Bextra Lawyer: Recall for Dangerous Drug

By now you have probably heard about a little drug known as BEXTRA. Just in case you have been out of the loop, it is a medicine that treats the pain and inflammation of arthritis. On April 7, the Food and Drug Administration requested that Pfizer suspend sales of BEXTRA in the United States in light of the FDA's position that there is an increased cardiovascular risk for all prescription non-steroidal anti-inflammatory arthritis medicines, as well as the increased rate of rare, serious skin reactions.

The Bad news.

The bad news is this. If you have been taking Bextra, you have been unknowingly increasing your risk of having cardiovascular complications.

The Good News.

The good news is, not only can you get a refund, in most cases, from your local pharmacy, but you may also have a strong case if you decide to contact a lawyer that specializes in Dangerous Drugs.

If you have taken any kind of dangourous drug, you should never feel guilty about finding out more about your legal options. Research not only the medicine in question, but also alternative medicines so you don’t end up in a similar situation. When you feel comfortable talking about the situation, find a Lawyer specialized in the drug in question. Which in this case would be a Bextra Lawyer.

http://www.hugesettlements.com/articles/Bextra-Lawyer-Recall-Drug.htm

Baycol Lawsuit: Baycol Lawyer Advice

The German pharmaceutical company Bayer AG announced in August of 2001 a voluntary withdrawal of its drug Baycol (cerivastatin) from the US and European markets. Over 31 people have died while taking the drug. They perish of severe muscle breakdown, a rare condition that has been associated with cholesterol-lowering drugs like Baycol. Many of the people to die while using Baycol were also using gemfibrozil, despite warnings about the danger of mixing the two.

Drug recalls are relatively rare, representing less than 3% of drugs that are released into the market. The FDA supported this voluntary recall. Baycol has been used worldwide by over 6 million people, and it will remain on the market in Japan where gemfibrozil is unavailable.

Since statins (cholesteral-lowering drugs) were introduced in the marketplace many physicians noted that patients experienced muscle spasms and pain. In this case of the Baycol tragedies, this muscle soreness progressed to a full-scale breakdown, a condition called rhabdomyolysis. As this muscle tissue breaks down it releases toxic proteins into the bloodstream. When this tainted blood reaches the internal organs it causes kidney failure. Nearly all of the Baycol deaths were caused by kidney failure.

There have been lawsuits filed against Bayer, and rightfully so, for introducing this dangerous and deadly drug into the marketplace. Many of the adverse reactions took place with high dose pills used in conjunction with gemfibrozil, but many people also died while taking small doses of Baycol alone. If you or a loved one has suffered from the use of Baycol, contact an attorney right away.

http://www.hugesettlements.com/articles/baycol-lawyer.htm

Avandia Lawyer: Rezulin-like Symptoms

Avandia, a compound of rosiglitazone maleate, is an oral antidiabetic agent. Avandia pills increase insulin sensitivity for patients with type 2 diabetes, or non-insulin-dependent diabetes. Avandia also improves glycemic control as it reduces the circulation of insulin levels. If diet, exercise, and a single drug are not enough to control blood sugar levels, Avandia can be used in conjunction with another drug.

Avandia is not to be used for type 1 diabetes (juvenile onset diabetes) or diabetic ketoacidosis. It is questionable whether people with heart failure, fluid retention, or active liver disease should take Avandia at all. Since Avandia became available there have been reports of the development of hepatitis (the inflammation of the liver) due to elevated liver enzymes. Patients taking Avandia should have their liver enzymes monitored regularly.

Additionally, Avandia is in the same class of drugs as Rezulin, a very dangerous drug that has been associated with devastating liver injury including liver failure that can only be cured with transplant. Without immediate transplant, many Rezulin liver failures have resulted in death. Because of this close association with a dangerous drug, users of Avandia should be in close contact with a doctor if they notice any symptoms of liver problems such as nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, fatigue, dark urine, or jaundice. Avandia is also very dangerous for pregnant women and their unborn children.

It is also advised, should you suffer adversely from the use of Avandia, to consult a lawyer. The recent proliferation of dangerous drugs into the marketplace is a disturbing trend, and should a drug threaten your health you should be repaid for damages and the drug should be taken off the market.

http://www.hugesettlements.com/articles/avandia-lawyer.htm

Ativan Side Effects: Lorazepan Is Dangerous!

