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What's Involved
Here you'll find information about the qualifications, obligations and policies related to serving on one of the CBA's various committees. Read on for details on time commitment, travel, expenses and more.
Qualities of CBA Committee Members
The CBA seeks Committee members who are committed, passionate, enthusiastic, forward-thinking and who have a thorough knowledge of the CBA and the issues facing the profession.
For details on qualifications for specific CBA Committees, please consult the Committees page.
Obligations of a CBA Committee Member
Meetings and Time Commitment
Most Committees meet once per year in session (paid by the CBA) and then again at the Canadian Legal Conference and Mid-Winter meetings of CBA Council (member expense). While the value in building leadership skills is in attending face-to-face meetings, teleconferencing can also be an option.
Committee members are encouraged to make their best efforts to attend the Canadian Legal Conference and Mid-Winter Meeting of Council at their expense (costs include registration fee, transportation, accommodations, meals and incidentals). Committee Chairs are expected to give verbal reports at meetings of CBA Council, which may require an additional day of travel.
Apart from in-person meetings, Committees can also meet periodically via teleconference.
The following chart outlines the time commitment for CBA leadership positions in days annually:
Length of Term
Committee members typically serve for a two-year term. Subject to the approval of the Nominating Committee, members can then go on to serve as Committee Vice-Chair for a two-year terms, and then on Chair for a last two-year terms. So a member could serve on a Committee for a total of six years.
CBA Staff Support
A staff liaison serves each CBA Committee and is responsible for, among other things, preparing budgets, scheduling meetings and taking minutes. Staff liaisons also prepare the Reports to Council for Committee Chairs.
Expenses
For a breakdown of eligible expenses, including travel and child care expenses, please consult this section from the CBA Financial Policy Handbook:
Committee members are encouraged to make their best efforts to attend the Canadian Legal Conference and Mid-Winter Meeting of Council at their expense (costs include registration fee, transportation, accommodations, meals and incidentals).
Bilingualism
All committees should include, to the extent practicable, some members with an excellent command of both English and French. Committees may operate in the official language(s) chosen by their members, bearing in mind the Canadian Bar Association’s commitment to linguistic equality.
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