As another year-end draws closer, it’s time to submit nominations for the annual Canadian Law Blog Awards.  The “Clawbies” recognize the work of Canadian legal professionals who share their insight and expertise through a blog. 

Details about the awards, the nomination process and previous winners can be found here. You can also keep track of this year’s nominations by searching #Clawbies2011 on Twitter.

Here are my three nominations for the 2011 Clawbies, in no particular order:

Thoughts on Ontario’s Landlord & Tenant Law by Harry Fine

Most lawyers in the trenches have done some residential landlord/tenant work at some point in their career. While the annotated statutes cite the latest leading authorities on a particular point, those annual tomes provide little insight into what happens at the tribunal, what’s going on at Queen’s Park or the backrooms of the industry associations.  Enter Harry Fine, a paralegal and former member of the old Landlord and Tenant Board.  Harry shares his view on the imbalance in our landlord and tenant law and the legislative thought process going on in the background.  He also provides rare commentary on trends at the tribunal and in the marketplace generally.   Groundbreaking case law is also highlighted.  Any legal professional working in landlord tenant law would find this blog to be useful.  Further, if you’re thinking of becoming a landlord, do yourself a favour and peruse Harry’s blog before you take the plunge.

SQP jeunes avocats | virtual mentor for new lawyers by Lee Akazaki

Lee Akazaki is one of those tireless people who can’t rest on his laurels or take a minute away from doing good things.  Fresh off of his stint as President of the Ontario Bar Association, Lee has set up a blog to provide mentorship to an entire generation of young lawyers and which offers deep insight into trends affecting the legal profession, case comments, war stories and calls to action on hot topics.  In addition to providing high quality stuff, the delivery method is far more efficient than traditional mentorship in that it can reach thousands of people and stand as a valuable resource for years to come.   Even more, the benefit of Lee’s efforts extends far, far beyond the newbies and is of interest and practical use to even the more seasoned practitioners.  

Canadian Charity Law by Blumberg Segal LLP

With the holiday season upon us, charities and their supporters are operating in red alert mode.  They doubtlessly spend the rest of the year getting ready for these busy few weeks.  To be at the top of their game, charities (and their lawyers and any donors wanting to avoid charity scams or pitfalls) should follow Mark Blumberg’s blog for breaking news and resource materials in this niche area of law.  This unassuming little blog is nicely searchable and has been frequently updated since its launch in late 2007. 

These are but three of many top notch Canadian law blogs out there.  If you need a break from the egg nog during the holidays or have a problem that needs solving, visit “the” authoritative list of Canadian law blogs at www.lawblogs.ca.  You’re sure to find something of interest there.

Best of luck to all nominees!