In today’s dynamic legal landscape, demands on lawyers in B.C. have never been higher.
Clients expect timely, strategic and innovative legal solutions while keeping an eye on their financial bottom line. Lawyers must navigate increasingly complex laws, rapid technological changes, and rising workloads. Regulation of the profession is changing as the Legal Professions Act develops against the backdrop of legal challenges to its underlying statute. Important initiatives to build inclusivity in our workplaces and achieve Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples take time and sustained effort. And our society is experiencing surging polarization, economic uncertainty and devastating climate change. Maintaining our personal and professional wellbeing is challenging, even to the most resilient of lawyers.
This summer, CBABC is charting our five-year course through a strategic planning process. We design our programs, services and advocacy based on a deep understanding of the realities facing today’s lawyers, articling students, and law students. By envisioning the future of our members 10 years from now, CBABC stays relevant to our members and strengthens our role as an influential voice for lawyers.
Bar associations have long served as the backbone of the legal profession. We are a place to learn, to connect and to change our justice and legal systems. We are an advocate for lawyers and their professional interests. The power of that collective can influence and protect the principles and values we share.
From our exceptional 260+ Section meetings to our six made-in-B.C. conferences, professional development offered through CBABC is timely, interesting and inspiring. Our Advancing Reconciliation Series, now in its seventh year, keeps up the momentum of learning and changing. This summer, we introduce the new Fertility Law and Mergers & Acquisitions Sections in response to members’ calls to enhance practice and progress in each area.
Strengthening lawyers goes beyond developing excellence in knowledge, skills and self-awareness – it involves creating a connected professional community. Whether it’s through Mentorship, working with a Practice Coach, networking for business development, or building collegiality in your practice area, connecting one-on-one or in groups is core to who we are.
Members have made it clear that they want most of their professional development online, but they want their connections in person. This year, CBABC is hosting more in-person gatherings in more areas of the province. Whether it’s a conference related to your practice area or a networking lunch in your local community, come out to catch up with your colleagues and meet new members. Not only will you increase your sense of belonging, but you’ll also find allies, respected peers and people you will want to negotiate with, argue against and problem-solve with to benefit your clients. The joys of practice often result from the team you are working with or from effective interaction with lawyers on the other side.
Beyond services and connections, CBABC also advocates for lawyers and for improvements to our legal and justice systems. Through input from our committees and Sections, CBABC makes recommendations to influence policies that affect articling students’ working conditions, inclusivity within the profession and the regulation of lawyers. CBABC prepares submission on laws, rules of practice and of registries, and forms used in conveyancing or in the courts based on what you on the front lines believe should change. When lawyers come together to advocate for legal and systemic reform, the benefits extend to our clients and society as a whole.
As CBABC continues our programs, events and advocacy, our ultimate goal is strengthening lawyers, individually and as a profession. As your professional association, CBABC is your partner, champion and steward of our profession’s future.
Renew your membership and encourage your colleagues to join. There are benefits for everyone.
