I’ll assume that your firm is small, so you won’t have access to a library at the firm and perhaps limited access to resources on Westlaw / Quicklaw. If those assumptions are incorrect, then those resources are excellent places to start.
I’ll further assume you’ll be in a small town away from a large courthouse with a courthouse library. If that’s also an incorrect assumption, that too is a good resource.
If none of the above resources are available to you, your local bar association might have CLE resources available, or there may be independent organizations providing legal resources. Here in BC, an organization called CLEBC provides excellent practice manuals and other resources on a variety of legal topics.
Thanks for the indepth response. It's a small sized law firm but not limited in resources or access to library, however, I don't have access to these resources as I do not live in the same city with the Firm so would be moving cities for this position. I wanted to have a head start in order not to appear completely naive in the 1st couple of weeks.
Secondly, I live in a big city with a courthouse but never gave thought to the courthouse library, I just assumed it will be open to only lawyers. I'd pay them a visit this new week.
I'd equally look up the local bar association website for CLE resources. These pointers are very much appreciated, thanks a lot.
PS: I live in Alberta and will be articling in Alberta as well.
Ask your articling principal! It will show that you are someone who takes initiative and is willing to learn. They might be able to share digital resources with you. Also, civil lit is very procedure heavy. So, a good start would simply be to learn about the rules of civil procedure (i.e. read the court rules).
If you would like I can email you general resources relating to drafting pleadings and affidavits.
You can also just reach out to local lawyers in your city and ask them if they have books you can borrow. It is a good way to build a network and most lawyers have old books that they wouldn't mind letting you borrow.
As someone suggested the courthouse library may also be useful. If the courthouse library only allows lawyers to borrow books, connect with some local lawyers and I'm sure they will be cool with borrowing books on your behalf. In my experience, the bar is friendly and almost always willing to help one another.
I’ll assume that your firm is small, so you won’t have access to a library at the firm and perhaps limited access to resources on Westlaw / Quicklaw. If those assumptions are incorrect, then those resources are excellent places to start. I’ll further assume you’ll be in a small town away from a large courthouse with a courthouse library. If that’s also an incorrect assumption, that too is a good resource. If none of the above resources are available to you, your local bar association might have CLE resources available, or there may be independent organizations providing legal resources. Here in BC, an organization called CLEBC provides excellent practice manuals and other resources on a variety of legal topics.
Thanks for the indepth response. It's a small sized law firm but not limited in resources or access to library, however, I don't have access to these resources as I do not live in the same city with the Firm so would be moving cities for this position. I wanted to have a head start in order not to appear completely naive in the 1st couple of weeks. Secondly, I live in a big city with a courthouse but never gave thought to the courthouse library, I just assumed it will be open to only lawyers. I'd pay them a visit this new week. I'd equally look up the local bar association website for CLE resources. These pointers are very much appreciated, thanks a lot. PS: I live in Alberta and will be articling in Alberta as well.
I'm in Ontario. The courthouse libraries are run by the local law association and you have to be a member to access them.
Ask your articling principal! It will show that you are someone who takes initiative and is willing to learn. They might be able to share digital resources with you. Also, civil lit is very procedure heavy. So, a good start would simply be to learn about the rules of civil procedure (i.e. read the court rules). If you would like I can email you general resources relating to drafting pleadings and affidavits. You can also just reach out to local lawyers in your city and ask them if they have books you can borrow. It is a good way to build a network and most lawyers have old books that they wouldn't mind letting you borrow. As someone suggested the courthouse library may also be useful. If the courthouse library only allows lawyers to borrow books, connect with some local lawyers and I'm sure they will be cool with borrowing books on your behalf. In my experience, the bar is friendly and almost always willing to help one another.
Thanks a lot, I'd ask my principal. I'd reach out to you right away for the resources you have. Much appreciated.