Julie has researched legal practice in particular, what clients of legal services need and want, for the past 30 years. Some of these studies looked at the use of mediation and other settlement processes both inside the courts and in private practice. “The results of this research are described in Julie’s best-selling book, “The New Lawyer”.
Through her work with self-represented litigants, her teaching, and her collaboration with many colleagues advocating for a modernized, affordable system of legal services to enable meaningful access to justice in Canada, Julie continues to press for change.
This change needs to be cultural – recognizing that clients want to work alongside their lawyers rather than simply be told what to do, and that access to legal knowledge via the Internet has transformed this relationship.
Change in the legal profession must also refocus on the important skills that 21st century lawyers need and clients value. These include greater empathy and better inter-personal skills including listening and curiosity; excellent conflict resolution and problem-solving skills; and a willingness to collaborate with their clients.
Julie is available for conference presentations and customised workshops and seminars.