The drug Lorazepan is marketed under the names Alzapam, Ativan, Loraz, Lorazepam, Intensol. Ativan is the safest form of this type of drug because it has less of an effect on the liver than other benzodiazepines, which means that a patient can take it in conjunction with other liver affecting medications like birth control pills, anti-abuse drugs, propranolol, and ulcer medications. However, Ativan also has dangerous side effects. If you or a loved one suffer from any of these harmful side effects, stop taking the drug immediately and contact both a doctor and a lawyer. Drugs are meant to improve your health and wellbeing and if Ativan threatens you or makes you sicker you have a right to take your injuries to court.

Ativan is a mild tranquilizer with many different applications, and depending on how it is used it can cause different side effects. Ativan is commonly used to relieve anxiety, to calm manic schizophrenics, and as an intravenous pre-surgery relaxant. Ativan may also be used to cure such diverse maladies as alcohol withdrawal symptoms, to treat serial seizures in children, to promote amnesia, and to relax the severe vomiting of patients after chemotherapy.

The dangerous side effects of Ativan, however, are just as diverse. Many patients suffer from allergic reactions that manifest in difficulty breathing, closing of the throat, and swollen lips, face, and tongue. Some people develop open sores in the mouth and throat or yellowed skin and eyes or a widespread rash. Some patients even suffer from hallucinations, severe confusion, and changes in vision. As you can imagine, these side effects seriously threaten the quality of life of patients using Ativan. In addition, it has negative reactions with many ordinary drugs like antacids.

http://www.hugesettlements.com/articles/ativan-side-effects.htm

Accutane Lawyer: Devastating Side Effects

You probably know the drug isotretinoin by its trade name, accutane. Accutane is a powerful drug often used to treat acne. Unlike other acne treatments, which are simply antibacterial agents, accutane actually changes the composition of the skin. Accutane causes skin to produce less oil, which almost always results in a reduction of acne. Accutane is very powerful and effective, but this comes with some very dangerous side effects that everybody should be aware of. If used or administered improperly, accutane can do more harm than good.

Almost everybody who uses accutane suffers from mild side effects like itchy skin, chapped lips, and nosebleeds. These are very minor compared with some of the more dramatic side effects. Accutane causes horrible birth defects if used while a mother is pregnant, and women taking accutane have to sign a contract that they are willing to undertake an abortion if they become pregnant during or directly after their use of accutane. Other problems include decreased night vision, joint pain, and disorders of the intestinal and urinary systems.

Some patients develop terrible headaches that can lead to brain aneurisms. Some patients taking accutane fall into severe depression and many have committed suicide. The actual numbers are hard to come by because the majority of accutane users are young adolescents, an age group that is always plagued by raging hormones and emotional swings. When these young people take their lives while using accutane their families do not always realize that the depression, and resulting death, was actually caused by the drug. Some people feel that drug companies should be held responsible for distributing a drug with side effects as life-threatening as the disease of depression.

If you or someone you love is using accutane and is suffering from any of these terrible side effects, please talk to a trained drug lawyer. Victims across the country are filing suit with Roche Pharmaceuticals, the makers of accutane, to gain justice for the terrible side effects accutane has unleashed. Accutane can produce pleasing aesthetic results, but at a potentially devastating cost in health risks.

http://www.hugesettlements.com/articles/accutane-lawyer.htm

Lawyer Complaints

Attorneys are licensed to practice law by the Highest Court of the state. When they are sworn-in, all lawyers take an oath to uphold the laws of the United States, the laws of their state and to be governed by the Rules of Professional Conduct promulgated by their state's Highest Court.

Most lawyers are reputable. They are trained to utilize every available legal avenue to resolve a client's case. Most lawyers value their good reputation.

The American legal system and the attorney-client relationship are founded on trust. Only a few attorneys ever betray that trust. When a breach occurs, not only are the individual clients hurt by the attorney's misconduct, but the entire legal system is damaged.

Every state has a set of Rules of Professional Conduct that govern the conduct of attorneys. These rules establish a very high standard for lawyers. When you file a complaint against your lawyer, ask your state's disciplinary body will to provide you with a copy of the Rules of Professional Conduct and for information explaining the complaint process in your state. Read the ethical and disciplinary rules adopted by the judicial system in your state carefully and completely. (Click here for your state's disciplinary body).

