7. Continuing Professional Development Committee A. Confente Last meeting September 18 th, 2017, next meeting January 22 nd, 2018 a CPD Revenue

Transcription

1 BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING Wednesday, November 8 th 2017, 12:15 p.m. 5 th Floor Boardroom John Sopinka Courthouse AGENDA 1. Confirmation of Agenda (page 1) R. Hooper 2. Minutes of the previous meeting R. Hooper (October 11 th, 2017) (page 4) HAMILTON LAW ASSOCIATION 45 Main St East, Suite 500 Hamilton, ON L8N 2B7 Tel: Fax: BOARD OF TRUSTEES Robert Hooper Michael Bordin Kathleen Bingham Andrew Confente Jennifer Cooper Kanata Cowan Laura Dickson Mark Giavedoni Hussein Hamdani Andrew Keesmaat W Patric Mackesy David van der Woerd Colleen Yamashita 3. President s Report R. Hooper For Discussion: a. FOLA Proposed Fee Increase Update i. HLA Letter to J. Hooper October 19 th (page 10) ii. FOLA Letter to R. Hooper October 27 th (page 13) iii. CDLPA TLA MOAA Agreement (page 16) iv. FOLA to Presidents Memo October 5 th (page 20) b. Articling Receptions Hamilton Procedures Update c. Practice Management Task Force Update M. Bordin d. Paralegal Membership request letter provided (page 27) For Decision: e. HLA Staff Salaries information package to be distributed at meeting f HLA Membership Fee Notice (page 29) g. Proposed 2018 HLA Membership Fee Notice (page 30) 4. Treasurer s Report M. Giavedoni a Monthly Financials provided (pages 31-39) b Membership Fees Received to Date provided (page 40) 5. Executive Director s Report R. Bentham a. Operational Update b. Justice of the Peace Proposed Membership memo provided (page 41) c. HLA Memory Book Wish List Proposal letter provided (page 43) d. Take Your Child to Work Day Update e Website Statistics provided (page 45) f Social Media Memo provided (page 47) 6. Collections & Library Excellence Subcommittee K. Bingham Last meeting September 11 th, 2017, next meeting January 15 th, 2018 Page 1

2 7. Continuing Professional Development Committee A. Confente Last meeting September 18 th, 2017, next meeting January 22 nd, 2018 a CPD Revenue & Programs Memo provided (page 48) 8. Corporate Commercial Subcommittee H. Hamdani Last meeting September 24 th, 2017, next meeting November 23 rd, Estates & Trusts Subcommittee D. van der Woerd Last meeting September 26 th, 2017, next meeting November 21 st, Family Law and FL-Bench & Bar Subcommittees K. Cowan Family Law: Last meeting September 28 th, 2017, next meeting November 9 th, 2017 FL-Bench & Bar: Last meeting September 7 th, 2017, next meeting December 14 th, New Lawyers Subcommittee W P. Mackesy Last meeting September 27 th, 2017, next meeting November 22 nd, Real Estate Subcommittee M. Giavedoni Last meeting November 8 th, 2017, next meeting December 20 th, In-Camera 14. Information Items a. Quarterly Statutory Remittances Report b. CPD Flyers for upcoming seminars c. Library News d. Library Use Statistics Next Board of Trustees Meeting December 13 th, Claudio s Ristorante Next Executive Committee Meeting December 13 th, Claudio s Ristorante Board of Trustees Attendance (page 52) Upcoming Dates to Note: Chart provided (page 53) Upcoming Events Fall 2017 CPD: November 14 th Lexis Practice Advisor: Family Law Module (@12:00 p.m. Anthony Pepe Memorial Library, 45 Main Street East, Hamilton) November 16 th HLA Employment Law Seminar (@2:00p.m. 7 th Floor Jurors Lounge, 45 Main Street East, Hamilton) November 30 th HLA 17 th Annual Advocacy Conference (@8:00a.m. The Hamilton Convention Centre, 1 Summers Lane, Hamilton) December 7 th New Lawyers Roundtable (@12:15p.m. 7 th Floor Jurors Lounge, 45 Main Street East, Hamilton) Page 2

3 December 13 th Lexis Practice: Solicitor and Litigator Law Modules p.m. Anthony Pepe Memorial Library, 45 Main Street East, Hamilton) SOCIAL: November 15 th 16 th Annual Sopinka United Way Legal Luncheon The Hamilton Convention Centre, 1 Summers Lane, Hamilton) November 25 th Hamilton Lawyers Club Holiday Dinner & Dance (@6:00p.m. RBG Rock Garden, 1185 York Blvd. Hamilton) December 8 th HLA Members Appreciation Lunch (@12:00p.m. 5 th Floor Lawyers Lounge, 45 Main Street East, Hamilton) FUTURE DIRECTIONS: December 11 th Future Directions Meeting (@12:00p.m., The Hamilton Club, 6 Main Street East) Page 3

4 BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING Wednesday, October 11 th 2017, 12:15 p.m. The Hamilton Club (6 Main Street East) The Alexander Room (Upstairs) MINUTES Present: Robert Hooper (President), W Patric Mackesy (Vice-President), Mark Giavedoni (Secretary- Treasurer), Kathleen Bingham, Michael Bordin (Past-President), Andrew Confente, Jennifer Cooper, Kanata Cowan, Laura Dickson, David van der Woerd Staff Present: Rebecca Bentham, Wendy Spearing, Laura Richmond, Marica Piedigrossi (recorder) Regrets: Hussein Hamdani, Andrew Keesmaat, Colleen Yamashita 1. Confirmation of Agenda The agenda was confirmed as presented. 2. Minutes of the previous meeting The Minutes of the previous meetings of September 13 th, 2017 were confirmed as presented. 3. President s Report R. Hooper welcomed the members of the Board of Trustees to the fourth meeting of the term. R. Hooper reported that The Hamilton Law Association members find a positive image of lawyers in the community to be an important benefit to the profession. Specifically, the work of the Lawyers Legacy for Children Fund lawyers play and the United Way Sopinka luncheon are important charitable events for lawyers in the community. R. Hooper asked the members of the Board of Trustees to send him information regarding their experiences and hours spent with charitable boards. HLA staff will send an to the members of the Board of Trustees to remind them. a. LIRN Board Update The official correspondence from the Library Shareholders regarding the status of LIRN was provided to the members of the Executive Committee for information. b. FOLA Proposed Fee Increase Correspondences from FOLA regarding the proposed increase to their membership levy were provided to the members of the Executive Committee. R. Hooper reported that the Executive Committee, as well as the Board of Trustees, will be considering FOLA s proposed membership levy increase to be presented at the November 2017 Plenary. R. Hooper proposed three possible options for consideration: that, The Hamilton Law Association pay the proposed increase in full and in turn request a representative on FOLA s Fundraising Committee; that, The Hamilton Law Association does not pay the proposed increase as previously stated to FOLA; or that, The Hamilton Law Association suggest an alternative percentage increase. A discussion took place regarding FOLA s advocacy efforts and the effectiveness of their key volunteers, as well as FOLA s poor efforts for membership participation. Members of the Board of asked how The Hamilton Law Association could consciously bind its members to the FOLA membership levy increase. R. Hooper noted FOLA s Page 4

