Sections
The Manitoba Bar Association currently has 33 active provincial sections. Sections are groups of members who practice in a particular area of the law or share a common goal or interest. Registration in a provincial section automatically enrolls the member in the corresponding national section.
Sections provide opportunities for lawyers to further their professional education and to keep ahead of current developments within the profession, nationally and provincially, through Continuing Professional Development conferences and programs (CPDs).
Click here to download the 2011-2012 Section Enrollment Form.
Aboriginal Law Updates on emerging areas of the law, recent cases and new directions? Advancements in the duty to consult and accomdate? Labour relations and business structures on-Reserve? Compensation for infringements of Aboriginal and Treaty rights?
Have you ever wanted to know more about these and other topics in the quickly evolving field of Aboriginal law? If so, then join the Aboriginal Law Section. This Section discusses new and important issues in Aboriginal Law through CPDs and forums with judges; along with hosting networking events for our Section members. Keep on top of the legal, political, social and economic developments and opportunities involving Canada's Aboriginal Peoples.
Administrative Law If your clients interact with governments at any level or deal with statutory tribunals and agencies, the Administrative Law Section is the best way for you to improve the legal services that you provide. Regular meetings help you stay up-to-date on developments in the law and offer proven practice tips from colleagues and experts. From judicial review and professional discipline to appearances before boards and the courts, the Administrative Law Section is for you.
ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution) A growing number of disputes are being successfully resolved in case management, settlement conferences (including pre-trials and four-way conferences), mini-trials, arbitration, mediation, judicially-assisted dispute resolution and conciliation. Finely honed skills and styles are required and used in these processes to bring these disputes to successful resolutions. A clear recognition and understanding of the contexts and frameworks of these processes is integral to a positive end result. Negotiating style and techniques for reducing barriers to settlement are learned. Join our Section and be proactive in your learning and practice.
Bankruptcy and Insolvency LawThis Section will interest lawyers practicing in the area of bankruptcy and insolvency generally, and those who deal with restructuring, security issues, priorities, realization, and creditor/debtor rights. Come meet and share your views with leading practitioners and stay current with local and national developments in an entertaining and informal setting.
Business LawThis Section gives you the opportunity to hear and meet the leading experts and opinion makers on new and emerging legal issues affecting businesses generally. If you have business clients (which includes lenders and other financial institutions), you cannot afford to miss out on the tips, news and industry specific information that Business Law members receive.
Civil LitigationThis Section covers all aspects of litigation. At our meetings and through dialogue with a variety of stakeholders involved in our litigation processes, we address many current litigation issues throughout the year. Topics include new Rules and changes to existing Rules, new Legislation, new case law, developing areas of the law, trials, appeals, evidentiary issues and practice management. Meetings and seminars take place throughout the year. Dialogue with the Judiciary is ongoing and productive. Join us at our next meeting in order to maintain and enhance your advocacy skills.
Constitutional and Human Rights
The Section provides topical CPD programming dealing with constitutional issues (Charter, federalism and the relationship and roles of the legislative executive and judicial branches of government) and human rights issues (human rights codes and international human rights law). Regular features include, “You be the Judge” reviewing the top constitutional and human rights cases of the year, a CPD on recent developments in accommodation, and a CPD on a leading Supreme Court Charter case.
Construction Law
More than sawdust and nails, this Section deals with a wide variety of construction law topics that will be of interest to those lawyers who represent owners, contractors, developers, governments, trades, engineers, insurers, architects, planners and suppliers to the construction industry. Topics include case law and legislative updates relevant to construction law in Manitoba and Canada, Builders' Liens actions, trust claims, bidding and tendering issues, public private partnerships, and workplace safety.
Corporate (In-House) Counsel
In-house corporate counsel are among the fastest growing segments of the profession and this is their forum. This group welcomes in-house counsel employed by business enterprises, not for profit organizations, and municipal and government bodies, as well as associate members from the private bar. The Section provides members with practical and informative programs on topics such as employment/human rights law, corporate governance, and the roles/responsibilities of in-house counsel.
