Talon Regent Named One Of The Top 25 Influential Lawyers In Canada 2020
A local Moose Jaw lawyer with a talent to use technolgy in his practice has been named one of the top most influential lawyers in Canada for 2020.
Talon Regent, of Regent Law, use of the latest technology in his firm and helping implement its use throughout the legal community has him named one of the Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers in Canada 2020 by the magaine Canadian Lawyer. He is one of five lawyers who received the award in the Young Influencers category.
Regent was selected from hundreds of names submitted to the magazine who then pared down the list to 174 lawyers who met the criteria of the publication. The 174 nominated lawyers were then selected from the 19,115 votes submitted by readers - most of whom are from the legal community itself.
Regent’s use of technology in his own legal practice and assistance in impementing it throughout the legal community before and now more importantly during the COVID - 19 pandemic has provided invaluable tools for practicing law in a world of physical distancing, masks and proper hygiene.
Canadian Lawyer stated in the article announcing the awards “Inclusion in the Top 25 speaks to a level of respect, the ability to influence public opinion and to help shape the laws of this country and others; contribution to the strength and quality of legal services; involvement and impact within the justice community; and social and political influence and involvement.”
Regent’s drive towards integrating technolgy to his legal practice has proven invaluable during the pandemic as he has taken the lead in practicing distance law. The implementation of such things as witnessing digital signatures from clients. Improvements which have proven to save clients both time and money as they do not have to travel on many matters to conduct their legal affairs.
“Perhaps the biggest impact on my practice was the ability to witness documents via videoconference. Now I can work with clients from across the province without anyone having to drive for hours to an in-person meeting. This is a major improvement in access to justice, especially for rural clients, and especially in light of COVID-19. Knowing I played a small part in this improvement fills me with pride. That said, there are still many improvements to be made and I won’t stop pushing for a better legal system,” he said in a statement.
Talon Regent - submitted photo
He has been on the forefront in the technological drive surrounding e-signatures and digital signatures.
“Even before the pandemic hit, I was passionate about bringing the practice of law into the 21st century. I met a lot of resistance when there was no motivation to change. Once the pandemic hit, I knew the industry was ready for a major update,” Regent said, adding “Courthouses are allowing more appearances via telephone, hearings are being held via video, and more.”
Technology not only plays a major role in his firm and practice but he is also well known for the development of a Virtual Reality Trial Simulator.
The simulator allows lawyers to practice a trial at a low fee with a programmed judge which reacts to the decisions made by the individual presenting their case. The real time simulator is designed to allow lawyers, law students and self litigants to practice their procedural and argumentive skills in a non-penalzing environment with instant feedback.
“I have been working on the Virtual Reality Trial Simulator for a few years now during evenings and weekends. The concept is to give users a low-cost means by which they can practice running trials in a risk-free environment. All the rules of courts are incorporated into the simulator and the programmed judge will chastise/teach you if you make mistakes.,” Regent said in a statement.
“Even before the pandemic hit, I was passionate about bringing the practice of law into the 21st century”
The simulators instant real time feedback makes it unique.
“You will be given feedback on your choices at the end, and it’s gamified a bit – giving you a score at the end based on how well you followed the rules of court, your use of evidence, and your questioning of witnesses. This is intended for both lawyers and non-lawyers alike, equipping anyone with the basic knowledge and skills needed to run an effective trial. I have the Trial Simulator fully planned out and partly programmed. I am now in the process of looking for a company that can create the digital assets, provide voice actors, and add some other artistic flare,” he said.
Regent got his legal start in Moose Jaw as a partner of the late Terry Ocrane where he was a partner in the Ocrane Regent law firm. Well respected long time Moose Jaw lawyer Mr Ocrane passed away in 2018 at which time Regent took over the firm renamed as Regent Law.
“I am thankful to whoever nominated me, and everyone who voted for me. It is easy to forget about the impact my work has on those around me when I get caught up in the daily grind. Being recognized as one of Canada’s top 25 most influential lawyers of 2020 reminds me that my work is appreciated,” Regent said.
Regent is the only lawyer to receive an award in Saskatchewan and from a city of less than 750,000 in population.