5 membership fee structure for some larger law associations, as well as FOLA s fee increases over the past 20 years. M. Bordin moved to write a formal letter to FOLA citing The Hamilton Law Association s views and concerns regarding FOLA s proposed membership levy increase, issues with its structure, and budgetary spending. The Hamilton Law Association will seek a response from FOLA prior to or by November 8 th. D. van der Woerd seconded. A discussion took place. R. Hooper suggested that the Board of Trustees provide any input or suggestions to the letter to R. Hooper by Friday, October 13 th so that the letter may be sent on Wednesday, October 18th. Motioned unanimously carried. R. Hooper abstained. c. Articling Receptions Hamilton Procedures Update The LSUC Articling rules & regulations were provided to members of the Board of Trustees for information. An update regarding the progress of the Association s review of this matter will be deferred until November. d. Involvement in Other Organizations R. Hooper reported that The Hamilton Law Association has joined the National Conference of Bar Presidents as an association member, and that R. Bentham is a member of National Association of Bar Executives. R. Hooper also recommended that staff and volunteers work closely with members of the LSUC and OBA. R. Bentham will meet with S. Wier of the LSUC and S. Pengally of the OBA in the Fall. R. Hooper is also scheduled to meet with LSUC Treasurer P. Shabas. He noted that there is an opportunity for The Hamilton Law Association to attend and present at the NCBP mid-year meeting in Vancouver in February e. Practice Management Task Force R. Hooper reported that he met with members of The Hamilton Law Association who are sole practitioners or practice in small firms to discuss practice management resources for the benefit of the members. He noted that M. Bordin will host a similar meeting at the end of October with members of medium to large sized firms. The HLA Journal will publish more information regarding practice management advice and tools for the members. A more formal report to the Board of Trustees will be given after the medium/large firm meeting takes place. f. LSUC CEO and Name Change Update An from LSUC CEO R. Lapper was provided to members of the Board of Trustees for information. R. Hooper reported that D. Miles is currently the acting LSUC CEO. For information: g. Swearing-in Ceremony, October 18 th 2017 The Swearing-In Ceremony invitation addressed to R. Hooper was provided to the members of the Board of Trustees for information. 4. Treasurer s Report a Monthly Financials The September 30 th Income Statements and Balance Sheet were provided to the members of the Board of Trustees. M. Giavedoni reported that Library Revenue is currently above budget, while Library Expenses are below budget. The Hamilton Law Association Library has received its last LibraryCo grant installment for 2017 while awaiting Page 5

6 loose-leaf subscription and electronic resources invoices. He reported that Association Revenue is also above budget due to an increase in membership revenue, as well as CPD and sponsorship revenue. The Hamilton Law Association is very close to the consolidated revenue from this time last year. A question and answer period took place regarding the Library Excellence Fund. b Membership Fees Received to Date The 2017 Membership Fees Received to Date memo was provided to the members of the Board of Trustees for information. 5. Executive Director s Report a. Operational Update R. Bentham reported that everything is going well at The Hamilton Law Association. b. HLA Journal Policy Revision A revised HLA Journal policy was provided to members of the Board of Trustees. R. Bentham reported that that an Associate member of The Hamilton Law Association is seeking advertising space in the HLA Journal as a Mediator. It was noted that The Hamilton Law Association adheres to an informal policy stating that eligible advertisers must be lawyers or mediators carrying on business primarily in Hamilton. HLA staff enquiring whether this informal policy should be included into the HLA Journal policy. D. van der Woerd moved that the following amendments be made to the HLA Journal Policy: Lawyers who are Category 1 members, provided that they are in good standing of The Hamilton Law Association and the Law Society of Upper Canada, carrying on their qualifying activity within the municipal boundaries of the city of Hamilton; Category 2 members, provided that they are in good standing of The Hamilton Law Association and the Law Society of Upper Canada, carrying on their qualifying activity within the municipal boundaries of the city of Hamilton (Advertisements for Mediators fall into this category); Prospective advertisers who are not covered in section i. and ii., who are not licensed by the Law Society of Upper Canada, who provide services related to the aid and practice of law, carrying on their qualifying activity within the municipal boundaries of the Greater Toronto-Hamilton Area; Non-LSUC licensed Mediators and Arbitrators may not advertise in the HLA Journal. W P. Mackesy seconded. A discussion took place regarding suggested changes to the new provisions. Motion unanimously carried as amended. c. Income War Tax Act Celebration The Income War Tax Act Celebration newspaper article was provided to members of the Board of Trustees for information. d. Justice of the Peace Proposed Membership R. Bentham referred to members of the Board of Trustees to the memo provided that seeks to invite Justices of the Peace to become Honourary members of The Hamilton Law Association. Like Judiciary members, Justices of the Peace will receive an invoice for voluntary membership fee payment. Members of the Board of Trustees recommended reviewing By-Law to ensure that non-licensed individuals can become Honourary members with no voting rights. A motion will be deferred to the November Board of Trustees meeting. Page 6

7 Action Item: HLA Staff will review By-Laws to ensure that non-licensed Justices of the Peace can become Honourary members with no voting rights. e Website Statistics The 2017 Website Statistics were provided to members of the Board of Trustees for information. f Social Media Memo The 2017 Social Media memo was provided to members of the Board of Trustees for information. 6. Collections & Library Excellence Subcommittee K. Bingham Last meeting September 11 th, 2017, next meeting January 15 th, 2018 There was no report from the Collections & Library Excellence Subcommittee. 7. Continuing Professional Development Committee A. Confente Last meeting September 18 th, 2017, next meeting January 22 nd, 2018 A. Confente reported that the New Lawyers Subcommittee meeting was well attended. Members of the subcommittee began planning roundtable sessions for the new year, for example using Masters in the courthouse. a CPD Revenue & Programs Memo The 2017 CPD Revenue & Programs Memo was provided to the Board of Trustees for information. 8. Corporate Commercial Subcommittee H. Hamdani Last meeting September 24 th, 2017, next meeting November 23 rd, 2017 It was reported that the Corporate Commercial Seminar is the next day, and that the Commercial Litigation practice group dinner was well attended. 9. Estates & Trusts Subcommittee D. van der Woerd Last meeting September 26 th, 2017, next meeting November 21 st, 2017 There was no report from the Estates & Trusts Subcommittee. 10. Family Law and FL-Bench & Bar Subcommittees K. Cowan Family Law: Last meeting September 28 th, 2017, next meeting November 9 th, 2017 FL-Bench & Bar: Last meeting September 7 th, 2017, next meeting TBD K. Cowan reported that members of the Family Law Subcommittee are progressing on their plans for upcoming lunch-bucket sessions and the Family Law Seminar in April. 11. New Lawyers Subcommittee W P. Mackesy Last meeting September 27 th, 2017, next meeting November 22 nd, 2017 Page 7

