The Complete Brief
-
April 20, 2026
The AND mindset: How the AND approach changes decision-making
For decades, law firm owners have operated under an unspoken assumption: that good decision-making means choosing between competing priorities. Do you invest in talent or technology? Do you focus on client acquisition or client retention? Do you push for profitability or pursue a people-first culture? The either/or framework feels logical, even responsible. It signals discipline, focus and strategic clarity.
-
April 20, 2026
Ontario Court of Appeal says lower-paying replacement work counts in mitigation
The Ontario Court of Appeal has now made clear that income earned during the notice period will generally reduce wrongful dismissal damages, even where the replacement job is lower paying or lower ranking.
-
April 20, 2026
Federal Court awards inmate $65K over guard assault, rejects claim CSC fails to discipline staff
In a decision released on April 16, the Federal Court awarded a prison inmate significant damages for injuries he sustained after being assaulted by a guard and for a breach of his Charter s. 7 right to security of the person, but stopped short in agreeing with the plaintiff’s argument that Correctional Service Canada (CSC) is unwilling to discipline staff for misconduct.
-
April 20, 2026
Successful murder appeal includes assessment of ‘expert-like’ evidence and personal opinion
After a six-week jury trial, Evan Wright, 19, was convicted of first-degree murder, and Philip Fitzpatrick, 21, his first cousin, was found guilty of manslaughter. They successfully appealed their convictions, and the Ontario Court of Appeal set out its reasons in R. v. Fitzpatrick, 2026 ONCA 262.
-
April 20, 2026
The AI associate: Reshaping the training of lawyers
After initial pushback and criticism, law firms in Canada are finally instituting artificial intelligence (AI) in their offices in a significant way. For example, Torys, one of the largest law firms in Canada, has entered into a partnership with Harvey, a legal AI software, to drive firm-wide adoption at scale.
-
April 20, 2026
Here comes the Sun (Tzu litigation agent)
With AI, lawyers can turn to AI agents to answer questions, locate files, find facts (or make them up) and automate certain functions. AI chatbots appear analogous to intelligent articling students.
-
April 20, 2026
SENTENCING - Criminal Code offences - Breach of probation
Appeal by appellant from her sentence following guilty pleas to breach of probation, each involving prohibited contact with C.S. in violation of three existing probation orders. The appellant was significantly affected by autism spectrum disorder that manifested as a fixation on C.S.
-
April 17, 2026
SCC rules 9-0 Quebec court can hear Crown’s forfeiture bid after stay of criminal charges
The Supreme Court of Canada has clarified 9-0 that the Court of Quebec does have jurisdiction to hear the Crown’s proceeds-of-crime forfeiture motions pursuant to statutory rules that operate independently of trial and sentencing, even when criminal charges against the holders of the seized property have been stayed.
-
April 17, 2026
Canada announces new summit to generate $1 trillion in investment over 5 years
Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced the first ever Canada Investment Summit as part of a plan to catalyze $1 trillion in total investment over the next five years.
-
April 17, 2026
MLT Aikins adds Steven Prysunka in Edmonton office
MLT Aikins has welcomed Steven Prysunka as an associate in its Edmonton office.