Upcoming Programs
Thu Mar 12
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
1h CPD
Business Law
Intellectual Property Strategies and Contract Pitfalls in Early Stage Companies
Danika Kotylak and Dane Smith review key IP concepts relevant to emerging companies, including ownership pitfalls, protection strategies, assignment and licensing structures, and the internal processes required to preserve and document IP rights.
Fri Mar 13
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
SAGDA
Out in Law: Community Networking Evening
Join us for an evening to bring together 2SLGBTQIA+ law students, lawyers, and supportive allies from across the Victoria bar.
Mon Mar 16
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
1h CPD
Senior Counsel
H@cked! Experience a Live (Simulated) Cyber Attack
McCarthy Tétrault’s Cyber/Data group takes you through a simulation of a cyber attack, focusing on the role of the legal team. You’ll get to experience what it’s like to give real-time legal advice on breach reporting, privilege, risk mitigation, confidentiality and more.
Mon Mar 16
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
1h 30min CPD
Business Law, Legal Research
Contract Law Update for Commercial Practitioners
Lawson Lundell's Lisa A. Peters, K.C., Senior Counsel, and Catherine Whitehead, Partner, review key decisions that have significantly developed or clarified the law of contract or notably reaffirmed longstanding contractual principles while at the same time illustrating their practical application.
Wed Mar 18
5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
1h 30min CPD
ADR - Nanaimo
Dancing at the Crossroads: Four Alchemical Processes to Explore How Mediators Cultivate and Mobilize Hope in Unsettled Times
Professor Michelle LeBaron leads a workshop offering a short journey through four alchemical processes to explore how mediators cultivate and mobilize hope in unsettled times.
Thu Mar 19
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Aboriginal Lawyers Forum
Community Lunch (March)
Join ALF Executive member Kristofer Charlebois for a virtual lunch that provides an opportunity to connect with other Indigneous lawyers/students/grads and foster new connections within the community.
Thu Mar 19
5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Internationally Trained Lawyers
Law Without Borders Discussion Group
This is a chance for internationally trained lawyers to connect and engage in discussions about stress of transitions and how to create, sanctuary, support and networking. Join Lawyers' Assistance Program of BC's ("LAPBC"), Claire Marchant and Shari Pearlman, as they share their stories, knowledge, and experiences.
Thu Mar 26
8:30 am - 9:30 am
1h CPD
Immigration Law
Overseas Lawyers Group (March)
A casual, peer-led space for immigration lawyers to ask practical questions and share updates. Compare notes and get the lay of the land from people who are in it with you.
Thu Mar 26
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
1h 30min CPD
Intellectual Property and Technology Law Section
Top 10 Intellectual Property Cases of 2025: Where the Law Stands — and Where It’s Headed in 2026
Jennifer Marles, Mat Brechtel, and Athar Malik return to explore the top 10 IP cases of the year, analyzing how these rulings are reshaping strategy, risk, and rights protection in Canada
Thu Mar 26
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
1h 30min CPD
Intellectual Property and Technology Law Section
Top 10 Intellectual Property Cases of 2025: Where the Law Stands — and Where It’s Headed in 2026
Jennifer Marles, Mat Brechtel, and Athar Malik return to explore the top 10 IP cases of the year, analyzing how these rulings are reshaping strategy, risk, and rights protection in Canada
Tue Mar 31
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
1h CPD
Air Law, Freedom of Information & Privacy Law
Drones, Air Mobility, and the Law: The Race to Regulate the New Airspace Economy
Kate Ayre explores Canada's CARS Part IX reforms and the forthcoming U.S. FAA part 108 BVLOS framework, highlighting key legal issues for aviation, technology, defense and trade lawyers as autonomous airspace becomes a reality.
Wed Apr 1
12:30 pm - 2:00 pm
1h 30min CPD
CBABC
Handling Hard Conversations
You don’t need to be an HR expert to navigate conflict in your small office. You just need to be prepared. Finish this session with practical frameworks for delivering feedback, tips on de-escalation and a clear understanding of your employment and human rights obligations.
Thu Apr 2
5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Women Lawyers Forum
Wellness Across Life Stages: A Practical Workshop for Women Lawyers
Participants will learn practical strategies to maintain core and pelvic health, reduce injury risk, and adapt to changing physical demands across the different life and career stages.
Thu Apr 2
6:30 pm - 11:00 pm
CBABC
Battle of the Bar Bands Victoria
At home in the courtroom and on the stage, local lawyer-led bands are ready to raise the bar at Battle of the Bar Bands Victoria.
