Client relationships are changing - here's what you should do about it

How you can deliver more value by expanding your skillset, building relationships, and understanding the needs of your clients
Client relationships are changing - here's what you should do about it
Summary
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Transcript
CPD

Developing personal relationships and fostering greater understanding of your client's needs are as important as ever in the legal world. In this episode, Natalie and Peter chat with Mark Le Blanc about how the changing dynamic between in-house counsel and external law firms can help lawyers deliver more value and drive change in the legal industry as a whole.

Mark Le Blanc

Guest

Mark Le Blanc, TVO

A business minded lawyer with excellent judgement who has built and evolved legal departments and been a key player in transitioning a legacy business into a digital product business. Mark deeply believes that organizational value can be significantly increased from driving legal knowledge and insights deep into the business units of organizations. His experience has taught him that to do this you not only need legal knowledge, insight and judgement, but you need to build relationships and put in place systems and processes that will fully leverage the value in the legal knowledge and keep risk at an acceptable level. He also knows that to succeed in delivering on this value while managing risk requires ongoing effort and attention, particularly in an environment where technology and competition are creating an ever changing landscape. In short, Mark uses his knowledge, judgement and years of experience to generate value from the enormous opportunity created by the evolution of the practice of law as it relates to the businesses he supports.  

Peter Aprile

Host

Peter Aprile, Counter Tax Lawyers

Peter Aprile is a senior lawyer specializing in tax dispute resolution and litigation. His vision as Counter’s founder and his everyday role at the firm are one and the same: to be an agent of change, uncovering opportunities and developing strategies that achieve more than anyone expected. A creative thinker, Peter studies problems from all different angles to find what others have missed. He’s also convinced that he likes winning more than most people.

Different people describe Peter in different ways. At the CRA and the federal Department of Justice, the word relentless comes up quite a lot. Admittedly, so does the word a**hole – but it’s often said with a certain grudging respect, if not affection. Peter’s clients call him a saint. Well, some of them, anyway. His colleagues describe him as empowering and harddriving, but fair. Peter’s friends call him loyal. His wife describes him as a lot to deal with, but worth it. Peter encourages his young daughter and son to call him “The Big Homie,” though with limited success. His mother describes him with the single word mischievous – before going on to complain that he should call more.

Read Peter’s complete bio →

Natalie Worsfold

Host

Natalie Worsfold, Counter Tax Lawyers

Natalie is a tax lawyer who represents individual taxpayers and owner-managed businesses in disputes with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). She also successfully challenges CRA decisions denying taxpayer relief and helps facilitate applications under the Voluntary Disclosures Program.

But what you really need to know about Natalie is that she’s a tax litigator with heart. When she takes a case, it’s not out of technical interest – it’s because she cares. And if she believes the government has got something wrong, she won’t stop until it’s been put right. She’s fierce.

Natalie is the co-architect behind many of Counter’s process workflows, software and data analytics systems, as well as our comprehensive knowledgebase (loving named Hank). And when it comes to preparing cases, she’s Counter’s secret weapon – happiest when elbow-deep in evidence, meticulously building creative solutions to seemingly impossible problems. Because the fact is Natalie sees things that other people don’t.

Natalie’s family and friends describe her as loyal, selfless, understanding and fun. They also mention stubborn. To her Counter colleagues she’s a combination of stellar brainpower and contagious enthusiasm who elevates the game of everyone around her.

Read Natalie’s complete bio →

Insights

Tax partner from Price Waterhouse Coopers commending Peter Aprile and the Counter Tax Litigators team for their hands-on, focused, and diligent approach to tax law.

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

Senior VP client with an accounting and finance background praising Counter Tax Litigators for their expertise, dedication, and businesslike approach to tax dispute litigation.

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

Accountant representing Fuller Landau LLP praising Counter Tax Litigators for superior communication in resolving client tax disputes.

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

Retired CEO client recommending Peter Aprile and the Counter Tax Litigators team for their competence, honesty, and exceptional handling of legal matters.

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

Successful business leader praising Counter Tax Litigators’ team for their professional, efficient representation, leading to a highly satisfactory decision.

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

Business leader praising the Counter Tax Litigators team for going above and beyond in handling a significant tax dispute.

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

Framework Graphic 1 – representing Counter Tax Litigators' integrated approach to client service, combining advanced systems and deep legal expertise to resolve high-stakes tax disputes.

How can we help you?

Recognition

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

Award from Legal 500 Canada recognizing Counter Tax Litigators as an Elite Tax Boutique for 2024.
Recognition from Canadian Lawyer for Counter Tax Litigators as a Top Tax Law Boutique for 2023-24
Excellence Award from Canadian Law Awards recognizing Peter Aprile as Litigator of the Year.
Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent badge for Counter Tax Litigators, awarded for highest overall client rating.
Recognition from Canadian Lawyer for Counter Tax Litigators as a Top Tax Law Boutique for 2021-22.
Lexpert 2022 Rising Star award for Natalie Worsfold, recognizing her excellence in tax litigation.
Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent badge for Counter Tax Litigators, peer-rated for highest level of professional excellence.
FT Innovative Lawyers award recognizing Counter Tax Litigators for advanced systems enhancing tax lawyers' capabilities and outcomes.
Precedent 2022 Innovation Award honoring Counter Tax Litigators for innovation in tax litigation reports.
Fastcase 50 award recognizing Counter Tax Litigators for thought leadership and innovation in tax litigation.