8 W P. Mackesy reported that the New Lawyers` Subcommittee is a very active group of lawyers who are eager to volunteer with various initiatives. 12. Real Estate Subcommittee M. Giavedoni Last meeting September 20 th, 2017, next meeting October 18 th, 2017 M. Giavedoni reported that the Emerging Issues in Real Estate Seminar is scheduled for November 2 nd. 13. In-Camera No in-camera session took place. 14. Information Items a. ABA/NABE/NCBP 2017 Report b. FOLA Submission on Contingency Fees c. FOLA Response to Marshall Report d. FOLA Complaint re. Benito Zappia e. OBA E-Discovery Implementation Committee f. CPD Flyers for upcoming seminars g. Library News h. Library Use Statistics Adjournment: 2:10p.m. Next Board of Trustees Meeting November 8 th, Next Executive Committee Meeting November 8 th, Board of Trustees Attendance Upcoming Dates to Note: Chart provided Upcoming Events Fall 2017 CPD: October 16 th Lexis Advanced Quicklaw & Practice Advisory Training Session (@12:00p.m., Anthony Pepe Memorial Library, John Sopinka Courthouse, 45 Main Street East, Hamilton) October 24 th Corporate Commercial Staff Seminar (@12:00p.m. 5 th Floor Boardroom, John Sopinka Courthouse, 45 Main Street East, Hamilton) October 26 th Estates & Trusts Workshop (@12:15p.m. Anthony Pepe Memorial Library, John Sopinka Courthouse, 45 Main Street East, Hamilton) November 2 nd Emerging Issues in Real Estate Seminar (@9:00a.m. Sheraton Hamilton Hotel, 116 King Street West, Hamilton) SOCIAL: November 1 st Take Your Kids to Work Day (@9:30a.m., Anthony Pepe Memorial Library, John Sopinka Courthouse, 45 Main Street East, Hamilton) FUTURE DIRECTIONS: Page 8

9 October 25 th Medium/Large Firms Practice Management Tools The Hamilton Club, 6 Main Street East) December 11 th Future Directions Meeting (@12:00p.m., The Hamilton Club, 6 Main Street East) - Tentative Page 9

10 THE HAMILTON LAW ASSOCIATION The Hamilton Law Association exists to enable its members to become successful, respected and fulfilled in their profession. 45 Main Street East, Suite 500 Hamilton, Ontario L8N 2B7 Telephone (905) Fax (905) Website: Ms. Jaye Hooper, Chair Federation of Ontario Law Associations th Street West Owen Sound, ON N4K 3P5 October 19 th, 2017 Dear Ms. Hooper, RE: FOLA Proposed Levy Increase Motion Thank you very much for all of your efforts on behalf of the lawyers of Ontario. We are writing in response to your memo dated October 5 th, 2017 regarding the Federation of Ontario Law Association s ( FOLA ) proposed motion, to be presented at the November 2017 Plenary, to increase membership fees by $2.50 per lawyer from $25.00 to $27.50 for each member of the Federation of Ontario Law Associations. We note that you have indicated that in the event that your additional fundraising efforts prove unsuccessful, it is your plan to seek a further $2.50 increase in November We observe that our current Category 1 members pay a total of $29.80 inclusive of HST and the $2.50 increase that you contemplate would result in a charge of approximately $32.49 taking into account the division of our $ base fee among our current 639 members in that category. At the conclusion of the Board of Trustees meeting held on October 11 th, 2017, the Board was undecided regarding whether The Hamilton Law Association ( HLA ) will support this motion to be presented at the November 2017 Plenary. Several questions in relation to the structure and philosophy of FOLA were raised and discussed which precluded the Board from making a decision. As a result of Board direction, I am writing to request that FOLA acknowledge and respond to the following concerns so that I may bring your response back to our Board of Trustees prior to further consideration of your motion at our next Board of Trustees meeting on November 8 th, Inequity of Treatment of TLA Page The HLA is seeking explanation regarding the inequity between the amount the President Robert Hooper Vice-President W Patric Mackesy Secretary-Treasurer Mark Giavedoni Executive Director Rebecca Bentham

11 HLA pays per member and the amount paid by the TLA. A plan to equalize the per member amount to be paid would be greatly appreciated. Allocation of Proposed Additional Funding 2. The HLA is seeking clarity regarding how the additional funding will allocated in FOLA s budget (broken down by budget line). Conservation of Financial Resources 3. It is requested that FOLA exercise its utmost effort to conserve financial resources in comparison with constituent organizations (eg. retreats and staff costs). We request more detailed budget regarding strategic planning and staffing costs for the 2018 year. Who Are the Members 4. The HLA is seeking clarity with respect to who are the members of FOLA ie. Presidents, Boards, or individual members of the constituent Associations. Opportunity for Input for Payors 5. In the event that individual members of Associations (lawyers) are the members of FOLA, is it not appropriate to consult same regarding proposed fee increases, and future goals, steps and objectives. We look forward to your comments regarding whether you consider such consultation appropriate and, if so, when and how you plan to conduct same. It is submitted that irrespective of whether individual lawyers who will be billed $27.50 plus HST are to be considered members, these individuals deserve and need to be drawn more closely into the plans of FOLA and their needs and wishes more specifically ascertained and considered in future direction taken by FOLA. Opportunity for Participation for Payors 6. The HLA feels that it is important for FOLA to provide individual payors with opportunities to participate in the activities of FOLA. We look forward to your comments regarding such possible opportunities. Plan for Long-term Funding 7. The HLA requests that the creation of a long-term plan to generate alternative funding be put in place with significant emphasis to be placed on generating nondues revenue. We look forward to receiving a written plan regarding same. The HLA thanks you with great sincerity for all your volunteer work on behalf of the lawyers of the Province and sees significant value in your accomplishments. The Board President Robert Hooper Vice-President W Patric Mackesy Secretary-Treasurer Mark Giavedoni Executive Director Rebecca Bentham Page 11

12 of Trustees will consider supporting your motion at the November 2017 Plenary based on your response to the above issues, and we look forward to your prompt reply on or prior to November 7 th, cc. Michael Winward John O. Krawchenko Page 12 President Robert Hooper Vice-President W Patric Mackesy Secretary-Treasurer Mark Giavedoni Executive Director Rebecca Bentham

