Toronto — After pasting the “sold out” sign on the first cohort of its certification program for in-house counsel, the Canadian Bar Association’s (CBA) Canadian Corporate Counsel Association (CCCA) has announced it will offer two new sessions beginning in October 2014 in Calgary, and May 2015 in Toronto respectively.
Created in partnership with the Rotman School of Management, the Business Leadership Program for In-House Counsel was announced at the CCCA National Conference in April 2013. Comprised of in-person and online learning as well as an experiential component, the program can be completed by students in approximately one to two years.
Successful completion of the program provides graduates with the certification of Certified In-House Counsel – Canada, or CIC.C.
The first group of students in the program began their certification in Toronto on February 28, 2014. “The program was at maximum capacity,” explains Grant Borbridge, Q.C., past Chair of CCCA and Vice President Legal and General Counsel, MEG Energy.
“The popularity of this program illustrates how it is filling the gap that existed between traditional forms of legal education and the type of learning needed to succeed as a trusted legal advisor within an organization. In-house counsel across Canada are showing a clear interest in education that provides a competitive edge and contributes to career advancement. The CIC.C designation meets both of these requirements,” adds Grant Borbridge.
In October 2013, approximately 40 senior in-house counsel from top organizations across Canada participated in a pilot of the program at the Rotman School of Management in Toronto. The pilot condensed the program’s series of workshops into two days, providing participants with the highlights of each course.
Participants had praise for the program. “The CIC.C course presents a unique learning opportunity for lawyers looking to make the transition to in-house counsel or for in-house counsel who are preparing to take on broader and increasing responsibilities,” said participant Col. Vihar Joshi, Deputy Judge Advocate General.
Penny Harding, Senior Counsel, Bell Aliant Regional Communications, noted that “the instructors brought a wealth of expertise and experience to the table and really challenged participants to challenge themselves.”
The two new cohorts will be based in the following locations:
Cohort 2 – Calgary
- Course 1: October 3 - 5, 2014
- Course 2: Self-paced (online)
- Course 3: April 10 - 12, 2015
- Course 4: September 25 - 27, 2015
Cohort 3 - Toronto
- Course 1: May 8 - 10, 2015
- Course 2: Self-paced (online)
- Course 3: October 23 - 25, 2015
- Course 4: March 4 - 6, 2016
To learn more about the program, please visit the CCCA website or contact certification@ccca-cba.org. Information about the CCCA’s academic partner, the Rotman School of Management and the CCCA’s online component exclusive publishing partner, Wolters Kluwer CCH are also available.
An integral group within the 37,500-member CBA, the CCCA is dedicated to supporting and enhancing the interests of Canadian corporate counsel. CCCA provides uniquely Canadian perspectives, resources, tools, professional development, conferences, and peer-to-peer networking opportunities.
For more information, please contact Hannah Bernstein at hannahb@cba.org.