Over the past few months, the economy has been top of mind. At Canadian Lawyer, we are keeping an eye on what’s going on with the business of law. In our family of publications, we have recently looked at the effects of the recession on both law students and associates. In both cases, law firms are saying they’re holding steady and not cutting lawyer positions (although there have been related cuts to support staff at some firms). Industry watchers predict firms’ tunes may change starting this month as the impact of the recession really makes itself felt. Canadian Lawyer will be watching. Readers are encouraged to get in touch with me to share your thoughts on the state of the industry or to let me know what’s going on with your firm and how it’s dealing with the economic crisis.
While we wait to see what the future holds for the legal profession, there have been quite a few changes taking place within our legal group of publications. I’ll dispense with the sad news first: we have ceased publication of Canadian Lawyer Associates. The decision was not taken lightly as the magazine, which was launched only 18 months ago, met with great support from readers, most of whom were new lawyers thrilled to have a magazine that offered an alternative read that included not only useful career information, but a bit of fun, and great articles about their peers. Unfortunately, advertisers weren’t showing as much love as our readers.
However, while the magazine itself won’t be around any longer, we will be keeping some aspects of it alive on our web site canadianlawyermag.com. The web sites for all of our remaining publications, Canadian Lawyer, Law Times, Canadian Lawyer InHouse, and Canadian Lawyer 4Students continue to grow with exclusive online content updated every week. Enhanced online coverage is the way of the future, providing a variety of opportunities above and beyond our print editions.
Each week, InHouse has a new news story of interest to corporate counsel, be it a court ruling, changes to legislation, or new trends and issues affecting their practice. Even though the print version of 4Students only comes out twice a year, its web page has a new article or video every Monday. Both our writers and law students across the country are participating and providing frequent, vibrant, and informative updates. Over the last couple of months, we have begun building the web exclusive op-ed/commentary content on Canadian Lawyer’s site, with at least two or three pieces, written mainly by members of the profession, posted between print issues. Last but not least, Law Times offers links to legal news daily and updates every week with fresh articles from the print edition. During the weeks in which the newspaper doesn’t publish a print version, there are fresh news and commentary pieces posted on its web site (www.lawtimesnews.com). In addition, videos and other interactive elements, including Facebook pages, are being added online all the time. Each Monday, we send out our Canadian Lawyer Legal Newswire e-newsletter which updates readers on all of our original legal news and information content. You can subscribe to it from any of our web sites.
I urge readers to get involved and send us your story ideas, commentaries, and thoughts. As the country’s most comprehensive provider of legal news and information, Canadian Lawyer and Law Times are here to serve and reflect the interests and issues of our readers, which are always enhanced through your participation.
I look forward to hearing from you.
