Welcome > ADMA > Your Enquiry > Managing Your Practice > An issue has come up on my file and I feel stuck. How can I address this challenge?
The following are resources that may be helpful in answering your enquiry. Please familiarize yourself with them before moving on.
In brief: When facing challenges on a specific case, actively work the problem, starting with the steps outlined below. Don't hesitate to reach out to colleagues for different perspectives and support; you're part of a team, and you don't have to tackle issues alone.
Working the problem involves following a strategic and methodical process to address and resolve the issue. Addressing the issue in a systematic manner can help alleviate that feeling of being stuck. Here are some steps to help you begin this process:
Assessment. Identify any legal, procedural or factual aspects of the issue that need your attention. Clearly define the nature and scope of the problem.
Break it down. Breaking down the issue into smaller, more manageable components or sub-tasks will make the overall problem less daunting, helping you effectively analyze and address each step.
Start your legal research. Make sure you have a solid understanding of the relevant laws, regulations and precedents that may impact the resolution of the issue.
Consult colleagues and seek guidance. Reach out to colleagues for their insights. Explaining the issue to another person may help you uncover potential solutions you might not have considered on your own.
Use resources at your disposal. Take advantage of resources within your firm, through professional networks and other tools or databases - this list is a great start!
Create an action plan. Develop a step-by-step action plan, prioritizing tasks based on urgency and importance. Creating a plan with smaller, more manageable sub-tasks will make the issue seem less daunting.
Maintain open communication. If the issue involves communication with clients or interacting with other parties, make sure you maintain timely and transparent communication. Avoiding the issue will not make the resolution any easier. It is best to clearly convey the situation, your commitment to its resolution and any necessary next steps.
Document your process. Making notes on your progress will help you stay on task and take some of the mental load out of keeping track of your next steps. Your notes may also serve as a learning tool for future challenges.
Review your plan and adjust as needed. Flexibility is key to adapting to unforeseen challenges, especially when dealing with other parties. You should be prepared to adjust your approach or re-work your steps if necessary.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it may be helpful to take a short break before tackling the issue using the steps above. By accessing this resource, you’ve already taken steps to resolve the issue. For guided meditations, videos and other resources for practical tips that you can implement immediately in your daily life, check out the digital wellness platform LifeSpeak. The Law Society provides lawyers and articling students free, 24/7 access to LifeSpeak.
Follow this link to learn more about LifeSpeak.
As always, don’t hesitate to call a Practice Advisor. They can provide a listening ear, offer insights and help you navigate through challenging situations - no issue is silly or too small! We encourage you to call early and call often. Follow the link at the bottom of this page to schedule an appointment.
You may also find it useful to call a Bencher. Benchers have a wealth of practical knowledge and connections within the legal community and may be able to help you talk through a problem or offer suggestions for how to proceed.
Follow this link to reach out to a Bencher.
Contact the Canadian Bar Association’s Practice Coaches program. Practice Coaches are experienced professionals who provide short term advice to guide lawyers facing an unfamiliar issue or file.
Follow this link to reach out to a coach directly to get your questions answered.
Remember, your well-being is a priority. Use the available resources, lean on your support network, and don't hesitate to seek guidance when needed. You are never alone in navigating the complexities of the legal profession.
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