November 21, 2017

Checking All the Boxes to Deliver Better Results

Our Ontario Bar Association Presentation & Paper

We’re a little famous for building systems that deliver more value to our clients.

The Ontario Bar Association heard about our systems and asked that we teach other lawyers how we do things at the annual TECHxpo 2017 conference. In particular, the OBA asked that we speak about one simple component of our larger system to help other lawyers increase quality and reduce error: checklists.

So, we delivered a presentation entitled The Legal Checklist Manifesto. Yes, we stole the title from Atul Gawande’s book The Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things Right, which is one of the books that inspired us to create a larger system that includes checklists, workflows, automated questionnaires, and custom software.

To us, the value that our system delivers to our clients is self-evident, so it was a little painful to explain to a group of smart lawyers that checklists are the starting point to working better.

In any event, in addition to the presentation, the OBA also forced asked us to contribute a paper on checklists. If you are interested in how we use checklists as part of our larger system and if you derive some pleasure from reading about the power of checklists … sound the trumpets and behold our paper, The Legal Checklist Manifesto. You can click on it to the right as well.

P.S. We’ve talked about our systems in other places, too. If The Legal Checklist Manifesto piques your interest, you can also listen to our podcast on workflows or check out our video about our custom tax dispute software to learn more about what we’ve built to deliver better client results.

Insights

The Tax Court of Canada’s recent ruling in Fiera Foods Company v. HMK1 has significant implications for businesses claiming Input Tax Credits (ITCs) under the Excise Tax Act (ETA).

Section 111 of the Income Tax Act (“ITA”) allows taxpayers to carry losses back and forward to offset income in different taxation years. However, subsection 111(5) restricts non-capital loss...

Key Points in Glencore The case involves an appeal against a reassessment under the Income Tax Act, where the Minister of National Revenue assessed as income certain fees Falconbridge received due to...

Management M.-A. Roy Inc. v. HMK (“Gestion Roy”) centers around whether an Opco’s decision to pay insurance premiums, with two Holdcos as the policy owners, gives rise to a shareholder benefit under...

We’re delighted to announce our newly updated chapter on Corporate Residence & Tax Disputes in Canada (2023), published by Thomson Reuters, is now available.

Thompson Reuters considers the authors “leading tax experts and litigators”. The authors agreed to grant TR partial rights to this work. This article first appeared in TR’s Tax Dispute and Resolution...

Explore more insights >

Susan Farina wearing a dark blue top and dark rimmed circular glasses brightly smiling while sitting at a desk with a pen and paperwork in front of her

What Accountants Say

Peter Aprile is a very hands on and practical tax lawyer who is very focused and diligent. He is a pleasure to work with.

- Susan Farina, Tax Partner, Price Waterhouse Coopers

David Cuddy in a blue button up shirt standing in a park

What Clients Say

I’m a Senior VP with an accounting and finance background. I’ve worked with lawyers and large law firms. I was referred to Counter to fix a tax dispute. It is very rare to encounter lawyers that combine expertise, dedication, and a businesslike approach to litigation. I have no hesitation in recommending Counter.

- David Cuddy, Senior Vice-President, Finance & Business Operations, CFL

Laura Couvrette smiling in a plaid top standing with arms folded

What Accountants Say

Counter Tax Litigators has worked with Fuller Landau to resolve several of our clients’ tax disputes. Counter delivers superior communication.

- Laura Couvrette, CPA, CA, Fuller Landau LLP

Mark Ram standing in a office hallway wearing a white button up with dark blue jacket and dark rimmed glasses

What Clients Say

I spent a good part of my career dealing with attorneys on innumerable matters, and found Peter to be extremely competent, open-minded and exceptionally honest. I would not hesitate to use Peter again, and highly recommend the team at Counter Tax Litigators.

- Mark Ram, Retired CEO

Klaus W. Reif sitting at a desk, dressed in a blue jacket with a silver wrist watch

What Clients Say

Counter’s representation on our behalf was well informed, professional and efficient, which ultimately resulted in a highly satisfactory decision in all aspects.

- Klaus W. Reif, President, Reif Estate Winery

Brian Grott wearing a white button up with a red tie with white dots, softly smiling and leaning against a desk

What Clients Say

I was amazed with the results. They went above and beyond, and I would recommend Counter to any person or business with a significant tax dispute.

- Brian Grott, Northland Screen Corp

How can we help you?

Get in touch

Recognition

Our law firm and tax lawyers regularly receive
recognition as leaders in tax controversy and litigation.

Checking All the Boxes to Deliver Better Results

Insights

Tax Disputes & ITC Claim Protection When Suppliers Fall Short

Deans Knight Will Have a Serious Impact on Tax Planning & Tax Disputes

Mining in the Tax Court: Glencore’s Challenge to Exclude Fees from Taxable Income

When Insurance Premiums Lead to Unwanted Shareholder Benefits

Counter Partners' Update Chapter on Corporate Residence Disputes & Strategies

Management Services, Personal Motives, and the Pursuit of Profit: Brown v. Canada

How can we help you?

Recognition

Subscribe

Stay current with our latest insights.