Each state's disciplinary body knows that even if only a few lawyers engage in misconduct, it is the responsibility of the state's disciplinary body to resolve it in a manner that maintains the public's trust and confidence in the judicial system. Each state's disciplinary body wants to do all it can to resolve every dispute that may arise between an attorney and his or her client.

Invariably, in any business enterprise, consumer problems can arise. It is no different for lawyers and their clients.

Nearly all lawyers are competent and respectable people who uphold their legal and professional obligations. However, lawyers sometimes make mistakes, and some lawyers are more competent than others.

In some cases, the problem between an attorney and his or her client does not constitute a violation of ethical rules. A lawyer may be disciplined only if the provisions of the Rules of Professional Conduct have been violated. A lawyer who violates these standards of conduct may be disciplined and given penalties ranging from a private reprimand to permanent loss of the privilege to practice law.

Some problems between lawyers and clients are the result of misunderstandings or a lack of communication. If you have a problem with your lawyer, it is very important to discuss your concerns with your lawyer. As soon as you discover that a problem exists, call your lawyer and tell him or her that you believe something is wrong with your attorney-client relationship or with the work that being done is being done in your case. Your lawyer may not be aware that you have a problem with his or her handling of your case. Insist on a face-to-face meeting. Often, after an open discussion, you may be able to reach a mutually acceptable solution.

If your lawyer is unwilling to talk to you, write a letter explaining the problem and ask for a response from your lawyer. If your lawyer does not respond, consider hiring another lawyer. You have a right to expect competent representation from your attorney. If you are dissatisfied, you may fire the attorney. Ask that your files be sent to your new lawyer. Remember that the reason you terminated your attorney's services may not be grounds for disciplining your attorney.

There are situations that you may find very annoying which do not constitute misconduct. For example, your lawyer's failure to fully explain what is going to happen in your case, or your lawyer's failure to respond to your telephone calls inquiring about the progress of your case. While such actions usually do not constitute misconduct, your state's disciplinary body is anxious to see such conduct corrected, and will generally suggest steps to your lawyer which he or she must take to correct that conduct and to prevent its recurrence.

A lawyer may lose the trust and confidence of a client for various reasons. Your case's outcome does not mean your lawyer violated the ethical standards. Since litigation is adversarial, by definition, many legal matters will not be resolved in a manner favorable to the losing party. Although you may be dissatisfied with the outcome of your case, your complaint may not constitute grounds for disciplinary action. While your lawyer assists you in presenting your case in its best light, the final decision rests with the jury or judge and is not controlled by your lawyer. If you do not agree with the decision, an appeal to a higher court will more likely be able to protect your interests than filing a complaint against your lawyer.

A mistake or an error in judgment is not unethical conduct. An honest disagreement about how a case should be handled or should have been handled does not constitute misconduct. Neither does a mistake. Lawyers are human. Sometimes they make mistakes just like everyone else. If the mistake causes a loss, you may be able to recover the loss by filing a civil claim against your lawyer.

The Highest Court of each state and its disciplinary body recognize that action should be taken to prevent unethical conduct and to restore confidence and trust when misconduct occurs. The purpose of lawyer discipline is to protect the public from future acts of professional misconduct and to establish and maintain high ethical standards in the legal profession. The lawyer discipline system is designed to protect the public by disciplining a lawyer if he or she violated the Rules of Professional Conduct. The purpose of the disciplinary procedure is to determine whether an ethical violation has occurred and, if so, what discipline should be imposed upon the lawyer. The disciplinary process is not designed to recover funds from lawyers or to settle fee disputes.

The procedures established by the Highest Court of each state and its disciplinary body are designed to provide a thorough review of your allegations of misconduct and to resolve the matter in a way that is fair to you and to the lawyer involved.

A formal complaint of unprofessional conduct against a lawyer is a serious matter. A lawyer accused of misconduct is adversely impacted whether or not he or she is ultimately found to have violated the Rules of Professional Conduct. More than a mere claim of alleged misconduct is needed to justify disciplinary penalties. It takes evidence--legal proof. The same legal proof that is required before any member of our society is punished for wrongdoing.

The complaint procedure for reporting and reviewing the misconduct of an attorney varies in each state. After your complaint is received and docketed by the disciplinary body, your complaint will be reviewed by staff personnel to determine whether or not your complaint alleges a matter that is appropriate for the disciplinary body to handle. The disciplinary body reviewing your complaint will read all of the documents you submit with your complaint and decide whether it is appropriate for the disciplinary process to continue. If so, your complaint will be sent to your attorney with a request that he or she respond to your complaint in writing. Your attorney's written response will be sent to you for your written reply. Many states have a statutory provision protecting people who file a disciplinary complaint in "good faith" from a lawsuit by the attorney against whom the complaint is filed.

