Being a CBA Board Member has been an invaluable and unforgettable journey for me. However, this role comes with much responsibility and reading, yes lots of reading. In my first year on the Board I was a part of the Equality Sub-committee, and I found being on that committee was fulfilling but it required work and participation from everyone involved. I particularly found it fulfilling that our sub committee contributed to the current definition of diversity for the bylaws, which was adopted at the AGM in February.
Being on the Board and being a responsible Board member requires participation and being able to succinctly put forth your point of view based on the background reading materials that are provided. For me running my law practice and my firm, as well as my family life along with being on the Board has been a balancing act – and a juggling act. At times, it can be difficult but the overall experience is worth it.
The most interesting thing about being on the Board for me has been the meetings and listening to the diverse point of views of the Board members. Anyone who is thinking about running for the Board should be willing and able to put in the required time for the meetings and the preparation for the meetings. I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience on the Board and the opportunity to meet many intelligent and influential people in our profession along the way.
Chandan K. Sabharwal heads the Sabharwal Law Group in Surrey, B.C.