Ms. Miriam Kelly

Miriam Kelly provides insights into her diverse practice as a sole practitioner in Toronto from 1963 to 2010. The interview covers her transition from firm practice to independent work, focusing on real estate transactions, estate planning, and general solicitor services. She discusses the evolution of real estate practice, including changes from tariff-based billing to competitive fee structures, the introduction of title insurance, and electronic registration systems.

Kelly offers perspectives on paralegals and their regulation by the Law Society, expressing skepticism about their ability to handle “simple” wills and estates work. She emphasizes that there is no such thing as a simple will in modern practice, given the complexity of tax, family, and property considerations that arise in estate planning.

The interview also explores her extensive involvement in legal education and professional organizations, including teaching at Bar Admission courses and continuing education programs for both the Law Society and Canadian Bar Association. She discusses the role of various legal associations, particularly the Women’s Law Association and County of York Law Association, in supporting lawyers and advancing the profession during a period of significant change in the legal landscape.

This description was written by AI and may contain some inaccuracies.