Criminal Law
If your practice involves criminal law, don't miss out on the valuable opportunities this Section offers for you to keep current with legal developments. Through professional development sessions, the Section provides its members with informative programs on procedural and substantive criminal law. The sessions are well-attended by our members because of the valuable opportunity to meet and discuss topics with senior lawyers and the judiciary. The Section is also very active in law reform work and consultations with stakeholders in any changes proposed to the administration of criminal justice.
Elder Law
The objectives of this Section are tri-fold: 1) to improve the law affecting seniors; 2) to educate the public, the individual Bars, the Judiciary and members of the Association on important Elder Law issues; and 3) to foster professionalism in the area of Elder Law through communication among Elder Law practitioners.
Environmental LawThis is an essential Section for networking within the environmental law, business, and regulatory communities. If you deal with clients in manufacturing, real estate, development, waste management, lending, the municipal arena, and the many other sectors affected by environmental legislation, you'll find timely information and contacts to enhance your practice.
Equality IssuesThis Section takes a close look at equality issues within both the legal system and the profession. Practitioners and academics alike share ideas in a collegial atmosphere. This Section also plays a major role in advising the CBA/MBA and government on law and women. Make contacts that will enrich both your professional and personal life.
Family Law
Family law covers a myriad of issues, including child and spousal support, custody, and property matters; and many methods of resolution including litigation and alternate dispute resolution processes such as mediation. This Section can help you stay on top of the latest information including court rulings, legislative developments and procedural news. Members enjoy a wide range of educational programs and the opportunity to meet with members of the judiciary and the family law bar. The Section also gives members a voice on many committees that deal with issues affecting them or their clients, including those that deal with legislative changes, court processes, and services for clients.
General PractitionersWant to make sure you're up to speed on the issues facing sole or small firm practitioners? No one should be without membership in this valuable Section. Geared to your unique needs, this Section can help you manage your practice, keep up with the latest trends and network with fellow practitioners.
Health Law
Issues related to current and proposed legislation, patients' rights, mental health consumers, confidentiality of health information including e-health records, the regulation of health professionals, medical malpractice issues and civil actions involving health professionals are among the many topics debated in this Section's meetings, information programs and publications.
Immigration LawBenefit from the shared information and expertise this Section offers to all citizenship law, refugee law and immigration law practitioners. Members hear about common problems and solutions and work together to develop constructive legislative and policy reforms. This Section has a continuing dialogue and meetings with Citizenship and Immigration Canada, the Canada Border Services Agency, Service Canada, Immigration and Refugee Board and the United States consulate and US Customs and Border Protection, and is an essential component of any immigration lawyer's practice.
International LawThis Section deals with all areas of private and public international law and its application in Canadian domestic law. If your practice involves international transactions, be they related to business, trade, investment, the environment or human rights, or if international law is a personal interest of yours, you will benefit from becoming a member of this Section. The Section aims to facilitate discussion forums and CPDs on current international law developments.
Labour LawYou're fired! You're hired! From sexual harassment to new decisions of the Labour Board, arbitrators, courts and human rights commissions, the Labour Law Section examines the full scope of legal issues arising in the workplace. The Section's programs bring experts together to discuss employment standards, collective bargaining, government initiatives and legislative changes, effective advocacy and dispute settlement. No matter which side you represent, employer or trade union or a neutral, this is a must-join Section.
Law Practice Management & TechnologyThis Section is concerned with the business of the practice of law. Areas of focus include: organizational structure for law firms and law departments; recruitment and retention of legal talent; talent management and professional development, knowledge management, marketing of legal services, pricing of legal services, e-lawyering, multi-disciplinary and multi-jurisdictional practice of law; relationships between law firms and their clients; compensation systems for partners, associates, and in house counsel; ethics and professionalism in the delivery of legal services.