Tue Apr 7
5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Young Lawyers - Victoria
Monthly Networking (April)
Join the Young Lawyers Section for casual networking at the Sticky Wicket (Strathcona Hotel). All early career lawyers, articling students, and law students are welcome! This opportunity to mix and mingle with peers is hosted on the first Tuesday of every month during the Section term.
Thu Apr 9
4:30 pm - 6:00 pm
1h 30min CPD
CBABC
The Art of Client Attraction
Adopt practical strategies to balance your billable work with business development and build a steady flow of clients.
Sat Apr 11
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
6h CPD
CBABC
BC Legal Conference: Criminal Justice 2026
Judges, Crown and defence provide unique perspectives on issues arising from violent crimes. Criminal Justice 2026 focuses on how the mental health of an accused influences culpability, sentencing and the overall pursuit of justice.
Sat Apr 11
4:30 pm - 6:30 pm
CBABC
Criminal Justice 2026 Reception
Join your colleagues for the Criminal Justice Reception — a networking event bringing together criminal justice professionals from across the sector. Mingle with colleagues, make new connections, and enjoy an evening of conversation and community with peers who share your interest in this area of practice.
Wed Apr 15
5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
1h 30min CPD
Criminal Justice - Vancouver
Collateral Consequences for Driving Offenses
Cathryn Moore and Roy Ho present on the collateral consequences of driving offenses, including insurance consequences and hidden consequences in the Motor Vehicle Act and Motor Vehicle Act regulations.
Thu Apr 16
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Aboriginal Lawyers Forum
Community Lunch (April)
Join ALF Executive member Halie Bruce for a virtual lunch that provides an opportunity to connect with other Indigneous lawyers/students/grads and foster new connections within the community.
Thu Apr 16
5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
1h 30min CPD
ADR - Nanaimo
Defensiveness in Mediation
Donna M. Soules, explores the many faces of defensiveness and how to adopt a curious attitude to understand the root of defensive behaviors. She reviews theories from different psychological perspectives and integrates them with practical skills
Tue Apr 21
12:30 pm - 1:45 pm
1h CPD
Family Law - Vancouver Island
Practical Tools to Assist Clients Dealing with Substance Use Issues
Rob De Clark and Ewan Kirkaldy share practical, real-world tools to help you better identify and respond to clients who may be struggling during their legal processes.
Tue Apr 21
12:30 pm - 2:00 pm
30min CPD
CBABC
Closing the Deal Luncheon - Vancouver
Real estate law can keep you glued to your desk, making it tough to build connections within your practice area - especially in person. This luncheon gives you the chance to connect face-to-face with peers who understand the balance between managing property transactions and meeting client expectations. You’ll also hear insights from Brendon Ogmundson, Chief Economist at the British Columbia Real Estate Association, who will share his expert perspective on current market dynamics affecting your work.
Wed Apr 22
12:30 pm - 2:00 pm
CBABC
Closing the Deal Luncheon - Victoria
Real estate law often means long hours behind the desk, leaving little room to network with others who navigate the same legal and transactional pressures. This Victoria luncheon is your opportunity to step away from the office and meet peers who understand the pace and challenges of property-focused legal work. Join us for meaningful conversation, new connections, and the chance to engage with colleagues who truly “get it.”
Thu Apr 23
12:30 pm - 2:00 pm
CBABC
Closing the Deal Luncheon - Kelowna
With the demands of real estate law keeping many practitioners office-bound, it’s not always easy to build your network within the field. Our Kelowna luncheon offers a welcoming space to connect in person with others who handle the same mix of property transactions, deadlines, and client needs. Take this chance to share experiences, exchange ideas, and strengthen your professional community.
Fri Apr 24
6:00 pm - 11:00 pm
CBABC
Battle of the Bar Bands Okanagan
From classic rock to popular hits, local lawyer-led bands show off their musical talents at Battle of the Bar Bands Okanagan.
Tue Apr 28
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
1h CPD
In-House Lawyers
This is Privileged, Right?
This session highlights critical issues for in-house counsel, including identifying the client, distinguishing legal advice from business advice, understanding the waiving of privilege, and maintaining privilege during internal investigations.
Thu Apr 30
8:30 am - 9:30 am
1h CPD
Immigration Law
Overseas Lawyers Group (April)
A casual, peer-led space for immigration lawyers to ask practical questions and share updates. Compare notes and get the lay of the land from people who are in it with you.
