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NATL61_022,023 03/14/2007 01:44 PM Page 23 Small Law Department says Cowan, who is establishing an “you really need to know the business, isolation is a tough one,probably the only extranet with external counsel’s office, understand the risks associated, and take “real downside” in a career that he loves. linking their materials, library and an actual interest in business operations.” He combats isolation by meeting regular- resources on line. “I am always looking Both lawyers stress that communica- ly with his office group, and reaching out for ways to build upon limited resources tion skills are key. “In private practice,” to local lawyers, including via the CBA in the most efficient manner,” he adds, says Ho, “the majority of your time is Intellectual Property section. noting that the Internet, online databas- spent dealing with lawyers, but in-house Yet, says Cowan, the tribulations far es, law firm bulletins and list serves all counsel deals with executives,salespeople, outweigh any trials. These include the help.“Collaboration technology,extranet and other people throughout the organi- quality of work-life balance, flexibility, and in-house counsel plugged in to the zation.You need to be able to deal with and not worrying about billable hours external counsel firm, reduce the problems before they become serious or marketing. resource crunch,” agrees Ho. legal issues.” “The University is fascinating,” he The OLO, says Cowan, must possess “You can’t walk down the hall and ask enthuses.“The challenges are many; it is the ability to manage workload and be other lawyers what they have done, or a new office with the chance to establish organized, have initiative, be decisive send out an e-mail,” observes Ho. “You new ground and new direction. This is a and provide practical advice. Ho agrees, are really on your own.It is important to legal area I always wanted to work in and adding that “in-house counsel tends to maintain your network, keep up to date by coming to the University,I am able to be more entrepreneurial and business on ongoing changes in legislation, and do it full-time.” focused.As the primary advisor to busi- case law.” ness on all legal aspects, explains Ho, For Cowan, “the sense of professional Michelle Mann MARS 2007 CCCA Canadian Corporate Counsel Association 23