A Q&A with Canadian Defence Lawyers
President Jade Spalding of Cox & Palmer
Why did you became involved with Canadian Defence Lawyers (CDL)
I wanted to get involved in an organization related to the defence practice that could provide specialized training and support and found that in CDL. The organization offers terrific training in substantive law as well as practice management. One of the big advantages of being part of CDL is getting to know lawyers from across the country who have the same challenges. We learn from each other and work together to find solutions to new challenges and trends.
How have the training needs of defence lawyers changed since you first got involved?
How we deliver the programs is changing and we are always looking at it. Initially we always provided in-person training programs, and that is still an important component of the training we deliver, but we have expanded into different areas such as audio and online programs.
We have also worked very hard in recent years to develop different programs for different audiences. Our new in-house counsel committee was created to provide tailored support and assistance specifically for in-house counsel working for insurers. We have also launched a Women’s Caucus and a mentoring program where senior lawyers share their ‘war stories’ with lawyers new to insurance defence. Our young lawyers group is developing new and exciting approaches to engaging with the next generation of defence lawyers.
What steps do you take to ensure CDL delivers training suited for today’s business environment?
It is more important than ever that we work in partnership with other insurance industry associations. We have a consultation process in place with the Canadian Insurance Claims Managers Association and Canadian Independent Adjusters Association to ensure we are addressing key needs with joint, collaborative programming.
What are your priorities for your term as CDL President?
Defence lawyers need to be more flexible and more in tune with the changing demands from insurers. Our organization can help defence lawyers to stay current and to adapt to these changes. For example, we need to enable our members to provide products that are tailored to our individual clients. Our defence lawyers need to be able to adapt and to provide advice in the timelines and formats requested by our clients. Paperless files, shared reporting and online reporting platforms are just a few of the ways defence practices are changing. I am excited about the role CDL can play assisting defence lawyers in getting ahead of these changes and in being creative in adapting to the needs of our clients.
For most lawyers, there already isn’t enough time in the day. Why should they participate in CDL activities?
When you are faced with the challenges of today’s defence practice on your own they can be very daunting. When you are part of an organization like CDL you can have discussions with lawyers from across the country that are facing the same issues. We are able to learn from each other and to identify emerging issues and tailor our education programs accordingly. I am from a smaller market in Atlantic Canada and I have been able to learn a great deal from lawyers from other parts of the country. The pooling of knowledge and experience across the organization is very valuable.
What will an insurance defence practice look like five years from now?
The changes we’ve seen recently are going to continue. This is an important part of our focus, not just responding to immediate issues, but looking ahead to prepare for the future of the defence practice in Canada. There is always a tension between the way things have always been done and the changes being asked of us. As an organization, it is something we are going help defence lawyers manage successfully.
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Jade Spalding is a partner in the Fredericton office of Cox & Palmer. Jade has spent his legal career representing the interests of insurers in New Brunswick. His practice includes defending claims under automobile, homeowner, disability, commercial general liability and professional liability policies. Jade also has extensive experience acting as coverage counsel for insurers, and he has handled cases for the insurance industry at all levels of courts in New Brunswick.