Law Times

LAw times • August 8, 2011 BRIEF: CBA CONFERENCE PREVIEW PAGE 13 High-profile speakers planned for CBA conference M BY ROBERT TODD Law Times any among Canada's legal community are headed east next week to Halifax for the Ca- nadian Legal Conference and Expo where lawyers, in-house counsel, judges, and students will fi nd a full slate of continu- ing professional development opportunities, an impressive list of keynote speakers, and networking events. "It's the major event of the year," says Canadian Bar As- sociation president Rod Snow of the Aug. 14-16 conference. "It's something that is a tradi- tion that goes back a long way. It's an opportunity for lawyers from across the country to get together." Lawyers will be glad to hear that they'll have the opportu- nity to complete 12 hours of accredited professional devel- opment in just two days while attending the conference. Th e CBA's various sections have also put together a wide range of off erings that provide up to three hours of accredited con- tent related to mandatory edu- cation in ethics, professional responsibility, and practice management. Th e Canadian Corporate Counsel Association's annual conference, held in tandem with the CBA conference, will for the fi rst time in a couple of years off er a full slate of professional devel- opment programs, Snow points out. In-house coun- sel will also be eager to hear from Larry Rosen, a former corporate lawyer who now serves as CEO of the luxury men's clothier Harry Rosen Inc. Rosen, son of the store's founder, will speak at a lunch on Monday, Aug. 15, at the Halifax Marriott Harbour- front Hotel. Participants will also en- joy keynote speeches from well-known personalities and dignitaries such as Gov. Gen. David Johnston, Arianna Huffi ngton of the Huffi ng- ton Post, entrepreneur Arlene Dickinson of CBC's Drag- ons' Den, and motivational speaker and author Simon Sinek. Snow points out that Johnston, a former dean of law at the University of West- ern Ontario, may provide a particularly unique discourse during his talk. "It will be in- teresting to see what kind of a perspective he brings and what angle he might take, whether he speaks to the people in the room or whether he makes some remarks that will be picked up by [the media] and speak to a broader audience will come and do that," says Snow. "It's not scripted, and he has to be quick on his feet in order to respond to what- ever comes his way. And our members look forward to that, too." Th e event's wide range of cultural off erings include opening night festivities at the waterfront Cunard Cen- tre featuring a performance by renowned fi ddler and Prince Edward Island native Richard Wood. Th is year's closing gala, meanwhile, is sure to have participants wishing they didn't have to leave. It will feature a tradi- tional Nova Scotian kitchen party. Snow notes the CBA has 'It will be a good time in Halifax and a time that I think will be well spent by lawyers who do attend,' says Rod Snow. about the law. I'll be curious to see what kind of tone he takes." Justice Minister Rob Nich- olson is also expected to con- tinue the tradition of sitting on the hot seat to take questions from the profession on issues they believe require action at the federal level. "Th at's a pretty unique op- portunity, and we really always appreciate it when a minister a committee that determines upcoming destinations for the conference. Halifax has been added to a regular ro- tation of destinations that members have expressed an interest in visiting. "It's an attractive city that people in other parts of Can- ada don't regularly get to go to for business reasons," says Snow, who reports that about 600 registrants had signed up for the conference by early August. "It's a city that's com- pact. It's a great walking city. It's one that people enjoy when they get there." Th e conference won't be all fun and games, however. Th e CBA council has a lengthy agenda of resolutions to vote on at its annual meeting, many of which could have a long- term impact on the profession. Of particular note is a resolu- tion forwarded by the national task force on class actions that aims to create a judicial pro- tocol for the management of multi-jurisdictional cases in Canada. "We have a longer list of resolutions than we've had in the last couple of years, so that should be interesting," says Snow. While the CBA is gener- ally pleased with the number of registrants planning to at- tend the conference, Snow urges those who aren't yet sold on making the trek out east to take the plunge. "It's a great opportunity to do several things at once: to meet old friends, make new friends," he says. "In this par- ticular case, we've got a great lineup of [professional devel- opment] programming. You can kind of get exposed to some ideas that will get you thinking about things in law that maybe you haven't before. . . . I'm looking forward to it. It will be a good time in Hali- fax and a time that I think will be well spent by lawyers who do attend." Be a... ...standout. The business of law is growing more complex by the day, and in today's knowledge economy, standing out from your colleagues is essential. The Canadian Bar Association (CBA) can help you excel in your field by building the expertise and skills you need. The CBA is committed to offering you the best Professional Development (PD) in the country – including our new, interactive and online CBA Skilled Lawyer Series. Our leading edge in-person and online programs are accredited, cost effec- tive and tailored to your needs and area of practice. CBA's PD resource web- site will enable you to search upcoming programs, manage your mandatory credits and communicate with PD course colleagues and leaders. Stand out by visiting www.cba.org/pd. INFLUENCE. LEADERSHIP. PROTECTION. Untitled-3 1 www.lawtimesnews.com 8/3/11 11:09:28 AM

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