A Blast from the Past

Recently a client brought to my office an article from the October 18, 1989, edition of The Harrow News. The article was an interview with me. I had been in the practice of law for only five years. First of all, I think I still look the same – even the same haircut! And secondly, I can’t believe that someone (other than my mother!) would have cut out an article about me… and kept same for 24 years!Harrow-News-791x1024
After reading the article with my current outlook on my practice and my profession, I would have to say that an interview of me today would probably result in many of the same answers. Now, maybe you think that after 24 years has passed, and I have gained much more insight and wisdom as a lawyer, I would give a very different interview. Perhaps – but only in a few areas. The article indicates that I practice Family Law and Personal Injury Law as part of my “General Practice”. That has changed. I don’t try to “dabble” in these areas and refer any clients to cases of this nature to colleagues that specialize in those areas. The main thing, however, that has not changed is that I have no regrets about my career choice and that I can’t think of anything I would rather be doing if I wasn’t practicing law. Also, I continue to enjoy the practice of law in a small town as opposed to practicing in a larger centre. A small town practice allows me to have personal contact with my clients and it is this personal touch that sets me apart from many of my colleagues. My staff and I truly care about our clients and treat them as we would family!

The article also relates that I would not want to practice law alone because it is nice to have an associate with which to confer. That is a change in my practice! Since my father, Jim Golden retired in 1994 I have been practicing law as a sole practitioner. I have found other colleagues that are also sole practitioners or from a small practice with whom I confer and share ideas.

The article mentions that as a lawyer I am required to keep up with changes in the law. Keeping current is an on-going process! The law is constantly evolving and throughout my years of practice I have participated in continuing education classes – even before this was made mandatory by the Law Society of Upper Canada! I love constantly learning. The law is not stagnant, and I strive to keep current and on top of changes in the law that affect my areas of practice.

The advance of technology has changed how I participate in continuing education classes and how legal information is received by me. Now, instead of attending seminars held in Windsor or Toronto, often I simply access seminars via webcasts. A webcast will allow me to remain in my office which allows me to continue to be accessible to my clients and my practice.

Now that I have been practice for a total of over 28 years, maybe it is time for The Harrow News to do another article