A complaint of professional misconduct against a lawyer immediately puts into action the investigative and adjudicative processes of the state's disciplinary body. Once a complaint has been filed, it cannot be withdrawn. The decision to close the file is then in the hands of the disciplinary body.

Filing an ethics complaint with the disciplinary body that monitors the conduct of your lawyer is the least known and most powerful remedy you have to correct and prevent lawyer misconduct. The disciplinary body in your state can ultimately have your lawyer's license taken away if your complaint is serious enough, or if there is a history of other complaints about unethical conduct by your attorney.

However, after an initial review, only certain specific allegations of lawyer misconduct are likely to be prosecuted by the disciplinary body in your state. For example, theft of client funds and allegations of sexual contact by an attorney are appropriate allegations for the disciplinary process. While problems such as fee disputes, claims of negligence, and lawyer deceit, are not suitable for the grievance process.

Lawyer discipline may take one of several forms, depending on the circumstances and severity of the offense. Discipline may range from a private reprimand by the disciplinary body, public censure, suspension from practice for a specified time, probation, or disbarment by the Highest Court. Lawyers who are found guilty of serious misconduct, such as theft of client funds, may be suspended or disbarred from practicing law. Other types of misconduct, such as not communicating with clients or failing to diligently pursue a case, may result in a censure or reprimand.

The most frequent discipline handed out to an attorney is a private letter of reprimand. Even though the letter of reprimand is confidential, it is placed in your attorney's permanent record with the disciplinary body. The letter of reprimand and your complaint remain in his or her file as long as your attorney continues to practice law. Suspension or disbarment are reserved for very serious charges and would only be imposed after a hearing in the matter in which you were required to testify.

The state's disciplinary body cannot investigate complaints of malpractice, decide legal questions or give legal advice. Usually the disciplinary body has no jurisdiction over issues pending in court or situations occurring in a lawyer's personal life, such as disagreements with neighbors, creditors or spouses.

Malpractice and attorney misconduct are not necessarily the same. An attorney can commit legal malpractice and not be in violation of the disciplinary rules, or an attorney can be in violation of the disciplinary rules without having committed legal malpractice. You should consult with a reputable attorney to help you decide if there are remedies other than filing a grievance.

The disciplinary process is very serious business for your attorney. However, your state's disciplinary body does not have authority to return money taken by your attorney or obtain compensation for your damages.

You should also be aware that lawyers are reviewing the conduct of lawyers. They can be very protective of other lawyers, especially if they think your complaint is vindictive, or frivolous. In an effort to monitor attorney conduct from the perspective of the general public, many states are now utilizing laypeople to review the conduct of lawyers.

In most states, lawyer discipline is a confidential process, which is designed to protect the reputation of attorneys. A number of states now permit public disclosure of an attorney complaint at the hearing stage. However, some states (for example, Oregon) are beginning to allow the pubic to have notice of a complaint against an attorney prior to a public hearing in the matter, at times, as soon as the matter is filed with the disciplinary body.

Do not file a complaint to force an attorney to take action on a case or to gain an advantage in dealing with an attorney. There are rules that prohibit attorneys from reporting other attorneys solely for these reasons. A grievance is not an action to take in place of talking with your attorney. The grievance system is adversarial and is not a forum for attorney-client communication. Problems of this nature should be handled outside of the attorney grievance system.

Creating a paper trail is important. If you are having problems talking with your attorney, bring your concerns to your attorney in writing. It is extremely important to document your efforts to contact a lawyer who does not keep you informed of the progress of your case and will not return phone calls. If your lawyer is not handling your case in the manner you desire, send your lawyer letters confirming your discussions about your case. In your letters state clearly your attorney's promises and commitments regarding further action on your behalf. Lawyers understand that paper records are hard to dispute. You will get more attention and respect if you create a written record of your dealings with your lawyer.

What your write and how you write it are also important. If the effort to resolve the problem with the lawyer is not successful, judges and jurors may read what your correspondence. Every letter has two goals. First, to inform your attorney of your intention to change the manner in which your case is being handled. Second, to make yourself look reasonable to judges and jurors who may read your letters in the future.

