CBA President Meets Justice Minister Cotler
When CBA President Susan McGrath met Justice Minister Irwin Cotler on January 21, 2005 she brought a list of member concerns to the table, the most important being the need for consistent, Canada-wide funding and eligibility criteria for legal aid.

The one-hour meeting also provided the CBA President with the opportunity to raise a number of other issues including the CBA’s position on the appointment process to the Supreme Court of Canada and on federal judicial compensation, as well as the upcoming review of the anti-terrorism laws.

Characterizing the discussions as open and frank, Susan McGrath said: “The message I bring back to our members is one of confidence that our concerns were heard and understood. The Minister welcomes our substantive and ‘principled’ approach to our submissions to the government. I particularly look forward to progress on the legal aid front.” Specifically, the Minister agreed to raise the issue of increased civil legal aid funding at this week’s talks with his provincial/territorial counterparts. He also remains committed to pursuing same-sex marriage legislation, and in the near future he will deliver his report to the Commons Justice Committee on the appointment process for Supreme Court judges.

The meeting was the first of several the President will hold with the federal Justice Minister to ensure ongoing communication and dialogue.


Increase Savings With CBA Financial Services RRSPs
The season of savings is upon us and CBA Financial Services (CBAF) is offering a member benefit that has the potential to increase your retirement savings. Through the purchasing power of the CBA, CBAF has negotiated no-load funds with investment fees that are lower than for many other investments. As well, investment selection is carefully screened and monitored. For more about CBA Financial RRSPs, visit www.barfinancial.com.


What Your Clients Really Think
Clients may tell others what they think of the legal services they receive, but they’re often shy about telling their lawyers. CBA PracticeLink talked to several clients to find out the good, the bad and clients’ advice on how you can improve your practice. Discover some common complaints and learn eight essential keys to client satisfaction.

Other new items on PracticeLink (www.cba.org/practicelink) are:

• Coping with Stress and Avoiding Burnout: Techniques for Lawyers
• Plain Language Legal Writing: Writing as a Process
• Quick tips on marketing, financial management, client services and more.

Reduced Insurance Rates
The CBIA continues to provide superior benefits to its members as a result of its not-for-profit status and favourable claims results. At the January 15, 2005 Board meeting, CBIA Directors approved of dramatically lower term life insurance rates. CBIA members will now enjoy the lowest rates on the market in all age categories. For more information about CBIA or CBAF products, call Eric Mass or David Hodgson at (toll free) 1-888-477-5630 and in Vancouver at 604-688-8790.


Call for Nominations for Standing Committees
The CBA is currently seeking candidates for its National Standing Committees for 2005-2006. All CBA members are eligible to apply for positions on CBA committees. For information and an application form, please see the related insert in this issue. The deadline for applications is Friday, April 15, 2005 at noon.

These articles were published in the February 2005 issue of BarTalk. © 2005 The Canadian Bar Association. All rights reserved.