Among the very rare things in life — like pleasant subway commutes, comfortable winters in Toronto, and low-fat doughnuts — a true mentor is hard to come by. The title “mentor” has also fallen victim to indulgent self-designations, which have whittled it down to something that can elicit the same eye rolls as “esquire.” That said, I still recall wanting a mentor when I was younger without knowing what the term really meant. I knew it was someone who might take an interest in me besides the obligatory concern you hope to get from your parents. It also sounded like something that successful people might have in common. It turns out I was not entirely wrong because the most successful people in life can point to a mentor who helped them along the way, in an official capacity or not.

Uncertainty and law may seem to repel one another, but some lawyers are built for a bit of uncertainty in their life. Some even seek it out.

Though it is rarely perceived as a willful act, many lawyers have taken a leap of faith and left permanent employment to take on a contract in a bet for something better. That is until recently.

In this new economy, even the chronically restless are seeing permanent positions with a renewed appreciation.
At the same time, contracts are becoming a more popular option with employers as budgets and headcount continue to be squeezed.

 

 

So, let’s just tell it like it is. The cases in the Ontario Reports are about as well read as the instructions to every lopsided piece of IKEA furniture you’ve ever assembled. But they do serve their purpose.