13 The Voice of the Practising Lawyer in Ontario EXECUTIVE Jaye Hooper, Chair Mike Winward, 1 st Vice Chair, Treasurer William Woodward, 2 nd Vice Chair Eldon Horner, Past Chair Nathan Baker, Central East Region Terry Brandon, Southwest Region Sonya Jain, Family Law Chair John Krawchenko, Central South Region Rene Larson, Northwest Region Merredith MacLennan, Real Estate Chair Kristin Muszynski, East Region Jane Robertson, Central West Region & Legal Aid Committee Alfred Schorr, Paralegal Committee Chair Margaret Waddell, Toronto Brigid Wilkinson, Northeast Region Michael Ras, Executive Director Kelly Lovell, Executive Assistant October 27, 2017 Mr. Robert Hooper President, Hamilton Law Association 45 Main Street East, Suite 500 Hamilton, Ontario L8N 2B7 Dear Mr. Hooper, Thank you for your letter of October 19, 2017 regarding the proposed levy increase motion to be debated at the November Plenary. Unfortunately, the letter was delivered electronically in the middle of our regularly scheduled FOLA executive meeting. As this is the last executive meeting prior to the November Plenary, I have been limited in my ability to fully discuss your questions with my Board. I did, however, want to provide a response to the questions you have raised in your letter. This response is, by necessity, somewhat more general as some of the issues you have raised may need to be canvassed further. To that end, if you need more information or would like to discuss this directly, I would be pleased to travel to Hamilton and attend your November 8th Board meeting so that we might discuss your questions and concerns in greater detail. Please let me know if that is agreeable. I appreciate the recognition of FOLA s efforts on behalf of the practicing bar. I can tell you that the entire FOLA executive volunteers a tremendous amount of time to further the goals of our Associations and individual lawyers. The majority of our Executive are required to travel to attend our monthly meetings, which means at least 1.5 days out of the office each month. This doesn t include the committee work they do or the assistance they provide for our submissions. It is a significant commitment of time. In an attempt to address the concerns in your letter, let me start with the structure of FOLA. FOLA is a true federation. Our voting members are the presidents as representatives of their local associations. Therefore, in my view, we have 46 member associations who represent 8,700 lawyers throughout Ontario. I note that the Federation of Law Societies of Canada describes their organization in similar terms: The Federation of Law Societies of Canada is the national coordinating body of Canada s 14 provincial and territorial law societies, which regulate more than 117,000 lawyers and 4,500 Quebec notaries and Ontario s nearly 8,000 licensed paralegals in the public interest. Similarly, the Federation of Municipalities describes itself as the national voice for Canada s local governments representing 91 per cent of the Canadian population. The goal of FOLA is, and always has been, to promote the interests of practicing lawyers throughout Ontario. We do not limit ourselves to promoting the interests of 46 Presidents or 46 Associations. In so doing, it is important that we are able to convey to decision makers in Page 1 Corporate Mailing Address: th Street West, Owen Sound, ON N4K 3P5 Phone: (519) Page 13

14 The Voice of the Practising Lawyer in Ontario government, the Law Society and media that we are representative of the broad views and interests of the entire membership. We have power and credibility as a voice for 8,700 or 11,300 if the TLA s membership is added but lack that power and credibility if all we can say is that we represent the viewpoints of 46 lawyers. You and I have discussed the issue of a Federated model on several occasions. If you have suggestions on a different model, I would be happy to meet and work on this further. I cannot think of a model that will better address the concerns of the larger associations, protect the interests of the smaller associations or be as effective at ensuring the voice of solo and small practitioners from every part of Ontario is heard in the halls of power as the federated model we are currently using. The TLA is not a member of FOLA. The current relationship with the TLA is based on an agreement which was promoted and negotiated by former HLA President, The Honourable Justice Randall Bocock. I attach a copy of this agreement for your information. This was before the current FOLA executive was actively involved (myself included) but I believe Rebecca Bentham was the executive director of the HLA at the time this occurred. She may be able to provide your Board with further detail of how the TLA s affiliated status and monetary contribution was determined. It is my understanding that the TLA originally agreed to provide FOLA a contribution of $25,000. When the FOLA executive first hired a full-time Director of Public Policy (now Executive Director), the TLA voluntarily increased their contribution to $35,000. Given the fact that the TLA is not a member of FOLA, we cannot impose the same fee structure upon them. I can advise, however, that the TLA is considering an increase of their contribution for their 2018 budget but a vote on that matter does not occur until the November TLA Board meeting which will be after Plenary. The FOLA executive has proposed a fee increase for many reasons including the incremental increased costs for all of our budget items. Inflation affects everyone and, as you know, there has not been a fee increase for many years (since 2010 to be precise). We provided an overview of our plan to use these funds in our October 5 th memo, a copy of which is attached. We are working on our 2018 budget for consideration at our December Executive meeting. That October 5 th memo also discusses long-term funding challenges and a Funding Committee has been struck. I thank Rebecca Bentham for agreeing to participate in this Committee. As I have indicated to you throughout our discussions, FOLA is very interested in any untapped resource for long-term stable funding. With our two staff positions, we may be limited in our resources to pursue these funding opportunities and we truly appreciate the HLA s assistance in this regard. With respect to our current spending, it is my belief that FOLA has properly used and accounted for its funds for many years. We account to our members at each Plenary, account to the Law Society on a regular basis and provide annual financial statements. On one specific item, I can advise that at the commencement of my Chairship in May, I decided that we would only hold one strategic planning session during my term. As my term does not end until November 2018, there will not be any strategic planning session in the 2018 budget. I should also note that the vast majority of the costs for our strategic planning are reimbursed by the Law Society, including travel and hotel accommodation. Page 2 Corporate Mailing Address: th Street West, Owen Sound, ON N4K 3P5 Phone: Page (519)

15 The Voice of the Practising Lawyer in Ontario The Law Society funding pays for the majority of the costs of our executive meetings, our strategic planning retreat and a significant portion of the Plenary meetings. These funds are paid to us through the reimbursement of submitted receipts and are strictly limited. Therefore, reducing the number of Executive meetings or eliminating Strategic Planning sessions completely does not significantly impact the amount of funds FOLA needs through the membership dues. I am unclear as to how you would like us to consult with individual members on the proposed fee increase. We had offered to communicate directly with local association members for the purposes of consultation and marketing by asking for membership lists from the associations and this was rejected. I do not believe our other member associations wish for us to undertake this type of direct consultative process. Further, this is contrary to a federated model. We simply cannot consult with thousands of lawyers across the province. As noted above, however, we would be pleased to join your upcoming Board meeting and our offer to attend and speak at any HLA AGM stands, as it does for all Associations. We have increased our outreach over the years to ensure that the lawyers of Ontario have a better sense of what FOLA is and I acknowledge that we still have work to do in that regard. In fact, these planned communication efforts are a large part of why we feel we need a fee increase. Increased communication and outreach requires funding. We hope the above letter addresses the questions of you and your Board. If there are any others, or if the Board wishes to discuss further, I reiterate my offer to address your Board meeting on November 8 th in person, which is just before the start of Plenary. Your Regional representative, John Krawchenko and 1 st Vice Chair, Mike Winward, are also happy to answer any questions. Best Regards, Jaye Hooper Chair, Federation of Ontario Law Associations cc. Mike Winward, 1 st Vice Chair John Krawchenko, Central-South Regional Representative Michael Ras, Executive Director, FOLA Rebecca Bentham, Executive Director, HLA Page 3 Corporate Mailing Address: th Street West, Owen Sound, ON N4K 3P5 Phone: (519) Page 15

