FROST WARNING IN EFFECT !!!

Fall is coming but who expects a frost warning before the Ides of September. I could not believe what I read at 6 am today when checking the Environment Canada website before heading out for a run to Assiniboine Park and back

Temperature 0 Celsius feels like -4 

I cannot deny that the temperature is great for running but how can one explain a balmy 31.5 Celsius on Saturday September 11 and zero yes 0 Celsius on September 14.

This early Fall makes adjusting to the trial season much easier for me. From the "he said - she said" earlier this month September winds down with experts and DNA reports.

The other day in a client meeting the anxious individual wanted to know how much I wanted to hear about the matter for which they were seeking advice and what becomes of what I am told. The questions prompted an explanantion of the solicitor - client privilege.

Long before a legal dispute or criminal charge gets to a trial the client will have to meet with a lawyer in order to get proper legal advice for their predicament. The initial meeting with legal counsel is typically set up in a telephone call. Before the call is made those wanting legal advice often ask themselves; "what should I or how much should I tell the lawyer"? In the call to set up an appointment the questions "what should I bring", "can I bring someone along to sit with me at the meeting" are regularly asked. All good questions

Unlike other professionals, communications with your lawyer are protected from disclosure by the lawyer to others by reason of the solicitor - client privilege. The general rule is where legal advice of any kind is sought from a lawyer in his capacity as a lawyer, the communications relating to the legal matter, made in confidence by the client, are at the client's instance permanently protected from disclosure by the client's lawyer. 

The Law Society of Manitoba Code of Professional Conduct rules set out that lawyers at all times must hold in strict confidence all information concerning the business and affairs of the client acquired in the course of the professional relationship and must not divulge any such information unless:

(a) expressly or impliedly authorized by the client;

(b) required by law or a court to do so; or

(c) required to deliver the information to the Law Society, or

(d) otherwise permitted by the rule.

So, if your lawyer advises that he/she wants to meet with you in private and not in the company of your parents, spouse, friend, or companion there is good reason.

There are some exceptions to what is described as the "highest privilege recognized by the courts". The exceptions include communications with a view to obtaining legal advice to facilitate the commission of a crime and compelling public interest reasons.

Clients of course can waive the privilege and authorize the lawyer to disclose private communications.

I was just about to hit the post button and stopped as I knew something was missing - tonight it is Magic Thailand a great restaurant located at 842 Logan Ave. in Winnipeg (the corner of Logan and Tecumseh). Do not be alarmed, the area is safe and the restaurant is directly across the street from the Canadian Pacific Railway Logan Shop. Magic serves up great food at reasonable prices. Sorry no webpage for Magic.

If you are looking for a more upscale neighbourhood try Sabai Thai Eatery (http://www.sabaithaieatery.ca/) at Corydon and Wilton. Sabai is operated by the son of the Magic family.