PREVENTING PROBLEMS:

Many problems can be prevented if you know what to expect from your lawyer and how to deal with your lawyer.

SUGGESTIONS FOR AVOIDING PROBLEMS INCLUDE:

Have Realistic Expectations:

You may become dissatisfied with your lawyer because you have an unrealistic expectation about the outcome of your case. Ask your lawyer what you should expect. How long will the matter take? About how much will it cost? What are the unpredictable factors?

Fee Agreements

Often disputes occur because you and your lawyer have a different understanding about what the attorney fees will be in your case. GET A WRITTEN FEE AGREEMENT AND ASK FOR PROMPT BILLINGS.

Cooperation

Provide documentation and supporting information to your lawyer promptly. You have a right to expect that your lawyer will keep you informed and give you copies of important documents.

Keep Current

If your address or phone number change, let your lawyer know promptly. If you change your mind about pursuing your legal matter, tell your lawyer immediately.

Communication

Expect your lawyer to keep you informed of all developments in your case. If you are dissatisfied, let the lawyer know why. Write to confirm important understandings. Keep track of your telephone calls to your lawyer.

VIOLATIONS OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY:

Lawyers are expected to meet high standards. The standards for lawyers' professional responsibility established by the Highest Court in your state are contained in the Rules of Professional Conduct. These rules can be found in most libraries. If a lawyer violates these rules, the lawyer may be disciplined.

The following are examples of complaints handled by the disciplinary body:

Neglect and Delay

Lawyers are required to be reasonably prompt and to keep clients reasonably informed. Do you think your lawyer has been taking far too long with your legal matter? Write to the lawyer and ask for a written explanation. If you do not get a satisfactory reply, file a complaint.

Getting Your File Back

A client may switch lawyers for any reason. Changing lawyers may increase expense or delay, but it is the client's choice to make. If you want your file from your lawyer, call and ask for it. If you do not receive it, send a certified letter repeating the request. If you still do not receive your file, or the lawyer insists that you pay copying costs before you get it, file a complaint.

Money and Accounting

Lawyers handle money for clients, including receiving settlements or awards for their clients. When a lawyer handles client money, the lawyer must promptly and completely account for it. If there is any significant delay in receiving your money from your lawyer or in getting a complete accounting, file a complaint.

Conflicts of Interest

Sometimes lawyers represent more than one client in a matter. In other situations a lawyer may represent a client and at a later time be opposed to the former client. Sometimes the client may agree to the lawyer's work even though there is a conflict. If you believe that your lawyer is acting improperly in representing conflicting interests, file a complaint.

Dishonesty

Lawyers are forbidden to make intentionally false statements, however, lawyers may represent their clients' interests aggressively. This may involve relying on the client's version of the facts. In lawsuits, most disputes about the facts are resolved by courts.

OTHER COMPLAINTS:

Fees

Disputes regarding legal fees are usually not investigated by the disciplinary body. The cost of legal services is generally left to an agreement between the lawyer and the client. Written fee agreements are strongly encouraged to avoid misunderstandings. Most routine fee disputes are best resolved outside of the disciplinary procedure. Fee arbitration is a relatively fast and simple way of resolving fee disputes. You and your lawyer may be able to reach an understanding. In a few instances, if a lawyer charges a clearly illegal or grossly excessive fee, discipline may be appropriate.

Malpractice

Lawyers, like any other professional, like anyone, at times make mistakes. A lawyer might handle a matter in a way that is inadequate but not unethical. If a client was damaged by a lawyer's negligence, you may have a malpractice claim against your lawyer. Most malpractice and inadequate performance matters are not appropriate for the disciplinary process.

Dissatisfaction with the quality of a lawyer9s advice or strategy

The disciplinary body in your state cannot regulate the quality of a lawyer9s advice or strategy in either civil or criminal cases, except for certain situations, such as missing filing deadlines, failing to file required documents or totally abandoning the case. If you believe your lawyer represented you poorly, in a civil case, you must file a civil malpractice action against your lawyer, or, in a criminal case, you need to file a petition for a writ of habeas corpus, to deal with your claims of ineffective assistance of counsel. These cases must be filed in the appropriate court of law. These are complex legal issues. To improve your chances of success in these cases, it is strongly recommended that you seek adequate legal counsel.

Personal Behavior

Generally, complaints that involve behavior of an attorney outside the practice of law, such as use of profanity, landlord-tenant disputes and debtor-creditor matters, are not appropriate for the disciplinary process. Serious matters, such as fraud and criminal offenses, are subject to discipline.

