Presented by the Canadian Bar Association Task Force on Conflicts of Interest

Recent case law shows that lawyers and clients who do not put their agreement in writing can experience significant and unexpected consequences. A considered and well-drafted engagement letter will define the scope of the lawyer's engagement by the client, clarify client expectations and improve communication, and help avoid conflicts of interest.

Although not required by rules of professional conduct across the country, engagement letters are increasingly standard practice and strongly encouraged by the Canadian Bar Association and provincial and territorial law societies. The CBA's Task Force on Conflicts of Interest has developed a short and long form electronic engagement letter precedent for use in a wide range of areas of law and types of practice.

This session will address the vital importance of a properly constructed engagement letter and its essential components, with a particular focus on the use of engagement letters at the outset of complex matters. 

Join us to learn how to best protect your own, your firm's and your client's interests.

Speakers:
Stuart (Kip) Cobbett, Stikeman Elliott LLP
Gordon Currie, George Weston Limited
Allan Fineblit, Q.C., The Law Society of Manitoba