The ability to organize and conduct the practice of family arbitration in an efficient and effective manner goes a long way towards maintaining a successful practice. Having strong and standard operational protocols, good organizational habits and technological competencies should be part of every course in family arbitration. We cover these topics and more in the first module of our 40-hour course in family arbitration.
Here are some tips:
a. Establish and Maintain Reliable Office Systems
- appointments, correspondence, filing
- conflicts check
- payments system
- time and expenses tracking
- file storage and management to comply with MAG regulation
- separate mediation and arbitration files if med-arb
- separate filing of screening notes and records
- all correspondence complies with due process requirements and confidentiality of screening requirements
- all communications are professional, limited in scope as appropriate, and
b. Technological Competencies
- establish a written online protocol to which clients and counsel consent
- purchase professional subscriptions, eg/ do not use the free Zoom account
- ensure appropriate security settings are enabled for all technology
- use secure document exchange platform
- secure internet service and
- ensure secure communication protocols are followed, such as password protection of any sensitive emails
- stay current with advancements in technology and software to ensure continuous best practices are followed
- update agreements and procedures as needed
c. Timeliness, Proportionality and Efficiency
- actions and responses are timely, proportionate and respectful of expense to clients
d. Ability to accommodate needs of clients and comply with Human Rights and Professional Regulatory requirements
- appropriate and separate waiting areas and break out rooms are available for privacy and cloistering of witnesses where needed
- meeting room is capable of accommodating unique procedural needs of each case including safety and power balance requirements
- ability to use technology to support needs of clients including accessibility
- ability to accommodate disabilities and special needs
- awareness of human rights, diversity and inclusion best practices/requirements
- demonstrate respect for appropriate pronouns
- security is available as appropriate
- compliance with relevant Codes of Conduct: eg/ Law Society Rules of Professional Conduct.
- food, water and (accessible and gender neutral) washrooms are available
- space is professional and quiet
- ability to accommodate computers, and a reporter if required