The Opponent's Lawyer

You can file a complaint against the other person's lawyer. However, it is important to understand our adversarial system of justice. Many complaints are filed against lawyers who are representing other people. This is especially common in the area of family law, where one spouse files a complaint against the lawyer of the other spouse. A lawyer must represent his or her client aggressively. Before filing a complaint against your opponent's lawyer, remember that it is an attorney's duty to represent his or her client vigorously and well. In the adversarial system each side presents a different version of the facts in the lawsuit, which can create hard feelings and ill will. You may not like what the lawyer is doing, particularly if it has a negative impact on you, but that does not necessarily make the conduct unethical. Only flagrant abuses will be disciplined, usually only after the court has ruled on the matter.

Complaints by Creditors

Your State's disciplinary body is not a collection agency. Complaints about a lawyer not paying his or her bills should be resolved in the civil courts. In extreme cases, disciplinary action may be taken, if a pattern of willfully unsatisfied and practice-related judgments, issuing checks on a closed account, or fraud can be proved.

Conclusion:

Although some states are beginning to open the process of lawyer discipline to the public at an earlier stage, the fact remains that you will have a tough battle to prove a grievance against your lawyer. As with all professionals, attorneys protect other attorneys. Unless your lawyer has committed a serious breach of the Rules of Professional Conduct, an attorney's reputation is likely to be protected. A lawyer's statements about the facts will generally be given more credibility than yours.

More reform of the disciplinary review system is needed. All states need to open the secret disciplinary process to the public. All review systems need to involve a greater number of non-lawyers in the process. Until there is additional reform in the disciplinary process, you will probably not be satisfied with the outcome of your grievance. Nevertheless, file your complaint about all unethical conduct by any attorney. Even though the current system is inadequate, the attorney disciplinary system does maintain a record of all grievances that are filed. The mere fact of potential disciplinary action acts as a deterrent to future misconduct by questionable attorneys with other clients, which benefits the reputable attorneys and the public as a whole.

http://library.findlaw.com/2000/May/1/128528.html

Firm Lawyer Articles - JayShepherd

Towards a New Concept of Fiduciary Relationships", (1981) 97 Law Quarterly Review 51.

"Racially-Motivated Wills: Dynna v. Grant", (1981) 5 Estates and Trusts Quarterly 233.

"Investing in R & D", The Enterpriser, July 1982.

"Basic Personal Tax Planning", in Wills, Trusts and the General Practitioner, 1982, Law Society of Upper Canada.

"R & D Tax Incentive Financing", Renewable Energy News, January, 1984.

"R & D Tax Incentive and Financing Arrangements", in New Tax Incentives and Financing Arrangements, 1984, Ontario Ministry of Energy.

"Using Tax Incentives to Finance Wind Energy Installations", in Proceedings of the Seventh Annual Wind Energy Symposium, 1985.

"Tax Enhanced Funding" in Proceedings of the New Energy Conference, January 1986.

"Financing Canadian Windfarms" in Proceedings of the 1986 CanWEA Conference, October 1986

"The Tax Perspective", in Proceedings of the 1987 CanWEA Conference, September 1987.

"Barriers to Financing Wind Generation Facilities", in Proceedings of the AQME Energy Conference, October, 1988.

"Shark Infested Waters: Financing New Energy Sources", in Proceedings of the Second New Energy Sources Conference, October, 1988.

"Alternative Financing Techniques for Small Hydro Projects", in Proceedings of the International Small Hydro '88 Conference, 1988.

"The Government's Role in Private Financing", in Proceedings of the 1988 CanWEA Conference, 1988.

"Life Without Class 34 Leasing", The Money Column, IPPSO Facto, May, 1989.

"When the Common Law Fails", [1989] Estates and Trusts Journal 117.

"Tax-Efficient Private Power Financing", in Proceedings of the 1989 Ontario Independent Power Conference.

"The Demand/Supply Plan: A Preliminary Analysis", IPPSO Facto, January, 1990.

"Stalking the Wild Fiduciary", (1990) Canadian Bar Review (review of Ellis, Fiduciary Duties in Canada)

"Financeable Rate Structures", The Money Column (two-part series), IPPSO Facto, April and June, 1990

"Financing Options for Small Hydro Projects", in Canadian Small Hydro Developers Manual, EMR, 1990.