16 Page 16

17 Page 17

18 Page 18

19 Page 19

20 The Voice of the Practising Lawyer in Ontario EXECUTIVE DATE: October 5, 2017 MEMORANDUM Jaye Hooper, Chair TO: Presidents Mike Winward, 1 st Vice Chair, Treasurer William Woodward, 2 nd Vice Chair Eldon Horner, Past Chair Nathan Baker, Central East Region Terry Brandon, Southwest Region Sonya Jain, Family Law Chair John Krawchenko, Central South Region Rene Larson, Northwest Region Merredith MacLennan, Real Estate Chair Kristin Muszynski, East Region Jane Robertson, Central West Region & Legal Aid Committee Alfred Schorr, Paralegal Committee Chair Margaret Waddell, Toronto Brigid Wilkinson, Northeast Region Michael Ras, Executive Director Kelly Lovell, Executive Assistant FROM: RE: Dear Colleagues, Jaye Hooper, Chair Federation of Ontario Law Associations Motion on Fee Increase This memo lays out a motion on a fee increase that will be made at the November 2017 Plenary meeting scheduled for November 8 10 in Toronto. Motion: Be it resolved that this Plenary endorses the FOLA Executive decision to increase membership fees by $2.50 per lawyer from $25 to $27.50 for each member of the Federation of Ontario Law Associations. The Basic Fee would remain the same. Background: At our last Plenary meeting, Treasurer Mike Winward signalled that a fee increase was likely to be on the agenda for discussion at the November 2017 Plenary. He noted that the current financial position of FOLA was stable and nearly balanced, but that without an increase in revenue some opportunities would have to be forgone and we would continue to eat into reserves on a regular basis to maintain balanced budgets. Since the May Plenary, our Regional Representatives have surveyed the Presidents and there has been near universal support for a fee increase to support ongoing and increased advocacy activities. In that survey, just two Association presidents expressed reservations about a fee increase, but almost all wanted to have a full discussion of the matter at the November Plenary. Many Presidents have made comments supporting a higher increase than the proposed $2.50, while some have made other proposals regarding the current basic fee and the possibility of limits on contributions from our larger associations. These ideas have been discussed but have not received any significant support at this time. As you know, the challenges facing the practising bar in Ontario are growing in complexity and responding to those challenges requires more sophistication, time and evidence-based responses. This advocacy costs money. Looking ahead, we anticipate even greater challenges and opportunities for the practising bar and an ever-growing pace of activity for FOLA and our staff. We anticipate being in the position very soon of having to make hard choices about which issues to tackle and whether or not we can fully deploy all the tactics we need to fend P a g e 1 Corporate Mailing Address: th Street West, Owen Sound, ON N4K 3P5 Phone: Page (519)

21 The Voice of the Practising Lawyer in Ontario off threats and advocate for the interests of the practising bar. For example, if we are asked to intervene in court involving an issue such as paralegal scope of practice, our current financial situation might preclude us from participating or force us to seek volunteers to work for FOLA at a significant discount. Similarly, we cannot currently contemplate new, proactive programming or initiatives such as promoting and marketing the role of real estate lawyers in residential real estate transactions; proactive PR campaigns around family law; etc. All of these ideas, and more, have been proposed and have merit, but we cannot afford them. A few of these ideas will be discussed in greater detail at our Plenary meeting. Current Status: FOLA receives funds from three sources: 1) A portion of FOLA s annual expenditures are covered by the Law Society through a budget allocation of up to $257,000. The eligible expenses against this budget are defined and are a pass-through cost for us. (These costs include the funds to allow Presidents to travel to Plenary, Executive travel for meetings, etc.) We treat this money with care and have taken steps to save where we can. In fact, we only claimed approximately $200,000 of our allocation in 2016 but anticipate claiming a bit more in Unused allocation is not carried forward and stays within the general fund of the Law Society. 2) Dues charged through our Member associations on a formula that allocates a basic fee ranging between $350 and $800/Association, depending on the size of the Association, plus $25/lawyer member. This formula makes the average contribution per lawyer $ ) Non-dues revenue associated with sponsorship of Plenary or other fundraisers such as the FOLA travel program. Over the past few years, membership revenue has been relatively flat, increasing modestly as membership in local associations across Ontario has increased slightly. Sponsorship revenue is up, but opportunity to increase that revenue significantly beyond current levels is limited and cyclical. Our travel program provided a significant bump in revenue in 2014 and 2015, but it was down slightly in 2016 and will be down again in 2017 as the take-up on the trips has been modest. On the expense side, we have taken steps to cut back on our administrative costs and have trimmed them significantly, especially for items like teleconferencing, printing, postage, office supplies and travel not covered by the Law Society grant. Our ability to trim further is limited. The Toronto Lawyers Association (TLA) is not a full member of FOLA, but contributes a flat amount of $35,000/year and through an agreement is an Associate Member. Comparison with Peer Associations The current fee levels were set in 2010 and these fees compare very favourably to peer associations who charge significantly more to fund their advocacy efforts. For example: P a g e 2 Corporate Mailing Address: th Street West, Owen Sound, ON N4K 3P5 Phone: (519) Page 21

22 The Voice of the Practising Lawyer in Ontario Criminal Lawyers Association - $150/lawyer Family Lawyers Association - $75 - $100/lawyer Advocates Society - $370 - $445/lawyer We concede that while these associations do some different things, especially around CPD programming, we are involved in many of the same advocacy efforts and do that work with a staff of two. The Ontario Bar Association is probably our closest comparator in terms of the issues we deal with, and of their approximately 30 staff, four are dedicated to advocacy. This modest current increase proposal may require a further increase in November 2018 The current motion for $2.50 is being made in conjunction with the striking of a Fundraising Committee to attempt to maximize non-due revenue sources. We have heard the concern expressed from some of our members that FOLA is not doing a sufficient job in ensuring that other revenue opportunities are sought. However, the current $2.50 increase will only allow FOLA to continue to operate at its current level. It does not provide sufficient financial support to allow FOLA to grow nor does it provide any cushion when extraordinary expenses are required (such as commissioning consultants to provide evidence-based support for our advocacy positions). The FOLA executive is asking for the $2.50 increase now and will make further attempts through the Fundraising Committee to exhaust all other fundraising avenues; however, if we cannot create stable funding through alternative sources, we expect to be requesting an additional $2.50 in November The vast majority of our members are supportive of a $5.00 increase and we appreciate your support on this issue. What FOLA plans to do with increased funds: In summary, our plans to grow and improve this organization include: Investing in more evidence-based advocacy by commissioning research, for example, that advances positions supportive of the practising bar. Investing in more consultation and engagement with the practising bar across Ontario to ensure we represent the opinions and viewpoints of the bar and contribute good ideas to our submissions. Providing increased support for local associations with more programming and products that help grow membership and engagement of the existing membership. Increasing and improving communication with our members. P a g e 3 Corporate Mailing Address: th Street West, Owen Sound, ON N4K 3P5 Phone: Page (519)

