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CBABC

Civil & Family Chambers Practice Review - Engagement Sessions

CBABC is preparing a submission in response to the BC Supreme Court's civil and family chambers practice review regarding both regular (short) and long chambers.

CBABC

Annual Case Law Update | PD Showcase

Robert Janes, KC, reviews the past year's notable Aboriginal law cases and what they mean for the area of practice. From Aboriginal and Treaty rights to limitation periods, Treaty interpretation, and more, this thorough review is one you won't want to miss.

CBABC

Private Land Conservation for Professionals | PD Showcase

Private land conservation presents a unique mix of legal and financial considerations, and a well-informed advisor can make a big difference to the result, for both the donor and for recipients of the gift. Margaret Sasges, KC, Peter Johnson, Dave Cunnington, and Paul Peterson, explain how to advise your conservation-minded clients. They cover topics such as interests in land that can be donated, sales at less than market value, the costs and tax benefits under various scenarios, and other relevant topics from real estate, estate and charity law.

CBABC

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Appellate Advocacy | PD Showcase

Oral argument provides a critically important opportunity for counsel to address the court’s concerns and reinforce why their position is correct. Join our panelists as they provide you with their unique insight into common pitfalls that both inexperienced and experienced counsel should avoid and how all counsel can take their oral advocacy to the next level. Specifically, Justice Fisher provides her views from the bench followed by an interesting perspective from preparation to the prodium from Julia Kindrachuk and Jeremy Shragge.

CBABC

The 3 Do's and Don'ts for Civil Litigators - A Fireside Chat with Justice Lauri Ann Fenlon | PD Showcase

It's a rare thing to have someone from the Bench give you advice on the best practices in litigation. It's even rarer to have someone with Justice Fenlon's pedigree give you that advice. From her years of practice as a civil litigator with Fasken, to her time on the BC Supreme Court and BC Court of Appeal, it's fair to say Justice Fenlon has seen it all. Justice Lauri Ann Fenlon provides a unique opportunity offering her insight into what she thinks is valuable advice to ensure you're putting your best foot forward in your practice.

CBABC

Find Common Ground Outside of the Courtroom | PD Showcase

Resolving disputes in court can be time consuming and costly. Arbitration and mediation offer more efficient ways to work through conflict. Learn strategies for how and when to integrate these models into your practice.

CBABC

Diversity on the Bench 2025 | PD Showcase

An effective justice system requires judges who reflect the diversity of our province. Are you thinking of applying now or in the future? Learn about the day-to-day activities of a judge in Provincial and Supreme Courts, the skills and knowledge required, what to consider when applying to the Bench, and how applications are evaluated. Our panel of judges share their experiences to help you take your next steps.

CBABC

Navigating Estate Planning in First Nations Communities | PD Showcase

Explore the unique world of on-reserve wills & estates practice with Berry Hykin and Alexa Powell as they provide an overview of the legal context and discuss the implications. Topics include intestacy rules, succession of on-reserve real property, effect of band membership, and strategies for addressing ethical and practical issues that can arise.

CBABC

Crush your Articles | PD Showcase

Your articles are just around the corner! Discover the secrets to standing out, managing your workload like a pro, and becoming the go-to person in your firm. With expert advice and insider stories, learn how to make a lasting impact early in your career.

CBABC

Opening Up About Mental Health | PD Showcase

Open conversations about mental well-being are often hindered by stigma, misconceptions and the fear of judgment. To break down these barriers, leading lawyers share insights into their unique mental health journeys with the hope you can embark on your own path to well-being.

CBABC

Contracts - Case Law Update for the Commercial Practitioner | PD Showcase

Lisa Peters, KC, presents her annual case-law update on decisions relevant to commercial practice. Topics include: exclusion clauses in contracts for the sale of goods, illegal contracts at common law, penalty clauses, relief from forfeiture and unconscionability, survival clauses, forum selection clauses, good faith jurisprudence, privity of contract and arbitration clauses.

CBABC

Mid-Island Summer Gathering

Join CBABC county representatives at a laid-back barbeque with good food and great company.

CBABC

Practicing Law, Living Religion | PD Showcase

Religious identity can have a significant influence on how lawyers do their jobs. With the secularization of the broader profession, religious lawyers face conflict between their identity and legal ethics, and many face discrimination. Learn more about these experiences and the ways their unique perspectives can benefit the profession.

CBABC

How to Beat Burnout | PD Showcase

With high standards and high demands, the constant exposure to stress at work can lead lawyers to burnout. Shari R. Pearlman, registered clinical social worker and Assistant Director of Lawyers Assistance Program of BC, identifies the signs and symptoms, and how to address burnout in your life. Adopt new tools from this workshop to maintain your well-being and continue to thrive in your career.

