Life’s Tough…and Then You’re Called to the Bar
Why it pays to belong to the Association that makes you a priority
by Caroline Nevin

Life in law has its challenges. Our job at the CBA is to make your life easier – it’s our focus in every decision we make, and every dollar we spend. Anticipating and meeting our members’ needs begins with our cheery receptionist Brenda, and runs right through our operation, up to the President and entire Executive. We look for every opportunity to add value to CBA membership.

No time to build a compelling case for changes to legislation or court rules, or to stay on top of what’s happening? We have a Legislation and Law Reform Officer, senior staff and highly respected lawyers who work hard to protect the profession’s interests and to inform lawyers of important changes.

Too busy to do a 2-day CLE? We offer bite-size professional development every month through 32 National and 69 Branch Sections and Forums, in person and through live-action computer feeds. Drowning in information overload? Check CBABC News & Jobs for a once-a-week e-mail summary of key news, events and career options. Or cruise PracticeLink for fast articles from the pros.

Need to find another lawyer fast? CBA members get free access to the Lawyers Online Directory, searchable by name, firm, location and practice area. And, even more amazing, access to Practice Advisory Panels of senior members of the Bar who volunteer to answer – for free – any questions about their area of legal expertise.

Worried about the Law Society’s new requirements for Professional Development hours? We’re at the forefront of working with Section Chairs, Local and County Bar Associations, leaders in the field, and partners like CLE, to make sure you have as many practical, easily-accessible options as humanly possible.

Want a little fun in your professional life? We’re unbeatable when it comes to matching-up great PD with fabulous social activities. This fall, for example, we have two exceptional events that you should try hard to work into your calendar.

First, on October 3rd and 4th, invest a little time in yourself for big payoffs later in the year – our Work-Life Balance Retreat offers practical PD sessions, better-life professionals, a gorgeous resort location in the Okanagan, and great optional social events as part of the fall Wine Festival. Then, on November 21, we kick-off our third big annual Conference, this time in San Diego. Previous events in Las Vegas and San Francisco were huge hits, with an almost universal “we’ll be there next year!” response from those who went. You can’t beat the speaker line-up, which includes the Presidents of the California and San Diego Bar Associations, Omar Khadr’s U.S. legal counsel, renowned trial lawyer James Brosnahan and B.C. guest speakers including Attorney General Wally Oppal, Justices Hinkson and Myers, and LSBC Bencher Gavin Hume, QC. This one event alone gives you 11 hours of Professional Development credits!

Customer Service is the driver behind everything we do, which is why I and the 17 staff your fees fund work so hard to give you our best every day. We’re a small operation with a big heart and endless imagination – got a good idea you want to run by us? We’ll listen. Got a pet peeve that you think we can help solve? Tell us. We believe that you should join the CBA for lots of good reasons, but most of all because we care. Invest in yourself – put a CBA membership card in your wallet, and put us to work for you!

This article was published in the August 2008 issue of BarTalk. © 2008 The Canadian Bar Association. All rights reserved.