23 The Voice of the Practising Lawyer in Ontario Revenue Growth Plan: FOLA s revenue growth plan contains three parts: 1) Growing our membership base The membership of local associations across Ontario has been steady or growing slightly for many years. Some of our Associations have nearly 100% of available members in their community signed up, but many other associations have opportunity to grow, as the chart in Appendix A shows. This is especially true in the GTA, but there are opportunities to grow our membership in nearly all parts of Ontario, particularly among millennials and solicitors for whom the value of membership has not always been strongly communicated. FOLA is interested in working with local associations on membership recruitment and engagement efforts. We have a variety of communication products planned and have identified a number of great ideas from colleagues through the National Conference of Bar Presidents. 2) Non-dues revenue growth There are opportunities to grow our base of sponsors and identify other programs to raise funds, but there are limitations on these opportunities. Sponsors are not interested in accessing the 46 local association presidents; they are interested in accessing the 8,500 lawyers that local associations represent. Accessing those members, however, without competing with the local fundraising efforts of many local associations is tricky and something we are careful to avoid where possible. A related challenge is in relying on local associations to pass along and promote the fundraising initiatives of FOLA. Over the past few years, this promotion has been mixed and take-up of the opportunities presented has been sporadic, at best. 3) Raising dues FOLA has recently struck a committee, with leadership from South-Central Regional Representative John Krawchenko, to identify more sponsorship opportunities. This proposal is to raise dues by $2.50/member. At current membership levels, this will add approximately $22,000 to FOLA s bottom-line. A $2.50 increase is in line with the rate of inflation since our last increase in As set out above, a further $2.50 may be sought in November 2018 if (1) and (2) above do not create a stable funding platform for FOLA s future. P a g e 4 Corporate Mailing Address: th Street West, Owen Sound, ON N4K 3P5 Phone: (519) Page 23

24 The Voice of the Practising Lawyer in Ontario Should Plenary adopt the motion to increase membership fees by $2.50, FOLA is also asking for assistance and support for the other parts of our revenue raising program. 1) We need local association support and help on our membership drive efforts (and since this effort will mostly help local associations, this is your own interest!) 2) We need local association support in promoting those sponsors and partners that FOLA identifies and promotes. 3) We need volunteers for the FOLA Fundraising committee. We look forward to the discussion at Plenary. P a g e 5 Corporate Mailing Address: th Street West, Owen Sound, ON N4K 3P5 Phone: Page (519)

25 The Voice of the Practising Lawyer in Ontario Appendix A Chart Showing Membership of all Associations Association 2016 Association Membership Fee Paying Lawyers (Per LSUC 2016 #'s) % of available members ALGOMA % BRANT % BRUCE % CARLETON (Ottawa) 1,245 4,923 25% COCHRANE % DUFFERIN % DURHAM % ELGIN % ESSEX % FRONTENAC % GREY % HALDIMAND & NORFOLK % HALTON % HAMILTON % HASTINGS % HURON % KENORA % KENT % LAMBTON % LANARK % LEEDS-GRENVILLE % LENNOX-ADDINGTON % LINCOLN & WELLAND % MIDDLESEX 916 1,096 84% MUSKOKA % NIPISSING % NORTHUMBERLAND % OXFORD % PARRY SOUND % PEEL 410 2,177 19% PERTH % PETERBOROUGH % PRESCOTT-RUSSELL % RAINY RIVER % RENFREW % P a g e 6 Corporate Mailing Address: th Street West, Owen Sound, ON N4K 3P5 Phone: (519) Page 25

26 The Voice of the Practising Lawyer in Ontario SIMCOE % STORMONT-DUNDAS % SUDBURY % TEMISKAMING % THUNDER BAY % VICTORIA-HALIBURTON % WATERLOO % WELLINGTON % YORK REGION 493 2,091 24% 8,599 18,575 46% TORONTO ,064 13% Total Fee-Paying LSUC members 41,639 * Note, Haldimand & Norfolk and Lincoln & Welland are reported together to correspond with how the Law Society reports their membership by region. Note, the Toronto Law Association membership is mentioned as an approximate number. In Ottawa a large portion of the bar is employed by the Federal government and these lawyers do not typically join the CCLA. In the GTA, a licensee may live in Halton, for example, and choose their home address for correspondence with the Law Society, but work in downtown Toronto. In these cases, the licensee would not necessarily join their local law association. Nevertheless, these numbers show that there is opportunity to grow membership, particularly in the GTA. P a g e 7 Corporate Mailing Address: th Street West, Owen Sound, ON N4K 3P5 Phone: Page (519)

27 Page 27

28 Page 28

29 THE HAMILTON LAW ASSOCIATION 45 Main Street East, Suite 500 Hamilton, Ontario L8N 2B7 Telephone (905) Fax (905) Web Site: FEES NOTICE Date Category 1 Member MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL NOTICE CATEGORY Your Hamilton Law Association 2017 CATEGORY 1 Membership Fee is as follows. The fee includes the Federation Of Law Association s levy HLA Category 1 Membership Fee $ HST (Registration # ) $30.06 FOLA levy (includes $3.43 HST) $29.80 TOTAL AMOUNT DUE $ Please turn over to view revised fee schedule. Please contact us if you wish to change categories. Cheque enclosed (Payable to the Hamilton Law Association) Visa/Mastercard Cardholder Card # Expiry CVV Authorizing Signature Please return a copy of this Renewal Notice with your payment. Membership is non-transferable and non-refundable. Please see our Privacy Policy on our web site at FOR OFFICE USE ONLY Entered Date: Chq# Visa / Master Card Payment Processed President Robert Hooper Vice-President W Patric Mackesy Secretary-Treasurer Mark Giavedoni Executive Director Rebecca Bentham Page 29

