Canadian Bar Association
10th Floor - 845 Cambie Street V6B 2P4 Vancouver, BC, Canada

CBABC Events for Mar 1 - 5 As we head into the weekend, let's take a moment to look ahead at what's coming up next week: On Mar 1, the Young Lawyers Sections will learn about "The Art of Negotiating and Being Able to Articulate What You Want"... http://ow.ly/mbjZ50DLbQ5 Then on Mar 3 it's "A Defined Benefit Pension Plan for Law Firms" webinar - Sponsored by Lawyers Financial http://ow.ly/j3xv50DLbQ6 On Mar 5, the Constitutional/Civil Liberties Law Section will hear a panel discussion on "Notices of Constitutional Question: Tips and Tricks" http://ow.ly/BWoA50DLbQ8 Check out the full schedule of events: http://ow.ly/zF7m50DLbQa

British Columbia needs enhanced virtual technology so that more people can access the justice system; updated, streamlined legislation so small businesses can thrive; and varied paths in and out of judges’ courtrooms so timely justice can be delivered. British Columbia residents deserve a system that will meet the demands of the 21st century. Read the recommendations for Modernizing BC's Justice & legal Systems in #AgendaforJustice: cbabc.org/A4J

In the article "Moving Justice Forward," Attorney General David Eby, QC writes about justice technology reform in BC in the wake of the changes and challenges brought on by the pandemic. Read this article in the current issue of BarTalk: http://ow.ly/ovS450DIf2e

Family law is complicated and can be confusing even during the best of times. Add the emotional trauma of a separation or parenting dispute, and the financial stress within a dissolving family economic unit, and the situation becomes untenable. For those families, it is crucial to be able to access readily available assistance to solve their legal problems. #AgendaforJustice presents concrete suggestions for action where the legal community and the BC Government can work collaboratively to help BC families. Read the document: cbabc.org/a4j

The Hon. Chief Justice Robert Bauman writes about his recent experience in the Court of Appeal and what the appellate "courtroom" will look like in the future. Read "View from a Court During a Pandemic" in February's BarTalk: http://ow.ly/JMdz50DFgR6

Jennifer Griffith writes about the impending ban on single-use plastics in Canada and our individual responsibility to keep garbage out of the common patch. Read "Please Keep Your Garbage Out of My Patch" in the current issue of BarTalk: http://ow.ly/jvf850CSCS4

Selina Lee-Andersen explores the current state of global efforts to reduce emissions in "What’s the Deal with the Paris Climate Agreement?" Read the article in the current issue of BarTalk: http://ow.ly/iuEx50CSzDg

"The tragedy of the commons can still be averted, but it requires considerations beyond self-interest and communal property, and a shift toward fundamental changes in governance, ethics, and creative approaches for greater responsibility." Read Lisa Picotte-Li's article "Tragedy of the Climate Crisis" in BarTalk. http://ow.ly/BtMy50CSzUh

As an internationally-trained law student or lawyer, you’re now in BC working on your NCA. Next up: articling! Join our session on Friday, February 5, 2021 at 12:30 pm to hear from people who have been in your shoes, looking for articles in a competitive environment. Our panelists, including Siobhan Lennox from Global Lawyers of Canada, share their tips on exemptions (PLTC or Articles), paid vs. non-paid articles + split articles, transferable skills + prior experiences, and... more. Register now: http://ow.ly/BF9M50CSDXl

CBABC congratulates the 2020 recipients of the Queen's Counsel designation in recognition of their exceptional merit and contribution to the legal profession in British Columbia. Read the full announcement and the list of appointees: http://ow.ly/CWDO50CTnhg

As we come to the end of year like no other, we take a moment to reflect on everything that happened in 2020. We thank every CBABC member who rose to the challenge of staying connected during these challenging times. From all of us, happy holidays!

It's #TransAwarenessWeek2020! This week leads up to the Transgender Day of Remembrance (Nov 20) and helps raise the visibility about transgender people and addresses issues members of the community face. In this spirit, we highlight Jadine Lannon's article "Limiting Transphobic Speech" featured in the October 2020 issue of BarTalk: ... "Recently, there have been a number of cases dealing with the intersection of freedom of speech and the rights of transpeople in Canada. Most of these cases have recognized that the constitutional guarantee to freedom of expression must give way to the rights of transpeople to be free of speech that challenges their very existence. These rulings have begun to establish a floor for what the basic right to exist with dignity looks like for transpeople." Take a look: http://ow.ly/OKO950Cpnyj

The November issue of The Advocate is out with Jennifer Brun, CBABC President for 2020/21 featured "On the Front Cover." Lyle Harris, QC writes, "Justice [Paul] Walker describes Jennifer as 'insanely smart, fiercely tenacious, highly ethical, ferociously hardworking and unwavering in her devotion to her family and clients." Read the article: http://ow.ly/aZa350Cnes9

Recognize an exceptional contribution to the legal profession in BC. Nominations for the Georges A. Goyer, QC Memorial Award for Distinguished Service close on November 30. Learn more: http://ow.ly/O0y250BNzXC

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought an unprecedented shift in our legal system to more online work. Join experienced practitioners on Fri, Nov 20 to discuss how to practise law virtually in 2020 & beyond. "Prince George Connects" is an all-day virtual conference with 5 CPD hrs for practitioners in Prince George and northern BC. Register by Thu, Nov 19: http://ow.ly/TlYD50C38Fj

"Though the current legislative regime, federally and provincially, made it easier for queer couples to have children and be legally recognized as their child’s parents, issues remain, even in BC," writes barbara findlay, QC in the article "Pregnant with Questions." Read more about queer families and assisted human reproduction technologies in the October issue of BarTalk: http://ow.ly/II7r50BY5ON

CBABC has a full slate of programming this week (including seven events on Wednesday!) to sharpen your skills and stay on top of the latest developments in the legal industry. Please note: all sessions are online until further notice. Visit http://ow.ly/FpQO50CmagN for event links. Thanks to the Ontario Bar Association for the inspiration!

Are you overwhelmed by new technologies in the wake of COVID-19, not knowing what platforms, software, or devices on the market can enhance your practice? Join our Wed, Nov 18 webinar where legal innovation champion Chilwin Cheng discusses creative & cost-effective innovative business solutions to legal problems that may impact your practice. Register now: http://ow.ly/o0LG50ChedH