Women Lawyers Forum – Event

The CBABC Women Lawyers Forum invites you to attend a luncheon with The Rt. Hon. Beverley McLachlin, Chief Justice of Canada, speaking on:

"Why We Need Women In Law"
Friday, January 27, 2006
Fairmont Waterfront Hotel
900 Canada Place
12 - 2 pm, Waterfront Ballroom

The B.C. Women Lawyers Forum invites you, your clients and colleagues, to hear the Chief Justice of Canada, The Rt. Hon. Beverley McLachlin, speak on “Why We Need Women in Law”. The Chief Justice offers her unique perspective on this topic as the first woman Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada and as one of four women judges now sitting on this Bench.

Chief Justice McLachlin's illustrious career path and her leadership style are an inspiration to all lawyers. But for women in particular, Chief Justice McLachlin has become a role model, demonstrating courage and creativity in the face of difficult challenges and intense media scrutiny. While the profession has certainly improved for women since the Chief's appointment to the B.C. bench in 1981, issues remain, such as career advancement and the challenge of balancing obligations at work, at home and in the community.

Please join us at this unique networking event and learn more about The Women Lawyers Forum (WLF). The WLF provides educational and mentoring programs to support women lawyers in pursuing their career objectives and in balancing their professional and private lives.

Mark your calendars and go to cba.org/bc for ticket information!

Jennifer Conkie, Chair, B.C. Women Lawyers Forum

Bench and Bar Dinner

The Law Society of BC and the Canadian Bar Association, BC Branch, warmly invite members of the profession and the judiciary to attend the 21st Annual Dinner for the Bench and Bar.

Date: Thursday, November 17, 2005
Time: Reception – 5:45 p.m. (cash bar)
Dinner – 6:30 p.m. (wine included)
Place: Sheraton Wall Centre
Pavilion Ballroom, 1088 Burrard Street, Vancouver
Dress: Business attire
Tickets: $85.00 per person

This year's Bench and Bar Dinner comes to the Sheraton Wall Centre Hotel in Vancouver, offering members of the legal profession and the judiciary a unique opportunity to enjoy an evening of good company and conversation.

The Dinner will honour the recipient of the CBA Georges A. Goyer, QC Memorial Award for Distinguished Service (to be announced this Fall). The Continuing Legal Education Society of British Columbia is pleased to present its inaugural Leaders in Learning Award, celebrating lawyers, judges, and legal support staff who distinguish themselves by making exceptional volunteer contributions to the society.

Please join the Benchers of the Law Society and the members of the CBA Executive and Provincial Council in paying homage to those who have made outstanding contributions to the cause of justice in British Columbia.

Come to Cancun

CBA Mid-Winter Meeting takes place in sunny Cancun, Mexico from Feb. 16-19, 2006. Register before Oct. 30 to ensure your place in the sun. Details on the CBA website at: cba.org/CBA/annualmeeting/midwinter

B.C. Reception

CBABC hosted a special reception at the Terminal City Club at the recent Canadian Legal Conference in Vancouver. As is the tradition of the B.C. Branch, this was the occasion on which the “mantle of office" was officially transferred from the outgoing to incoming President. 2004/05 President Michael Woodward presented Past President Robert Brun, QC with his President's Medal, and 2005/06 President Meg Shaw presented Michael Woodward with his Medal. Incoming Executive Committee members were introduced, and Ms. Shaw introduced herself and her perspective on her coming year as President.

The B.C. Reception was also an opportunity to salute the success of the CBABC Women Lawyers Forum. Chair Jennifer Conkie outlined the work of the Forum, including its mentoring, education and networking programs. The B.C. Forum has inspired the formation of a National Forum, which hosted its first meeting at the CLC.

VBA/CBA Golf Tournament

The ninth annual CBA/VBA Golf Tournament was a huge success. Not only did the beautiful weather set the mood for a fun filled day, but the event raised funds, much needed for law students attending both UBC and UVic. The tournament, held annually at the UBC Golf Course up in the University endowment lands in Vancouver’s Point Grey peninsula, had one of the best turn-outs in its history. There was much anticipation throughout the day to see whether anyone would make a hole in one. James Gopaulsingh of Lindsay Kenny had a near miss at hole 11, coming within inches of winning a 2005 Duccati bike!

We congratulate everyone who participated this year, especially the tournament winners Gordon McRae, Peter Goodwin, Craig Moulton, and Mark Horne. We would like to thank all of our sponsors who helped make this a memorable event and hope to see you all next spring for the tenth annual CBA/VBA Golf Tournament.

This article was published in the October 2005 issue of BarTalk and is subject to the copyright by the British Columbia Branch of the Canadian Bar Association, 2005, all rights reserved.