"The Demand/Supply Hearings - Requirements for Consensus", in Proceedings of the 1991 Ontario Independent Power Conference

"Class 34 of the Income Tax Act", IPPSO Facto, November, 1991 (and in Exhibit Record, DSP Hearings)

"Specialized Financing Tools", in Proceedings of the 1992 Canadian Wind Conference

"Independent Power Growth in Ontario: Issues and Results", in Proceeding of the Energy '92 Conference, Canadian Institute of Energy, 1992

"Non-Cash Social Investments", SIO Forum, March, 1993

"New Directions at Ontario Hydro" in Proceedings of the Fifth Annual Canadian Independent Power Conference, November, 1993

"Proposal for an Environmental Free Market System" in Proceedings of the 1994 Canadian Wind Energy Conference, 1994

"Proposal for an Entrepreneur Investment Credit", Private Briefing document to the Minister of Finance, 1994

"The New Electricity Industry", in Proceedings of the Sixth Annual Canadian Independent Power Conference, December, 1994

An Environmental Free Market System, SIO Forum, June, 1995

"Entrepreneurial Companies: Structuring the Relationship", in Proceedings of the Environment and Energy Conference of Ontario, Toronto, 1995

"Changes to the Taxation of Renewable Electricity", in Canadian Energy Markets Monthly, June 1996

The New Renewable Energy Taxation RegimeIPPSO Facto, July, 1996

"Replacing Coal and Fossil in Canada's Largest Market", in Proceedings of the 1997 CanWEA Conference, September, 1997

"CRCE - Now That We've Got it, What Next?", in Proceedings of the Second National Renewables Conference, Ottawa, 1997


http://www.shibleyrighton.com/showarticle.asp?lawyer=24

What Does It Take To Be A Lawyer?

When you see all these handsome Lawyers in TV series like LA Law, sitting in their fancy offices, driving these flashy cars, have you ever realized what they have been through in terms of time, years of education, money, Certifications etc’.

Let me Describe to you the Lawyers course of training. Formal educational requirements for lawyers include a 4-year college degree, 3 years in law school, and the passing of a written bar examination.

Competition for admission to most law schools is intense. prospective lawyers should develop proficiency in writing and speaking, reading, researching, analyzing, and thinking logically—skills needed to succeed both in law school and in the profession.

Regardless of major, a multidisciplinary background is recommended. Courses in English, foreign languages, public speaking, government, philosophy, history, economics, mathematics, and computer science, among others, are useful. Students interested in a particular aspect of law may find related courses helpful. For example, prospective patent lawyers need a strong background in engineering or science, and future tax lawyers must have extensive knowledge of accounting.

Acceptance by most law schools depends on the applicant’s ability to demonstrate an aptitude for the study of law, usually through good undergraduate grades, the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), the quality of the applicant’s undergraduate school, any prior work experience, and, sometimes, a personal interview.

During the first year or year and a half of law school, students usually study core courses, such as constitutional law, contracts, property law, torts, civil procedure, and legal writing. In the remaining time, they may elect specialized courses in fields such as tax, labor, or corporate law. Law students often acquire practical experience by participating in school-sponsored legal clinic activities; in the school’s moot court competitions, in which students conduct appellate arguments; in practice trials under the supervision of experienced lawyers and judges; and through research and writing on legal issues for the school’s law journal.

Law school graduates receive the degree of juris doctor (J.D.) as the first professional degree. Advanced law degrees may be desirable for those planning to specialize, research, or teach. Some law students pursue joint degree programs, which usually require an additional semester or year of study. Joint degree programs are offered in a number of areas, including law and business administration or public administration.

After graduation, lawyers must keep informed about legal and nonlegal developments that affect their practice. Currently, 40 States and jurisdictions mandate continuing legal education (CLE). Many law schools and State and local bar associations provide continuing education courses that help lawyers stay abreast of recent developments.

The practice of law involves a great deal of responsibility. Individuals planning careers in law should like to work with people and be able to win the respect and confidence of their clients, associates, and the public. Perseverance, creativity, and reasoning ability also are essential to lawyers, who often analyze complex cases and handle new and unique legal problems.

Lawyers held about 695,000 jobs in 2002. About 3 out of 4 lawyers practiced privately, either in law firms or in solo practices. Most of the remaining lawyers held positions in government and with corporations and nonprofit organizations.

http://www.articlecity.com/articles/legal/article_528.shtml