Profile
Personal injury lawyer Joel Dick works tirelessly to improve the corrections system
When serious injuries or deaths occur among people detained or incarcerated, Dick is determined to seek justice
Joel Dick, a partner at Howie, Sacks & Henry LLP, is passionate about the law. But when first encountering prospective clients who have been seriously injured while detained by authorities or incarcerated, it’s no surprise they may not share his faith in the legal system. It’s Dick’s job, as a personal injury lawyer whose practice also includes motor vehicle accidents, product liability injuries and solicitor’s negligence, to help many people harmed by the actions or inaction of others find a sense of justice even when they have lost hope. With his genuine concern for his clients’ needs, and his commitment to holding powerful institutions and companies to account for their role in causing or contributing to life-altering incidents and accidents, Dick exemplifies his firm’s renowned position in the personal injury field.
What can a client expect when they hire you?
I started my career at a small firm, but I moved to HSH in 2011 because it was known for the client-centred approach that I knew would be central to my practice. Personal injuries are personal, and while lawyers must understand the facts of a case, and relevant statutes and common-law precedent, above all we need to develop a thorough understanding of the needs of the people we represent. A client of mine can expect a tireless advocate who builds a relationship with them based on integrity, trust and a consistent focus on putting their needs first.
You’ve taken on a number of cases that involve people who’ve died or been injured while incarcerated or in police custody. What makes you passionate about this work?
People who are incarcerated or in police custody are uniquely vulnerable. Their freedom to do certain things—some of which are necessary for their very survival—is constrained, and the authorities who are responsible for them have a special duty of care. Can you imagine if you were in this type of situation and your basic needs were not being met? How can I not be passionate about taking up that kind of case?
How have your clients changed in the past 10 years?
While many of my clients still come from word-of-mouth referrals, a growing number have found me while researching the type of disabling accident they suffered. When they contact me, not only are they often better informed about their rights and options, but they’ve had an opportunity to learn about me through my writing and media appearances.
What advice do you have for junior lawyers starting out in your area of practice?
Find your “why.” For instance, “Why would you be willing to put in long hours at your job?” People will have a wide range of answers, but the junior lawyers who will really excel in personal injury law will likely be the ones that find a real personal connection to their work or the desire to make a systemic change through their cases. That’s the type of motivation that will drive you to count your successes rather than your billable hours.
How do you give back to the community?
I have a long history of working with organizations that do pro bono work as a way to support social justice. Offering free legal advice and support to individuals and communities who face barriers cannot tear down those barriers by itself, but it provides vulnerable and marginalized clients with support as they surmount them.
What’s the most important item in your desk drawer?
A pad of paper. I am still better at taking notes the old-fashioned way. There’s something about the act of writing by hand that helps me retain and process new information. My pad of paper is also where my best ideas take shape.
Joel Dick welcomes the opportunity to consult potential new clients and is grateful to accept referrals.
Contact Joel Dick
Howie, Sacks & Henry
At Howie, Sacks & Henry we only practise personal injury law. And it shows. With more than 40 years experience, our dedication to handle serious personal injury cases with compassion, professionalism, and expertise has made us one of Canada’s top personal injury law firms, as ranked by our peers in Canadian Lawyer Magazine. We are one of the very few firms which has appeared on every list. Know the name you can trust: many of our clients come to us from other lawyers who trust our experience.