels of clarity, accessibility, and media exposure. With 25 years of experience as a legal affairs journalist, and 17 years of experience as a practicing trial lawyer, my deep understanding of both environments enables me to translate complex legalese into plain yet elegant English. I can produce your content myself; I can also train your lawyers to write in simple English that anyone can understand, and assist in placing and pitching your stories to the media.
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Decision dispels controversy about whether Gladue principles apply to trial process By Julius Melnitzer | September 30, 2022 The Ontario Court of Appeal has ruled that trial judges may consider an accused’s Indigeneity in determining whether their criminal records are admissible in cross-examination. “This is an important and helpful legal precedent on an issue that […]
Gavin MacKenzie says interim orders in disciplinary proceedings are meant to protect the public By Julius Melnitzer | September 28, 2022 A Law Society of Ontario tribunal has allowed a lawyer accused of having clients send firm funds to his personal account to continue practising in-house for a family corporation until his case is decided […]
With the value of the land exceeding the collective worth of some units, usage may increase, says Craig Garbe By Julius Melnitzer | September 27, 2022 Condominiums, albeit a relatively new legal phenomenon, are showing their age. The value of the land on some older developments now exceeds the collective worth of the individual units. “It […]
By Julius Melnitzer | September 21, 2022 The Federal Court of Appeal has ruled that a Halifax restaurant must include a portion of the electronic gratuities intended for wait staff as “pensionable salary and wages” when calculating its liabilities under the Canada Pension Plan. The Federal Court of Appeal has ruled that a Halifax restaurant […]
Michelle Psutka of Scott Fenton Barristers By Julius Melnitzer | September 19, 2022 The Ontario Court of Appeal has ruled that the strip search of a male accused in the presence of a female officer did not violate the accused’s Charter rights because the search took place in “exigent circumstances.” “The Court of Appeal’s reasons […]
Bennett Jones’ Talia Bregman says termination clauses are especially ripe for review By Julius Melnitzer | September 8, 2022 It’s time for Ontario employers to review their employment contracts comprehensively – and the sooner, the better. “If an employment contract, particularly one based on a standard form, has not been updated in the last six […]