CBABC

Conquering the Courtroom: The Ultimate Guide to Trial Preparation | PD Showcase

David Juteau, a seasoned lawyer with 16 years of experience and managing partner at Pearlman Lindholm, specializes in civil litigation with a strong focus on preparing for BC Supreme Court trials. With his extensive expertise, he shares invaluable insights into the trial preparation process, offering practical tips and strategies to ensure success in the courtroom.

CBABC

People, Position & Power | PD Showcase

Whether it’s where you're from, what you look like, what your gender is or what you believe, we all have different parts that make us who we are. How these come together can shape our interactions as lawyers. Attend this session to uncover the impact your experience has on the people around you and how this understanding of yourself and others can help you build more effective client relationships.

CBABC

UNDRIP’s Application in Canadian Law – Case Law Discussion on Kebaowek First Nation v Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, 2025 FC 319 | PD Showcase

Sandy Carpenter and Robert Janes, KC explores one of the most significant public law decisions of the year: Kebaowek First Nation v. Canadian Nuclear Laboratories. Widely recognized as a major victory for Indigenous groups, the decision affirms that the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) is part of Canadian law and must be used to interpret Canadian law, including Section 35 and the duty to consult. As lead counsel for the Kebaowek First Nation, Robert offers unique, firsthand insight into the case, while Sandy's extensive experience in environmental, regulatory and Indigenous law brings critical perspective to this landmark ruling. Together, they provide valuable guidance for legal practitioners navigating the evolving landscape of Indigenous rights, environmental and public law in Canada.

CBABC

Practical Strategies for Powerful Writing | PD Showcase

Want to learn simple ways of making your writing clearer and giving it better flow? Eager to harness sentence and paragraph structure to create emphasis, convey logic, and persuade effectively? Join Dr Lisa Surridge for this workshop and gain practical advice on how to improve your writing and refine your proofreading skills. All examples are anonymized samples drawn from legal documents.

CBABC

AI's Transformative Impact on Solicitor Practices | PD Showcase

Are you curious about how Artificial Intelligence might be useful in your legal practice but are unsure about where to start? Are you intrigued by AI but feel overwhelmed by the technology's complexity, rapid evolution, and potential practice management issues?

CBABC

What Family Counsel Wish Estate Planners Knew | PD Showcase

Tamlin Cooper and Stephanie Ovens discuss matters that arise when family law claims intersect with estate planning, including issues relating to discretionary trusts, support orders against estates, and cohabitation/marriage agreements.

CBABC

Year in Review | PD Showcase

Analyze the latest in family law trial and appellate case law developments, along with a review of recent Rule amendments.

CBABC

BC Human Rights Tribunal Update | PD Showcase

Emily Ohler, KC, and Devyn Cousineau provide attendees with an annual update from the BC Human Rights Tribunal. Topics include the Tribunal's ongoing process review and Tribunal backlogs.

CBABC

Economic Reconciliation and Relational Credibility

Canada’s colonization and historical policies have created long-lasting economic disparities for Indigenous Peoples. Unpack the crucial roles decolonization, legal pluralism and dismantling of systemic barriers play in forging a path towards economic reconciliation.

Family Law - Vancouver Island

Legally Social: Family Law on the Island

Join us for the first networking event of the term designed exclusively for family law professionals across the Island. 2025-26 CBABC President, Patricia Blair, joins to share a few words. 

Wills and Trusts - Vancouver

The Will to Network

It’s the perfect opportunity to reconnect with colleagues, share fresh insights, and jumpstart your professional goals for the fall. Whether you’re a seasoned expert or new to the field, join us for an evening of conversation, collaboration, and community. Let’s kick off the new season with renewed energy, meaningful connections, and shared success!

CBABC

BC Legal Conference: Government Law & Practice 2025

Join colleagues from across the public sector for a day designed to keep you informed in your practice. The Government Law & Practice Conference offers government lawyers a focused opportunity to gain practical insights into the issues shaping public law today. This hybrid conference allows you to attend in person for valuable networking or join online from wherever you are.

CBABC

100 Questions about Reconciliation

People are often curious about reconciliation and seek ways to participate, but a shortage of trustworthy information brings more questions than answers. Dr. Bruce McIvor, answers 100 fundamental questions about reconciliation.

CBABC

BC Legal Conference: Wills, Estates & Trusts 2025

This conference blends expert knowledge with peer-to-peer collaboration to navigate the complexities of the evolving field of wills, estates and trusts. Participate in interactive sessions, network with your colleagues during breaks, and battle it out in a trivia showdown.

CBABC

Fresh Perspectives with Two-Eyed Seeing

Stepping out of your comfort zone to embrace diverse perspectives can lead to profound personal and professional growth. Examine the practice of Two-Eyed Seeing which weaves Indigenous perspectives and knowledge into traditional western worldviews.