Scheduling routine matters at the Toronto courts is becoming more and more cumbersome. I invite all counsel to feel free to call me to find out which courthouse I will be attending on any given day. I am always happy to speak to a routine remand or other matter.
After articling, I immediately started my own practice. It was not as difficult or scary as it sounds. I was lucky to rent office space from experienced counsel who provided valuable guidance in my first few years. As I carried on, I have consistently found that every single member of the defence bar has been happy to help me when I had a question. I still seek the help of my colleagues on a regular basis. I would like to a part of this collegial and cooperative communitly. So, I extend an open invitation to all counsel, but especially newbies, to call me if they have questions. I don't guarantee I'll have the answer, I promise to spend the time.
I get quite a few questions from my colleagues about certain peculiar ways in which I run my practice. I will share some details with you, but please keep in mind some factors that apply to me that may not apply to you:
I run a paperless office. As soon as I get disclosure, I scan it and destroy the original. The space savings are wonderful, but an added bonus is that with proper file naming, the files are always organized. I am very diligent in destroying even electronic files once I know they are no longer necessary. If you are going to get a scanner, I strongly suggest you get the best (fastest) one you can afford. Slow scanning is a very powerful disincentive to keep up-to-date. I love the Fujitsu ScanSnap S1500M.
I keep all my files on a MacBook. I am planning to replace it with a MacBook Air (for when I am in court, at the office, etc.) and an iMac (for my home office, as I could use the extra screen real estate). Although I drink from the Cupertino Kool-Aid, it's okay if you don't. Use whatever machine makes you happy. For criminal lawyers, I would mention that although Macs are vastly superior to Windows machines in every way, there are no native versions of PCLaw or Folio Views for the Mac. I don't use PCLaw and I run Folio Views and the occasional other Windows program under VMware Fusion. I sync all of my data with DropBox. It mirrors a folder on your computer with a secure, industrial strength server. You can sync multiple computers and also access the files from any web browser or iPhone. Plus, it works really smoothly and transparently. You can get 2GB of storage for free and more if you pay or get referral bonuses. Sign up at https://www.dropbox.com/referrals/NTUwOTI0NTg5 for both you and me to get bonus storage!Although DropBox provides some degree of backup functionality, I do regular backups to DVD-R.
On days on which I don't think I need the full power of my computer in court, I will just use my iPhone. I can access my files (through DropBox) using apps such as Documents To Go, DropBox, FileApp Pro, GoodReader and QuickOffice. The computer and iPhone also sync my address book, calendar and to-do list.