Legal Research
This Section caters to the unique professional needs of research lawyers in the private bar and who serve as government counsel, counsel to non-profit organizations, sole practitioners specializing in research, legal educators, legal counsel to courts and tribunals, and legislative drafters. Members will be kept up to date on rapidly developing areas of law, with presentations by local and international experts, a monthly newsletter, strategic skill development sessions, and enjoyable networking initiatives. This Section will actively build partnerships with other MBA Sections, in an effort to improve the legal research undertaken by all members of the profession.
Media and Communications Law
Television, radio, newspapers, internet, films. If your practice involves forms of communication, information products or entertainment, this Section is for you. The Section deals with the laws and procedures pertaining to defamation, contempt, privacy, publication bans, access to information, broadcasting, publishing, etc. Opportunities are offered to network with counsel in the media, entertainment and communications areas.
Municipal LawConnect with some of the leading players in municipal law and government and get the inside track on today's latest legislative changes and court decisions involving all aspects of this practice, from assessment and expropriation to licensing and planning matters. This is a key Section to join if your practice includes private or public sector clients that have dealings with cities or municipalities or if you act for cities or municipalities.
Public Sector Lawyers ForumThis Section welcomes any CBA members who are employed by any level of government or the public sector. The Public Sector Lawyers' Forum was formed to promote a forum for government and public sector lawyers, who have interests which are distinct from lawyers in private practice. The forum has members from all levels of government, crown corporations, legal aid, AJAG and the public sector generally.
Real PropertyIf your practice touches upon any aspect of real property law, then you must enroll in this Section now! Whether you act for lenders, purchasers, vendors, landlords, tenants or developers, this Section's initiatives, materials, publications and programs are aimed at helping you.
Securities LawThis Section deals with sources of securities regulation applicable in Manitoba, including The Securities Act (Manitoba) and the regulations, notices and rules thereunder; the policies, notices, blanket orders and other instruments adopted by The Manitoba Securities Commission; the national instruments, multilateral instruments and national policy statements published by the Canadian Administrators; and the rules and policies set out by any other securities regulatory organizations having jurisdiction in Manitoba.
SOGIC (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Conference)
The SOGIC Manitoba Section is the MBA equivalent to the CBA's National Conference - Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity. The purpose of the Section is to provide a forum for the exchange of information, ideas and action on legal issues relating to sexual orientation and gender identity. The Section has been active in promoting continuing professional development, hosting information sessions for the community at large and working towards legislative changes to ensure greater equality in society.
Taxation LawTax practitioners will not want to miss the networking opportunities and informative programs offered by this Section. Exchange valuable insights with fellow tax colleagues.
Technology and Intellectual Property Law
Technology, intellectual property and privacy are among the most dynamic and challenging areas of law in today’s fast moving economy. This Section holds meetings and facilitates continuing professional development seminars, with the goal of keeping its members informed and up to date with emerging legal issues and industry practices in these exciting and diverse fields.
Transportation LawPlanes, trains and automobiles, plus any other mode of transport are the focus of this Section. This Section also examines issues in the logistics of distribution, financing, operation and regulation of air, land, water and intermodal transportation. The Section has been largely dormant locally and nationally for several years. Local interest is limited, but the Chair welcomes any suggestions for activities or distribution of relevant materials.
Wills and Estates LawNo one is getting any younger and demographic forecasts suggest this is one practice area more practitioners are pursuing. This popular Section offers up-to-date news of common law and frequent legislative changes affecting the establishment and administration of wills, trusts and estates, including mental incompetency matters and taxation issues. Meet and exchange ideas and information with some of the top practitioners in the field.
Women Lawyers' ForumThe Women Lawyers’ Forum is the connecting point for women in the legal profession. Through the inter-lacing of the social and the professional, the Women Lawyers’ Forum provides an opportunity for women in the law to meet, to talk and to get to know each other better, for personal and professional gain.
Young LawyersStarting out, you want all the help and inside tips you can get and this Section offers it to young members of the profession throughout the province. If you are a student or a lawyer who has been called to the Bar in the last five years you are automatically a member of this Section. The Section offers practical and fact-filled series of seminars and events giving you knowledge you can use in your practice today. The Section also provides you with the opportunity to mix and mingle with many of the leading names in law, government and the judiciary.
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