Aug 30, 2024
We are proud announce that Casey & Moss LLP partners Angela Casey, Angelique Moss, Cara Zacks, and Laura Cardiff have been recognized in the 2025 Edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada™.
Additionally, we are thrilled to congratulate Zara Wong and Adam Giancola on their well-deserved achievement of being named in the 2025 Edition of the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada™.
We are extremely honoured to be recognized by Best Lawyers since 2017!
Aug 9, 2024
Pop science is full of theories as to what effect birth order has on one’s personality, and how it influences behaviour and shapes development. Eldest children (especially daughters) are said to responsible and high achievers. Middle children are social and rebellious. Youngest children are charming and manipulative.
Theories link education and IQ to birth order, as well as risk tolerance. You can read studies suggesting that birth order will shape your career, romantic partnerships, and physical health. Some psychologists believe these differences exist even outside cultural norms that treat children differently based on gender or birth order.
So, does birth order also influence estate litigation?
In our practice, disputes among siblings are common. The parties to a will challenge or other estate dispute are often the Deceased’s children. And while there may be no science supporting a link between birth order and personality, people do tend to play a certain role in their family, whether a result of those roles being foisted upon them, because they have voluntarily taken them on, or because of more nuanced ways that people develop in a relation to other people.
In estate litigation, as with any dispute among family members, those childhood roles can rise to the forefront, pulling siblings into the same dynamics they had growing up. This can be deeply upsetting, and add to the emotional toll of litigation. It can also contribute to parties becoming entrenched in their positions. For this reason (and many others), anyone involved in litigation against family members should be sure to seek out support, including from friends, a therapist (always a good idea!), and some basic self-care. While your lawyers can advise you on the risks and benefits of various legal positions, there may be other interpersonal dynamics at play in the background, and there are other important considerations, including personal wellbeing and the health of family relationships, to take into account in making decisions in your litigation. These aren’t commercial disputes among arms’-length parties, and it’s rarely as simple as one side being right and the other wrong.
Laura Cardiff
Nothing contained in this post constitutes legal advice or establishes a solicitor-client relationship. If you have any questions regarding your legal rights or legal obligations, you should consult a lawyer.
Jul 26, 2024
Accepting my offer at Casey & Moss was an exciting moment for me. However, as my start date approached, my nerves set in – what will my 2L summer look like? Reflecting on this summer, I can confidently say it has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my law school career.
To give prospective students an idea of what it’s like to work at Casey & Moss, I decided to share my experience working here this summer.
You dive right into the (interdisciplinary) world of estate litigation
Estate litigation combines elements of family law, real estate, tax, civil litigation, disability and at times, even criminal law. During my summer, I had the opportunity to engage with complex legal issues, such as disputes over wills, guardianship matters, and fiduciary obligations. Each case presented a new challenge, requiring meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of the legal principles governing estate law. I often found myself reviewing notes from not only wills and trusts courses, but also tax and civil procedure, and I quickly became familiar with family and real estate law.
Hands-on learning and mentorship
One of the highlights of my summer was the hands-on experience I gained through working closely with the Casey & Moss team. From day one, I was entrusted with substantive tasks that allowed me to develop my legal skills. Whether it was drafting pleadings, conducting legal research, or assisting in client meetings, I always felt like a valued member of the team.
The mentorship at the firm has been invaluable. Whether it was a lawyer on file or a partner, everyone was always willing to share their knowledge and offer guidance. Their feedback on my work helped me refine my legal writing and analytical skills, and their open-door policy ensured that I never felt hesitant to ask questions or seek advice.
Courtroom exposure and advocacy
This summer, I attended several hearings, both on Zoom and in person, at various courts (including the Ontario Court of Appeal!). I saw the real-world application of concepts I had studied and researched, and I gained a practical understanding of litigation strategies and procedural nuances.
I also had the privilege of observing several mediations. Observing mediations offered a firsthand look at the art of negotiation and the delicate balance between advocating for a client’s interests and finding common ground with opposing parties. This experience underscored the importance of patience, empathy, and creativity in resolving disputes outside the courtroom, providing me with a deeper understanding of how effective mediation can lead to satisfactory outcomes for all involved.
A collaborative firm culture
Casey & Moss truly has a fantastic firm culture. The firm holds numerous team meetings every month, where everyone can share their ideas, express concerns, and collaboratively discuss legal strategies. This collaborative approach not only enhanced my learning experience but also demonstrated the importance of a supportive work culture in achieving successful outcomes for clients.
Conclusion
As I return to law school for my final year, I carry with me the lessons learned and the confidence gained while working at Casey & Moss. My time here has been nothing short of transformative. Big thanks to everyone at Casey & Moss who has made my summer such a rewarding experience.
Finally, if you are a current law student who is interested in chatting more about my experience at Casey & Moss, do not hesitate to reach out!
Diana Begaliyeva
Nothing contained in this post constitutes legal advice or establishes a solicitor-client relationship. If you have any questions regarding your legal rights or legal obligations, you should consult a lawyer.
Jul 19, 2024
We moved into our office two years ago and there was always something (ahem… billable work) which put us off hanging art on the walls. When we finally got some pieces a few weeks ago we realized we didn’t really want to hang them ourselves. So Cara Zacks asked the local shop that had printed them for us if they knew someone who could do it. The owner, Vinny, said he would be glad to do it himself on the Friday before the Canada Day weekend. This was perfect as we had given our staff the day off.
When Friday morning turned to afternoon and then late afternoon, Laura Cardiff and I had our doubts Vinny would show but Angela Casey, eternally optimistic, had no qualms whatsoever, and right she was again. Vinny arrived while I was wrapping up an intense potential client call. When it ended, l wanted nothing more than to head home and forget about the week. But when I opened my office door there was Vinny, standing rather precariously on our furniture, attempting to hang art all the while laughing and trading tales with Angela. I knew I wouldn’t be leaving this party anytime soon.
It quickly became clear to us that Vinny (who never represented himself this way) was not a professional picture-hanger. Exhibit A: he came without a tape measure. Exhibit B: his frequent exclamations of “well, I cocked that up!” whenever he messed up a measurement. But Vinny’s humour, enthusiasm, and can-do attitude made up for any shortcomings in his skills.
The three of us worked together to hang the canvases over the course of a couple hours. What would have otherwise been an uneventful Friday afternoon turned into a fun kick-off to Canada Day weekend.
Cheers to all of the Vinnys who make life brighter, in the most unexpected ways. And check out Mr. Photo Canvas for all your photo canvas printing needs!
Angelique Moss
Nothing contained in this post constitutes legal advice or establishes a solicitor-client relationship. If you have any questions regarding your legal rights or legal obligations, you should consult a lawyer.
