BarTalk June 2000
Volume 12, Number 3

CBA Benevolent Society Gala

The First Annual CBA Benevolent Society Gala was an overwhelming success.

The Murder/Trial proved beyond a reasonable doubt that lawyers can have fun and are more than willing to help their colleagues when times are tough. We would like to thank the law firms and organizations who rallied at the eleventh hour and purchased entire tables including: Farris Vaughan, Wills and Murphy; Borden Ladner Gervais; Bull, Housser and Tupper; Blake Cassells & Graydon; Lawson Lundell Lawson & McIntosh; Laxton and Company; Heenan Blaikie; Singleton Urquhart Scott; CLE; and the Law Society. Other supporters included Pro Group and jewellers Hanif and Badrudin Jina of Crest Jewellers who contributed a beautiful ring for auction. The event was artfully organized by Catherine Sas, Bill Skelly, Anjili Bahadoorsingh, and Gordon Maynard. The Trial was conducted in the highest tradition by Jim Vilvang, QC and Richard Peck, QC and presided over with dignity and elan by Mr. Justice Wally Oppal. He delivered an impeccable judgement that is virtually appeal proof probably because he rendered it under the watchful eyes of Chief Justice McEachern and Madame Justice Newbury and ultimately, the final arbiter, the Right Honorable Madame Justice Beverly McLachlin. We look forward to next year’s event, which will be even bigger and better.

President’s Forums Key to Competitive Success

On Friday June 23, 2000 the CBA will be hosting “Globalization and the Practice of Law” in Vancouver at the Delta Pinnacle Hotel. The Forum will bring together leading speakers in the areas of globalization, MDPs, practice/firm management in the new global economy, and international opportunities for lawyers. It’s worthwhile for all lawyers wanting to position themselves for success in the new global reality of legal practice. See the enclosed insert for registration, or visit the CBABC Web site (www.cba.org/bc).

This Forum is the second in the Year 2000 series - the first was held on April 14, 2000 in Kelowna. Entitled “Specialization and Success in the Practice of Law”, the Forum was a successful attempt by CBABC to provide direct-value programs to lawyers outside of the Lower Mainland. Participants responded enthusiastically to the high-calibre lineup of speakers, and local wine industry businesses attended a special forum with Okanagan lawyers to talk about their legal issues.

Special guests included CBA President Eugene Meehan, QC, Past President Barry Gorlick, QC and California wine law expert Richard Mendelson.

These articles were published in the June 2000 issue of BarTalk and are subject to the copyright by the British Columbia Branch of the Canadian Bar Association, 2005, all rights reserved.