30 PROPOSED 2018 FEES NOTICE (FOLA Fee No Longer Segregated) THE HAMILTON LAW ASSOCIATION 45 Main Street East, Suite 500 Hamilton, Ontario L8N 2B7 Telephone (905) Fax (905) Web Site: Date Category 1 Member MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL NOTICE CATEGORY Your Hamilton Law Association 2018 CATEGORY 1 Membership Fee is as follows. The fee includes the Federation Of Law Association s levy HLA Category 1 Membership Fee $ HST (Registration # ) TOTAL AMOUNT DUE $ Please turn over to view revised fee schedule. Please contact us if you wish to change categories. Cheque enclosed (Payable to the Hamilton Law Association) Visa/Mastercard Cardholder Card # Expiry CVV Authorizing Signature Please return a copy of this Renewal Notice with your payment. Membership is non-transferable and non-refundable. Please see our Privacy Policy on our web site at FOR OFFICE USE ONLY Entered Date: Chq# Visa / Master Card Payment Processed Page 30 President Robert Hooper Vice-President W Patric Mackesy Secretary-Treasurer Mark Giavedoni Executive Director Rebecca Bentham

31 Page 31

32 Page 32

33 Page 33

34 Page 34

35 Page 35

36 Page 36

37 Page 37

38 Page 38

39 Page 39

40 Page 40 October 31st, 2017 Membership Category Category 1 Lawyers who are members of the Law Society of Upper Canada, practising law within the City of Hamilton. Fee paid: $ Category 2: Lawyers who are members of the Law Society of Upper Canada who are engaged in full-time remunerative work and are not engaged in the practice of law, including those employed in education, government or corporations or as mediators, arbitrators or conciliators within the City of Hamilton. Fee paid: $ Membership Fees Received TO DATE 2016 Membership Fees Received AT YEAR END 2015 Membership Fees Received AT YEAR END Senior: Lawyers who are over 65 years of age and have been a member of the Hamilton Law Association for 25 years. SENIOR CATEGORY MOVED UNDER CATEGORY 1 Associate: Lawyers who are members of the Law Society of Upper Canada working outside the City of Hamilton, who practice law and belong to the Law Association in their area, or are otherwise engaged in full-time remunerative work and are not engaged in the practice of law, including those employed in education, government or corporations or as mediators, arbitrators or conciliators. Fees paid: $ New: Lawyers who have been called to the bar in the present year, or have not been HLA members in the past or members whose HLA membership has lapsed for five years or more. Fees paid: $78.05 Crown: Lawyers practising as assistant Crown Attorneys. Fee paid: $ Retired: Lawyers who have retired after 25 years or more of membership in the Hamilton Law Association. Fee paid: RETIRED CATEGORY MOVED UNDER NOT ENGAGED Not Engaged in Remunerative Work: Lawyers who are or were members of the Law Society of Upper Canada and are not currently engaged in remunerative work or are on maternity, paternity or adoption leave. Fee paid: $57.81 Part-time: Lawyers who provide satisfactory proof to the Executive Director that they are working either at the practice of law or at other remunerative work on a part-time basis. Fee paid: $ Judiciary: Judiciary membership in the Hamilton Law Association is granted to all members of the Bench, including those retired. Fee paid: $57.81 *Life Members/Honourary: Life membership in the Hamilton Law Association is granted to lawyers who have been in practice over 50 years, of which at least 25 were spent in Hamilton./Honourary membership can be granted by the Board from time to time to individuals for a one year period. *Students: Students of law who are articling in a Hamilton firm, or are a Law Practice Program or National Committee on Accreditation candidate TOTAL * - no fee charged for Life Members and Student membership

41 THE HAMILTON LAW ASSOCIATION The Hamilton Law Association exists to enable its members to become successful, respected and fulfilled in their profession. 45 Main Street East, Suite 500 Hamilton, Ontario L8N 2B7 Telephone (905) Fax (905) Website: TO: FROM: Board of Trustees Rebecca Bentham DATE: November 1, 2017 RE: MEMO Justices of the Peace Membership We propose that you make the following Justice of the Peace Honourary members of the Hamilton Law Association: His Worship Justice of the Peace Mitchell H. Baker *His Worship Justice of the Peace A. James Child His Worship Justice of the Peace Dan D Ignazio His Worship Justice of the Peace Glen G. Peace Her Worship Justice of the Peace Lillian D. Ross *Her Worship Justice of the Peace Patrice Valeriano His Worship Justice of the Peace Paul A. Welsh His Worship Justice of the Peace Jerry Woloschuk *lawyers According to HLA By-Laws , passed the 13th day of April, 2011, section 20 titled Privileges Granted to Non-Members, The Board may by resolution grant privileges from time to time to members of the Judiciary who are not Members of the Association, former Members of the Association who are worthy of honorary status, law students or others on such terms and conditions as the Board may determine from time to time. Such individuals shall have such privileges as the Board may determine, but shall not be Members of the Association and shall not have any voting rights. These privileges may include use of the Law Library and access to other services of the Association. Please view below the following definitions associated with Justice of the Peace for your consideration in this matter: 1. The Canadian Dictionary of Law, the definition of Justice includes justices of the peace. 2. Role of Justice of the Peace as found on the Ontario Courts website: i. A justice of the peace in Ontario is a judicial officer appointed pursuant to the Justices of the Peace Act, R.S.O. 1990, C. J.4. This Act affirms that a justice of the peace has judicial jurisdiction throughout Ontario and creates a framework under President Robert Hooper Vice-President W Patric Mackesy Secretary-Treasurer Mark Giavedoni Executive Director Rebecca Bentham Page 41

42 ii. which justices of the peace are appointed and hold office, and also provides for the conditions under which they perform their duties. There are over 325 justices of the peace in Ontario that are assigned to and perform judicial responsibilities. Both provincial court judges and justices of the peace compose the Ontario Court of Justice, one of Ontario s two trial courts. The judicial functions, powers and duties of a justice of the peace are set out in legislation and case law. Two of the more important legislative Acts which confer jurisdiction upon a justice of the peace are the Criminal Code and the Ontario Provincial Offences Act, but there are many other federal and provincial statutes and regulations that empower justices of the peace with legal authority and/or jurisdiction. Primarily, the two main areas of jurisdiction are criminal law and regulatory law (provincial offences). 3. Definition from the Provincial Offences Act: i. judge means a provincial judge; ( juge provincial ) ii. justice means a provincial judge or a justice of the peace; ( juge ) 4. Definition from the Duhaime s Legal Dictionary i. A judicial officer with a limited role, usually in criminal law, to perform minor judicial tasks such as authorizing search warrants and approving criminal charges. ii. Persons appointed by the state to perform minor but nonetheless judicial functions The above is respectfully submitted. /mp Page 42 President Robert Hooper Vice-President W Patric Mackesy Secretary-Treasurer Mark Giavedoni Executive Director Rebecca Bentham

