Author: Alistair Vigier
Getting a middle-market lending contract signed sounds simple. You get a loan and grow your business. People who are dealing with these types of loans know that the legal side is super important. The legal terms that you agree to upfront will give you breathing room or trap you in covenants, fees, and restrictions. Lenders aren’t just handing out money based on a handshake. They’re structuring deals to protect themselves, and if you don’t have someone on your side who understands how these agreements work, you could end up with terms that strangle your business. The legal process behind these…
Are you looking into if Caseway is good or worth it? Caseway is an artificial intelligence software company that is changing how law firms, companies, and the self-represented (people without a lawyer) interact with court decisions, court forms, and contracts and conduct legal research. It has gained lots of traction (users) for its ability to process millions of court decisions in seconds and for cheap (only $49/month.) It offers valuable legal insights and memos that would typically take hours or days to compile manually. But is Caseway worth it for lawyers, law firms, individuals, and businesses? Before adopting it, this…
Are you wondering how human rights shape criminal punishment? You really start to notice how human rights shape criminal law when you sit in courtrooms week after week. I did that for five years. The tension between state power and individual freedom is in the air when someone faces 10 years and the judge decides if their Charter rights got trampled. Let’s talk about the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. It came in 1982. Since then, criminal law hasn’t been the same. You can’t just arrest someone and figure out the paperwork later. Section 10 of the Charter makes…
Are you stressed because you lost your license in Ontario? After a DUI in Ontario, the shock sets in fast. Your driver’s license is gone, you get a hefty fine, your car gets towed to some unknown location, and your entire routine is wrecked. It hits even harder if you drive to work, have kids to shuttle around, or live somewhere in Ontario without decent transit. But getting your license back isn’t impossible. It’s just a process. It’s frustrating, but if you handle it properly, you can get back on the road legally without making things worse. I’ve sat across…
Most people don’t realize that depression can be legally classified as a disability in Ontario, but it absolutely can. This is true when the disability substantially limits your ability to function in everyday life. That means if your depression is making it difficult (or impossible) to work, maintain relationships, or handle daily responsibilities, you may have legal protections, the right to workplace accommodations, and, in some cases, access to financial support. I’ve worked with people in these situations firsthand. These are individuals who’ve had their jobs threatened, had their benefits denied, or faced outright discrimination because their employer or insurance…
Been in a car crash in Washington State? 30,000 crashes happen here yearly, yet only 5% of people seek legal help. That means most drivers end up settling for way less than they deserve. The aftermath of a crash can leave you with injuries, unexpected bills, and confusion about what happens next. After working with numerous crash victims in Tacoma and Seattle, I’ve seen firsthand how the proper steps can make or break your financial recovery. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself and ensure you’re not left footing the bill. Immediate Actions That Can Save You Later…
There have been some significant disputes over data usage recently in the legal artificial intelligence space. If your startup has ever dealt with the courts it can feel like you’re drowning in an ocean of jargon, deadlines, and endless red tape. You think hiring a lawyer will solve everything, only to be hit with sky-high fees that make you question whether justice is worth pursuing or if it’s even possible to defend yourself. For many, the process feels hopeless. Legal software designed to bring order to a complex system is now entangled in a lawsuit. The dispute between CanLII, a…
Are you wondering if it’s okay for you to sell magic mushrooms? Magic mushrooms, scientifically known as psilocybin mushrooms, have captured public fascination since the 1960 hippy era. Their potent effects on perception, mood, and cognition make them a subject of intense debate, especially as conversations about mental health, alternative therapies, and drug policy evolve. While their potential therapeutic benefits are increasingly recognized, the legal status of buying or selling magic mushrooms remains a complex and contentious issue worldwide. A Patchwork of Laws and Regulations The legality of magic mushrooms varies dramatically depending on the country. It also varies between…
Do you think that artificial intelligence can reshape digital marketing? It’s common to hear digital marketers say they’re drowning in data but starving for insights. The software they rely on to gather and analyze information is often expensive, fragmented, or involved in legal battles that slow innovation. The recent lawsuit between CanLII, a nonprofit known for providing free access to legal information, and Caseway, a startup using artificial intelligence to speed up legal research, has sparked a conversation beyond their dispute. It’s a fight over who controls public data and how it can be used, with implications far beyond the…
Canada’s immigration courts are in bad shape. Canada likes to see itself as a global beacon for compassion and justice. But behind the contract discussions around inclusivity and fairness lies a broken immigration court system that is abandoning thousands of people in their time of greatest need. With immigration case filings projected to reach 24,000 this year, which is a 44% increase over last year, the Federal Court is overwhelmed, underfunded, and ill-prepared to handle the crisis. This isn’t just an administrative failure; it’s a betrayal of Canada’s core values. Canada’s immigration system is failing everyone. For claimants, it means…