Young Lawyers
CBA National Sections
- Air & Space Law
- Charities and Not-for-Profit Law
- Competition Law
- Insurance Law
- Maritime Law
- Military Law
- Pensions & Benefits Law
- Privacy Law
- Sales and Commodity Tax
CBA Conferences
- Canadian Corporate Counsel Association
- Canadian Judges' Forum
- French-Speaking Common Law Members
- General Practice, Solo and Small Firm Conference
- Legal Profession Assistance Conference
- Public Sector Lawyers' Forum
- Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Conference
- Women Lawyers' Forum
- Young Lawyers'
Manitoba committees
The MBA has formed various committees on which Branch members may serve in order to implement programs and serve the interests of the profession and the public. Also, many MBA representatives are appointed to serve on boards and committees of the government, the Law Society, and other agencies.
Members who are interested in serving as a MBA representative on such committees may contact the Executive Director, Stacy Nagle, at 927-1213 or by e-mail.
Government relations
Through its Sections and Special Committees, the MBA continues to work on behalf of the profession and the public, toward achieving well-developed, practical laws. The government often consults with the MBA when introducing new legislation or when making changes to existing laws. Members of the Branch work to ensure that legislation is as comprehensible, workable and unambiguous as possible.
National representation
The MBA plays a very active, important role at the National level. For example, many of our members serve on the CBA Board of Directors, National Standing Committees, National Sections, and on the Canadian Bar Insurance Association and Canadian Bar Financial Services Corp. Board of Directors.
Continuing legal education (CLE)
At the annual Mid-Winter Meeting, MBA members are given the opportunity to provide insight into today’s issues via Continuing Legal Education Seminars. CLEs are also offered throughout the year by the various Sections. In addition, MBA members are often asked to speak at various CLE programs hosted by The Law Society of Manitoba and other organizations.
Publications
The MBA publishes a newsletter 10 times per year entitled Headnotes & Footnotes. This newsletter is distributed to all Branch members, and its primary purpose is to promote MBA events and programs. It also serves to inform the profession of any changes or updates from the courts and the government. Members receive a discount for advertising in Headnotes & Footnotes.
In addition, the MBA offers a weekly subscription service of written decisions of the Manitoba courts. This service is available to all members at a nominal cost.
Each fall, the MBA publishes its Legal Directory & Day Planner. This publication includes a 16-month diary, a directory of government, municipal and community organizations, and an extensive directory of Manitoba's practising lawyers, MBA members, the province's law firms, and other legal departments and organizations. Members have the opportunity to advertise in the Legal Directory & Day Planner at discounted rates and are able to purchase it at a discounted price.
Law Day
Law Day, a special event that is co-hosted by the CBA and the MBA, takes place at the Law Courts in April of each year. This day is dedicated to the celebration of the Canadian Charter of Rights & Freedoms, whose official anniversary is on April 17. The day encompasses various activities such as an open house and tours of the Courthouse, exhibitors, mock trials by school children, and legal information sessions for members of the public.
Image of the profession
To promote the positive portrayal of the legal profession to the public, the MBA annually cosponsors a production with the Manitoba Theatre Centre. In 2007, the production of A Midsummer Night's Dream raised over $91,000, bringing the cumulative amount raised for the MTC to $750,000. Auditions for the yearly production take place in the fall, with the requirement that cast members are current paid members of the CBA.
Recognition of the profession
Through the presentation of various awards, the MBA continues to recognize its members’ outstanding contributions. Such awards include Council Awards, Distinguished Service Awards, Pro Bono Awards, and Universal Firm Recognition. The MBA Soloman Greenberg Scholarship is awarded to the first and second place winners of the Moot Court Competition held at Robson Hall.
Networking and social opportunities
Many activities and events are hosted by the MBA, providing the opportunity for the profession to meet and socialize. Annually, the MBA sponsors a curling bonspiel, Law Day activities, the Bench & Bar reception, the annual Judges' luncheon and the MBA golf tournament. Sports leagues through the law firms include hockey and baseball.
Support to the profession
The Lawyers Helping Lawyers Program (LHL), formerly known as the “Lawyers Assistance Program” of the MBA provides a source of support for our Manitoba lawyers. Operated by volunteer lawyers and Judges, LHL aims at referring lawyers in need to an appropriate medical practitioner, counsellor or a specialized program. In addition, LHL is assisted by the Legal Profession Assistance Conference (LPAC), which is also funded in part by the CBA. LPAC constitutes a 24-hour confidential support hotline for lawyers (toll free: 1-800-667-5722).
In addition, members of the Queen’s Bench Informal Concerns Committee and the Provincial Court Informal Concerns Committee are available to discuss one on one, concerns about Justices, Masters, Judges and Lawyers, that do not warrant a more serious intervention.
Preferred suppliers
The Canadian Bar Association and the Manitoba Bar Association evaluate proposals and monitor endorsed services. Products and services are chosen to provide both personal and business benefits. Many of these services provide direct cost-savings that enhance law firm profitability. MBA members receive substantial savings and discounts by using the services endorsed by these partners. A complete list of preferred suppliers can be found on this web site.
Interested in becoming a member?
Join online.
Questions about membership?
Call toll free 1-800-267-8860.
