Canada Post workers will be back on the job starting this afternoon and mail can expect to resume starting tomorrow at least according to a recent Toronto Star article.

Up to and during the strike many debated about the usefulness of regular mail service. Many said they really had no need for the mail as they relied on other forms of technology.

However, lawyers especially in smaller law practices still continue to rely on the mail as part of their daily routine. Courier is the way to go for larger packages but regular letters can`t be couriered all the time. Your clients will likely complain about the high cost.

It will probably take a few weeks for everything to get back into order.

Today it seems like everyone has a blog. Many people ask what are the benefits of blogging for a small business such as, a legal practice.

I was blogging before it was cool and trendy. In fact, I started blogging in 2004 when I was still an articling student. The blog I maintained was for family and friends.

In my opinion blogging if done effectively can be quite useful.

First, blogging provides for creative expression. This was the single most important reason as to why I started blogging.

Second, despite what SEO gurus say I still think keywords in blog posts attract new visitors. In fact, sometimes I have received calls within 24 hours of posting.

Third, blog posts should be short and to the point. I see way too many businesses writing lengthy blog posts. In my opinion, I don`t think visitors read the entire post.

The above are just some tips. Ultimately, do what feels right. Blogging is a great way for you to brand yourself and get your name out on the internet and best of all it`s free!

Last Friday in a class I teach we discussed working long hours and how today, we don`t necessarily get a break because of the technology we carry with us.

Many of the students were adamant that taking time off is crucial. I couldn`t agree more however, many don`t have the luxury to do so. Especially, those who own and operate small businesses.

We discussed the importance of balancing a healthy lifestyle with work. However, so many of us are not able to take away even one day from our businesses!

Ironically, an excellent article entitled Stop making excuses and take time off appeared in the Globe and Mail.

I went to see another lawyer and he or she said they can guarantee a result. Many clients say this either on the phone or when we meet.

Whether it`s litigation, criminal or family it really doesn’t matter there is often uncertainty. Based on experience a lawyer can typically advise you about your chances of success.

At law there are so many variables at play that make it difficult to guarantee a result.

If a lawyer tells you he or she can guarantee a specific result better think twice.\

A recent decision in British Columbia held that a partner in a law firm can be considered to be an employee. The lawyers weekly reported:

Canadian law firms could be examining their partnership agreements exposure under human rights codes after a B.C. Supreme Court recently upheld a provincial Human Rights Tribunal (HRT) decision that a partner was an employee under the province’s code.

The partner was challenging the firms mandatory retirement policy. The partner alleged age discrimination.

The complete story can be found by clicking the link A law firm partner is an ‘employee,’ says BC court.

Why won`t you take my case for free?

Many people ask why they might have to pay for legal services versus the lawyer taking their fees after a case has settled.

See my previous posts specifically, personal injury lawyer contingency arrangements and working with a lawyer.

It`s a lawyers discretion as to whether they want to take your case or not on a contingency basis. Most lawyers will assess the case determine if there are merits to the claim and then make a decision as to whether they want to proceed with the file.

When a personal injury lawyer decides to take a case on a contingency matter he or she is investing a great deal of professional time, expertise and of course money. That means that the lawyer wants to be sure the case they are taking on is worth it. The lawyer just like the client might not see a dime for quite some time. The difference is that the lawyer will continue to push the claim forward and finance it.

In a situation where a personal injury lawyer does not want to take a case on a contingency basis they might request an hourly rate.

Most lawyers will accept injury lawsuits, car accident claims, slip and fall accidents , product and food liability claims on a contingency basis. Most lawyers will probably not take on a small claims court or general litigation matter on contingency.

If you require legal services ask the lawyer how they bill for fees and keep in mind how a contingency arrangement works.