Fri May 1 - Sun May 3
5h 30min CPD
CBABC
Women Lawyers Retreat 2026
Progress, pressure and possibility: this three-day professional development and rejuvenating experience brings women lawyers together to reflect on milestones and opportunities for advancement
Mon May 4 - Fri May 8
1h 30min CPD
Young Lawyers - Lower Mainland
Behind the Bench: Associate Judge Shadowing - Vancouver
You are invited to an informal dinner with Associate Judges to review matters going forward the following day. During the shadow day, attend as a fly on the wall to learn the dos and don'ts of attending Chambers. This is an opportunity to expand the tools in your toolkit, and develop your litigation skills for future applications.
Tue May 5
12:30 pm - 2:00 pm
1h 30min CPD
CBABC
The Power in Being Present
Evaluate mindfulness as an evidence-based strategy to turn an overwhelming workday into a manageable one. Uncover common mindfulness myths and leave with realistic, time-efficient techniques to integrate this approach between files and keep your practice sustainable for you.
Thu May 7
4:45 pm - 5:45 pm
1h CPD
CBABC
Moving Beyond the Stigma
Staying silent isn’t helping anyone. Leaders in law speak honestly about the line between advocacy and bullying, anxiety’s impact and offer suggestions to achieve mental well-being.
Thu May 7
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Real Property
Networking in Full Bloom: Connecting Property Professionals
As spring brings new growth, join likeminded professionals for an evening designed to cultivate lasting connections. Enjoy lively conversation, share insights from the field, and build your professional network in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Savor delicious appetizers, refreshing beverages, and the chance to reconnect within the vibrant property law community.
Wed May 20
5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
1h CPD
Criminal Justice - Vancouver
A Primer on the Notwithstanding Clause's Origins and History
Professor Allan C. Hutchinson provides an overview on Section 33, the Notwithstanding Clause of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. This session ensures criminal lawyers are prepared to work within that framework and have a base understanding moving forward.
Thu May 21
12:00 pm - 4:30 pm
3h 30min CPD
CBABC
Aboriginal & Energy Law Seminar
Focused analysis, real-world application and informed discussion. With sessions exploring Aboriginal rights, UNDRIP and emerging regulatory trends, the Aboriginal & Energy Law Seminar delivers practical insight for lawyers navigating energy projects in British Columbia.
Thu May 21
5:30 pm - 10:30 am
CBABC
Prince George Bench & Bar Dinner
Join your colleagues at the Prince George Bench & Bar Dinner for an evening of connection and recognition with members of the local judiciary and legal community. Celebrate the contributions that strengthen justice across Northern British Columbia, and hear remarks from Chief Justice Marchand.
Fri May 22
12:45 pm - 1:45 pm
1h CPD
Children's Law
The Intersection of Addiction and Parenting
In this session, Dr. Marie Durnin-Goodman discusses how counsel can be supported by medical experts in order to assess whether a parent’s addiction issues impact their capacity to parent. Dr. Durnin-Goodman also provides tools that counsel may use to advance or defend against an allegation that a parent does not have the capacity to meet a child’s needs due to addiction issues.
Tue May 26
5:30 pm - 10:30 am
CBABC
40th Annual Vancouver Bench & Bar Dinner
CBABC and the Vancouver Bar Association are pleased to invite you to the 40th Annual Bench & Bar Dinner. Join your colleagues as we mark four decades of tradition, collegiality, and connection between the judiciary and the legal profession. Celebrate the remarkable achievements of your colleagues and honour their contributions to the administration of justice, their communities, and the province. This milestone gathering promises an engaging evening of conversation, recognition, and community.
Wed May 27 - Thu May 28
1h 30min CPD
Young Lawyers - Lower Mainland
Behind the Bench: Associate Judge Shadowing - New Westminster
You are invited to an informal dinner with Associate Judges to review matters going forward the following day. During the shadow day, attend as a fly on the wall to learn the dos and dont's of attending Chambers. This is an opportunity to expand the tools in your toolkit, and develop your litigation skills for future applications.
Thu May 28
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Aboriginal Lawyers Forum
Community Lunch (May)
Join ALF Executive member Kim Webber for a virtual lunch that provides an opportunity to connect with other Indigneous lawyers/students/grads and foster new connections within the community.
Thu Jun 18
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Aboriginal Lawyers Forum
Community Lunch (June)
Join ALF Executive member Randy Robinson for a virtual lunch that provides an opportunity to connect with other Indigneous lawyers/students/grads and foster new connections within the community.
Thu Jun 25
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
1h CPD
Immigration Law
Overseas Lawyers Group (June)
Celebrate in-person with the Overseas Lawyers Group crew! Meet who you've been speaking to online for after work snacks and refreshments.