News
YL-CBA contributes to employment insurance benefits submission to federal government
YL-CBA, along with the Equality Committee and Women Lawyers’ Forum, recently contributed to a submission that urges the federal government to make improvements to the employment insurance (EI) benefit structure.
The submission, delivered to the federal Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development in November 2011, suggests that EI maternity and parental benefits should become more flexible, as the current system creates barriers to staff retention at professional organizations such as law firms and makes it difficult for lawyers who are self-employed to maintain their practices – issues that resonate strongly with young lawyers.
“Creating a more effective benefits system that accommodates the realities of maintaining a positive work-life balance would have a great impact on the careers of young lawyers,” says Beth McGrath, YL-CBA Chair. “For example, CBA lawyers of both genders cite child care as a major competing challenge to their professional careers. Making the EI system more flexible would mean that lawyers could structure their time off around their professional needs.”
The submission points out that the proposed changes to the EI benefits system would come at a minimal cost, and recommends that the government refer to Quebec’s Parental Insurance Program as a model. In that structure, workers are given several EI options, such as taking a shorter leave at a higher rate of pay, or taking intermittent leave.
Read the full submission here. To learn more about the CBA’s advocacy work and how you can contribute, visit the CBA Advocacy page.
Pro Bono focus of YL-CBA Directorate Meeting, October 2011
In October 2011, YL Directorate members – chairs of CBA Branch YL sections from across the country – held their annual meeting in Toronto to share ideas, gain input from peers, network, and learn more about CBA National YL initiatives. A primary focus of the meeting was on practical ideas for community-based pro bono and access to justice projects.
  A panel of speakers comprised of Gillian Marriott, Q.C., Chair of the CBA Pro Bono Committee, Michael Bergmann, Chair of the ABA Young Lawyers Division, and Gaylene Schellenberg, CBA staff lawyer, made a wealth of suggestions on the type of projects that could be easily undertaken at the local level.
These ideas included collaborating with the CBA’s Law Day events in April; holding call-in days in conjunction with local legal aid and pro bono groups; producing information-based websites and Youtube videos; organizing legal resources fairs; and, more generally, joining forces with other non-profit groups that are always in need of support.
Directorate members came away from the session feeling inspired by these ideas, and resolved to share the ideas with their local sections for possible implementation. To become involved in your local YL section, contact your CBA Branch.
In above photos: the CBA's Gillian Marriott, Q.C., and the ABA's Michael Bergmann
Nominations sought for 2012 Young Lawyers Pro Bono Award
 If you have colleagues who are doing great community pro bono work, consider nominating them for the 2012 YL-CBA Pro Bono Award.
Eligible candidates must be active CBA members and under 40 years of age, or have practised law for 10 years or less. The winner will receive a $500 cash prize, along with travel and accommodations to attend the 2012 Canadian Legal Conference in Vancouver, where the award will be presented.
This year’s nomination deadline is June 1. For information on how to submit a nomination, and for profiles of past winners (including last year’s winner, Arman Chak – seen at left accepting his award), visit www.cba.org/cba/awards/young_lawyer/.
Young Lawyers International Program 2012-13: applications accepted until April 16, 2012
Applications are open for the CBA’s Young Lawyers International Program (YLIP), which provides internships for young Canadian lawyers (30 and under) with legal human rights and legal development organizations in the developing world. The program is designed to provide work experience for people interested in careers in international human rights and international development. Visit the YLIP website for more details.
CBA co-sponsors Gale Cup Moot
In a strong show of support for future young lawyers, the CBA is co-sponsoring the Gale Cup Moot, one of Canada’s most prestigious bilingual law school mooting competitions.
 Law schools from across Canada are registered to participate in this year’s competition, taking place at Osgoode Hall in Toronto on Feb 24-25. Supreme Court Justice Thomas Cromwell will preside over the final judging panel and speak at the awards banquet.
The Lenczner Slaught-CBA Gale Cup Moot gives top Canadian law students the opportunity to argue a Constitutional law case before three judge panels hearing an appeal from the Supreme Court of Canada. For more details, visit www.galecupmoot.com.
Canadian Legal Conference 2012, Vancouver
Join the YL-CBA at this year’s Canadian Legal Conference (CLC) in Vancouver on August 12-14 and take part in several events tailored to the interests of young lawyers.
The CLC provides a unique opportunity to fulfill PD requirements by offering up to 12 hours of accredited sessions. The YL-CBA’s Winning Advocacy session is one of many PD choices. The focus of this year’s 90-minute program will be examination-in-chief and cross examination of expert witnesses, where a mock trial will be followed by a panel discussion.
 After enjoying a busy day of networking and PD events, mingle and let loose at the ever-popular YL-CBA Late Night Bash.
And be sure to attend Tuesday’s Closing Luncheon, hosted by the YL-CBA and emceed by Chair Beth McGrath. The luncheon includes the presentation of the 2012 YL Pro Bono Award, as well as a keynote speaker and the ceremonial transfer of the CBA presidential chain of office.
Online registration and program info will be launched in March. Early bird and young lawyer rates will be available. Stay tuned for more details.
In above photo: YL-CBA’s Jennifer Brun and Loreley Berra (with baby Lauren) mingle with Leila Gosselin and Annette Horst at the 2011 CLC in Halifax
Getting Involved
If you're a young lawyer who is interested in becoming an active member of the CBA, you should join the Young Lawyers' Section in your Branch. These groups are always looking for new members to attend and help organize local events.
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