News

The ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic on the legal profession appear to have landed disproportionately on law students and young lawyers. Anecdotally, first jobs, articling positions and summer jobs have evaporated. Those who have secured positions are working remotely – losing some of the invaluable informal learning that typically comes with working in a law office.

When you pivot, you stop in your tracks, and turn without lifting your foot as your momentum takes you in a new direction relatively seamlessly. It’s a skill we usually associate with athletes, particularly basketball players, the best of whom keep their eyes on not just the ball, but the flow of the game – and change their own direction accordingly.

As a lawyer, you understand how important it is to innovate, stay on top of changes to the practice of law, and navigate challenges to prepare for the future. This year, the CBA has been at the forefront of our profession with advocacy, professional development, tools and information to guide your practice through unprecedented times.

CBA Task Force on Justice Issues Arising from COVID-19

Legal professionals expecting to enjoy a tax rebate from working at home during the COVID-19 pandemic should not start budgeting for a windfall on their 2020 return.

Young lawyers and law students are feeling the brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic in the legal profession. Jobs, summer positions and articling opportunities have been slashed.

As Canada’s legal profession powers through this unprecedented time, the CBA has launched its 2020 membership renewal campaign. The message? More than ever, CBA membership is important.

If it wasn’t already evident before the events of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is now clear that technology is reshaping the legal profession in Canada. From innovative legal technologies to the increasing likelihood of virtual courtrooms and hearings, technology is becoming the lifeline of a functional legal system.

A 27-year career of serving the legal community at the CBA will draw to a close at the end of June. Gaylene Schellenberg retires with a well-earned record for leading work on gender equality and guiding the CBA’s efforts on access to justice.

COVID-19 has highlighted many cracks in the justice system from the use of technology to access to justice issues. The need to open up courtrooms via technology is a major issue that has emerged in the COVID-19 era.