By Louise Harris
Published in Briefly Speaking, April 2009 Edition
Focused. Whether it is client work, volunteer activities, advocacy on legal issues or recreational pastimes, Richard Halpern of Thomson Rogers brings a precision and focus to virtually all aspects of his life.
Following an undergrad degree in Political Science at University of Toronto, Halpern attended law school at the University of Windsor. Called to the bar in 1984, he articled at Thomson Rogers in Toronto and knew immediately that his future career would be as a plaintiff's lawyer. In 1998 he went on to earn his LL.M from Osgoode.
Halpern says, "I had the opportunity to learn from Ken Howie and Lawrence Mandel, two of the top personal injury lawyers at the time. My first advocacy foray was in 1990, working with Lawrence, who was leading the charge for our firm against no fault in Ontario. I was active again in 1994 and then became more involved in 1996 for the firm, later with the Ontario Trial Lawyers Association (OTLA) and now with the Canadian Bar Association (CBA) No Fault Working Group and as chair of the Ontario Bar Association (OBA) Auto Insurance Working Group. "
Thirteen years later and thousands upon thousands of hours haven't dampened his enthusiasm for auto insurance reform and improved benefits for innocent accident victims. Halpern estimates that during heavy advocacy initiatives he can spend close to 20 hours per week on the auto insurance reform
''I'm very fortunate that Thomson Rogers appreciates the important role that vigilance and advocacy has on this particular file," adds Halpern. "My partners have been most accommodating and their support has been invaluable in allowing me to stay active on this tremendously important issue."
Halpern's laser-like focus when he talks about improved benefits for innocent accident victims demonstrates a thoroughly researched grasp of an extremely complex issue. His passion for reform is almost tangible. Halpern has worked diligently with plaintiff and defence colleagues, as well as insurance industry representatives to attempt consensus on accident benefit issues and expanded tort. He conceived the OBNOTLA Insurance Summit held in April of 2008, which brought all stakeholders together for two days of workshops.
"Following the Summit, at the request of the Finance Minister, we engaged in a dialogue with the insurance industry that, unfortunately, came to a grinding halt a few weeks ago" says Halpern. "They aren't prepared 4 to look at anyone's issues on an equal footing with their own and are content to take their individual message to Queen's Park. Ultimately, I don't think that will benefit consumers." Halpern remains the driving force from the profession to reform auto insurance.
Contrast this picture with one of Richard Halpern, the devotee of sailing and all things water-related, accomplished pianist, married to his high school sweetheart Rhonda Hoffman and a devoted and proud father of Jamie, 22 and Elise, 20.
Such is his love of music that he tells the story of a new home with furniture in the den and an empty living room ... save and except for his grand piano. And what does he play? ''Anything; I just pick up the sheet music and play, whatever it is" he says.
On the charitable side, Halpern and his wife proudly support Halpern's brother Todd, who is responsible for the annual Grand Cru culinary wine festival, in the considerable charitable work he does for the University Health Network.
Running for exercise has turned into dozens of charity 10k runs, a couple of mini triathlons and a 112 marathon. And a round of golf is for walking and carrying, no carts. Skiing is down mountains, not hills. There are, apparently, no "Halpern Half Measures". And if you're a client, you get the same level of commitment and intensity.
Halpern recognizes that there are some things that have to get left behind. While basset hounds Basil and Sherlock are fondly remembered childhood pets, there haven't been any dogs or cats in the Halpern household for decades.
After his family, the CBA, 0BA and OTLA have been among the significant beneficiaries of Halpern's volunteer efforts. He's become a familiar sight at and party leaders. Halpern delivers a powerful message on the need to improve benefits to innocent accident victims, to produce a better product that benefits consumers and allows the insurance industry to remain viable and profitable. Whether the politicians have listened will become clear when the Five Year Review on Automobile Insurance is delivered this spring.
April 2009 | Briefly Speaking • En Bref
