There are three things to look for in a Toronto lawyer: expertise, empathy and ethics.

Lawyers act as advocates and advisors. As an advocate they represent their client by presenting evidence and arguing in court in support of their client. As an advisor, they instruct their clients on their legal rights and recommend particular courses of action in business and personal matters.

The Toronto lawyer should be knowledgeable in their particular area of practice. Although all lawyers are licensed, some appear in court more frequently than others. Lawyers spend the majority of their time outside the courtroom conducting research, interviewing clients and witnesses, and handling paperwork in preparation of litigation.

Some of the most common areas of specialty are: corporate/commercial law; intellectual property and e-commerce; franchising commercial matters; commercial and residential real estate; immigration; employment, family, tax, criminal and entertainment law and; wills and estate.

When you think about a particular area of law you generally think about what type of personality would complement each practice area.

You would expect a litigating lawyer to be articulate and well spoken since they speak on your behalf in court. Being able to put together a logical, convincing argument is important but the lawyer must also have a court presence.

The best illustration of court presence is to be a juror and watch the personality and presentation of the attorneys.

In the same way perhaps a franchising lawyer would be adept at evaluating contracts and knowing what should be in an effective franchise agreement. You may also expect the lawyer to be meticulous and detail-oriented.

And, you would expect a commercial lawyer to be meticulous, and have an uncanny way of understanding commerce. Perhaps the skills that make a top-notch corporate lawyer might not be the same in a family lawyer.

A litigator who argued a case before the Supreme Court once confided that he was more concerned about his client than the case. The client was so despondent, the lawyer feared for his wellbeing if he lost. He didn't—but it was a heavy burden.

Some family lawyers have the personality of Mary Poppins and the teeth of a pit bull; they are empathetic to their client and intrepid of their client's interest.

Tenacity is an admirable trait when confronted with opposition, but the sentiment in family law today is to negotiate and mediate on the behalf of the family—and not adversarial.

A lawyer needs more than the ability to identify, formulate and implement legal issues. The Toronto lawyershould be able to consider new information, new ideas and to think creatively—without infringing on the ethical considerations of the law or the professional conduct of the lawyer.