The Canadian Bar Association’s (CBA) 2016 Canadian Legal Conference takes place in Ottawa Aug. 11-14. The conference will address current legal concerns, including end-of-life issues, legal aid and judicial appointments, as well as the need for innovation in a rapidly changing legal environment.
Quick facts:
- The conference takes place at the Westin Hotel in Ottawa from Thursday, Aug. 11 to Sunday, Aug. 14. Most sessions are open to the media. For accreditation, please contact Hannah Bernstein.
- The Rt. Hon. Beverley McLachlin, Chief Justice of Canada, speaks at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 11 in the Governor General’s Ballroom at the Westin Hotel. An informal media briefing will follow in the New Brunswick Room.
- Jody Wilson-Raybould, the federal Justice Minister, delivers the keynote address at the conference’s opening plenary at 8 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 12 in the Confederation Room of the Westin.
- The first-ever legal innovation startup competition takes place on Friday, Aug. 12 at 3:15 p.m. in the Confederation Room of the Westin. Called The Pitch, the competition gives five startups an opportunity to present their ideas for legal innovation and a chance to win investment and partners.
- On Sunday, Aug. 14 at 9:45 am, Litigating in the Court of Public Opinion features Ottawa defence lawyer Don Bayne, who most recently successfully defended Senator Mike Duffy, and Jocelyn Speyer, Crown Counsel on the appeal of the Shafia family against their convictions in the so-called "honour killing" trial. They will describe firsthand experiences dealing with the media in prominent cases.
- On Sunday, Aug. 14, at 10:45 am, Dealing with Scandals, features a conversation with crisis management expert Judy Smith, the lawyer who inspired the hit TV series Scandal, and knows, better than most, that public opinion can make or break a client’s reputation. (Attendance at the session to be confirmed in advance.)
Associated links
Canadian Bar Association
CBA 2016 Legal Conference
Accreditation: Hannah Bernstein
About the CBA
The CBA is dedicated to support for the rule of law, and improvement in the law and the administration of justice. Some 36,000 lawyers, notaries in Quebec, law teachers, and law students from across Canada are members.