43 THE HAMILTON LAW ASSOCIATION The Hamilton Law Association exists to enable its members to become successful, respected and fulfilled in their profession. 45 Main Street East, Suite 500 Hamilton, Ontario L8N 2B7 Telephone (905) Fax (905) Website: October 25 th, 2017 Dear Robert, Re: HLA Budget Wish List Addition---$8,000 for Memory Book Display Case for the Library As you know, I am the chair of the Memory Book Committee, which exists to foster research on, the preservation of, and education about, the history of the legal profession in Hamilton. I am writing to request that the Board of Trustees of the HLA add to the budget wish list for 2018 $8,000 for a display case to host items of historical interest to HLA members. Thanks to the hard work and dedication of HLA staff and Memory Book Committee members, the Committee has already been able to accumulate a significant store of original writing and digital artifacts of historical interest to the Hamilton legal community. Much of this content is available through the HLA website. The Committee intends that, going forward, it will continue to accumulate digital content. The HLA Library does not have the staffing or space to house a large collection of physical objects. That said, for most of us, the tangible is the real. We believe it would advance the purposes of the Committee and the HLA if we could house a small collection of physical artifacts and display them in a prominent part of the Library for members of the profession to see as they go about their daily business. Earlier this year, David Thompson was on a long trial in London. He regularly visited the Middlesex Law Association library, and he saw that it had a display case containing items of local, legal historical interest. David reports that he spent a minute or two each time he visited the library to look at the items in the display case. He also took a picture of the display case, which picture accompanies this letter. President Robert Hooper Vice-President W Patric Mackesy Secretary-Treasurer Mark Giavedoni Executive Director Rebecca Bentham Page 43

44 We believe that something similar would be beneficial to the HLA. We could place our own display case in a part of the Library that has good foot traffic and fill the case with items of local, legal historical interest. We would rotate the items in the case on a regular basis so that they would not become stale. We believe that the case would be educational and would spur interest in the work of the Committee and the history of our profession in Hamilton. Preservation and display of the history of our profession in Hamilton helps us to maintain and continue the finest traditions of our Association collegiality, camaraderie, mutual respect and excellence. We believe that $8,000 will suffice to acquire and install a case that is solid, attractive and effective for displaying physical artifacts such as old photos, antique law books, practice guides and other paraphernalia. We ask, then, that the Board of Trustees please add $8,000 to the wish list portion of the budget to purchase such a case. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you should wish to discuss the foregoing further or if you require more information. Yours truly, John Loukidelis, Memory Book Subcommittee Chair Page 44 President Robert Hooper Vice-President W Patric Mackesy Secretary-Treasurer Mark Giavedoni Executive Director Rebecca Bentham

45 Oct-16 Nov-16 Dec-16 Jan-17 Feb-17 Mar-17 Apr-17 May-17 Jun-17 Jul-17 Aug-17 Sep-17 Oct-17 Pageviews 24,587 28,011 19,533 29,397 25,439 25,504 24,300 25,919 22,931 20,609 23,433 22,189 22,426 Visits 8,748 9,501 7,492 10,104 9,031 9,951 8,757 10,271 9,927 8,569 8,559 8,327 9,019 Visitors 5,466 6,077 4,995 6,342 5,611 6,280 5,633 6,714 6,742 5,886 5,800 5,524 5,934 1 Jobs - Lawyers & Staff 4,226 4,348 3,600 5,488 4,116 5,222 4,168 4,309 3,856 3,270 3,122 3,068 3,454 2 Find-A-Lawyer 4,711 6,314 4,154 4,932 4,673 3,970 4,363 4,878 3,994 3,690 4,670 4,476 3,537 3 Home 3,061 3,234 2,356 3,393 2,908 3,096 2,657 2,956 2,744 2,401 2,425 2,570 2,699 4 Court Info & Forms Events / CPD Firms Hiring Students Daily Court Lists Now Available Online Legal Services Transfer of Law Practice Hamilton Courthouses Career Opportunities Library Services /mp 02/11/2017 THE HAMILTON LAW ASSOCIATION The Hamilton Law Association exists to enable its members to become successful, respected and fulfilled in their profession. 45 Main Street East, Suite 500, Hamilton, ON L8N 2B7 Tel: Fax: HLA WEBSITE STATISTICS - HLA Memory Book Contact Us Memberhsip Benefits President's Message Board of Trustees What's New Family Law Subcommittee New Lawyers Subcommittee Real Estate Subcommittee Page 45 Corporate Commercial Subcommittee Annual Joint Insurance Seminar

46 Page 46 45,000 40, , 2016 & 2017 HLA Website Statistics 35,000 30,000 25,000 20,000 29,397 25,439 25,504 25,919 24,300 22,931 23,433 22,189 22,426 20,609 15,000 10,000 5,000 10,104 9,031 9,951 8,757 10,271 9,927 8,569 8,559 8,327 9,019 6,342 5,611 6,280 5,633 6,714 6,742 5,886 5,800 5,524 5,934 0 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2015 Pageviews 30,085 24,188 32,420 38,108 28,954 29,622 28,986 31,213 26,568 25,781 29,336 20, Pageviews 27,675 26,593 27,971 28,941 25,913 25,500 22,751 26,093 25,666 24,587 28,011 19, Pageviews 29,397 25,439 25,504 24,300 25,919 22,931 20,609 23,433 22,189 22, Visits 9,769 8,667 10,238 10,923 9,692 10,713 9,438 9,340 9,166 9,189 9,688 7, Visits 9,896 10,061 9,838 9,958 9,508 8,635 8,070 8,821 8,644 8,748 9,501 7, Visits 10,104 9,031 9,951 8,757 10,271 9,927 8,569 8,559 8,327 9, Visitors 6,225 5,396 6,190 6,585 5,862 6,426 5,834 5,812 5,844 5,691 6,039 4, Visitors 6,328 6,358 6,295 6,302 5,739 5,517 5,121 5,428 5,326 5,466 6,077 4, Visitors 6,342 5,611 6,280 5,633 6,714 6,742 5,886 5,800 5,524 5,934

47 THE HAMILTON LAW ASSOCIATION The Hamilton Law Association exists to enable its members to become successful, respected and fulfilled in their profession. 45 Main Street East, Suite 500, Hamilton, ON L8N 2B7 Tel: Fax: TO: FROM: Board of Trustees Marica Piedigrossi MEMO DATE: November 1st, 2017 (Activity Statistics as of October 31st, 2017) RE: 2017 HLA SOCIAL MEDIA REPORT - October Facebook - Average Daily Reach Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2,100 1,800 1,500 1, LinkedIn - Followers 1,9731,9771,9811,9882,0002,0042,0102,0122,0152,017 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec ,000 8,000 6,000 4,000 2,000 0 Facebook - Total Impressions 6,402 6,360 4,812 4,595 4,404 3,736 3,163 3,379 2,249 2,610 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Twitter - Followers Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Facebook - Total Likes Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Page 47