Submitted by Section Co-Chair, Nicola D. Allen
Summary of Meetings
Number of Meetings Held: 8
October 9, 2014
Guest Speakers: Alyson Jones, Alyson Jones & Associates and Dr. Michael Elterman
Meeting Title/Topic: High Conflict Family Law Cases- Meeting the Needs of Children in Cases Involving High Conflict, Alienation or Estrangement
Synopsis: Dr. Elterman reviewed the issues that have arisen and research concerning Alienation/Estrangement and Ms. Jones discussed the Family Reunification Therapy offered through her office.
November 3, 2014
Guest Speakers: Larry Kahn, Q.C., Trudy Hopman and Karen Nordlinger
Meeting Title/Topic: Panel Discussion on Family Law Arbitration
Synopsis: Mr. Kahn and Ms. Nordlinger discussed their work as family law arbitrators and Ms. Hopman discussed her experience as counsel attending family law arbitrations.
November 26, 2014
Guest Speaker: The Honourable Madam Justice Martinson, Q.C.
Meeting Title/Topic: Family Law - Westminster and Family Law - Vancouver Section Joint Meeting - Coordination of Family, Child Protection & Criminal Proceedings in Cases Involving Family Violence
Synopsis: The Honourable Madam Justice Martinson, Q.C. discussed the overlap in the Court system between Family Law, Child Protection and Criminal Proceedings and there was a discussion of the ways in which a lack of information between these different areas of law causes problems for clients.
February 4, 2015
Guest Speaker: The Honourable Chief Justice Hinkson
Meeting Title/Topic: Information Session on the Family Law Pilot Project
Synopsis: The Chief Justice reviewed the newly implemented Family Law Pilot Project and the information gathered to date.
March 26, 2015
Guest Speakers: The Honourable Mr. Justice Butler, The Honourable Mr. Justice Groves and The Honourable Mr. Justice Pearlman
Meeting Title/Topic: Family Law Pilot Project- A View From the Bench (Dinner Meeting)
Synopsis: The panel of distinguished Judges discussed the Family Law Pilot project and provided views from the bench about the practice of Family Law generally.
April 9, 2015
Guest Speakers: Anna Laing of Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP and Michelle Isaak of Davis LLP
Meeting Title/Topic: Estates Matters in Family Law Practice
Synopsis: The speakers discussed the Wills Estates and Succession Act and the intersection with Family Law.
May 7, 2015
Guest Speaker: David Thompson of Thorsteinssons LLP Tax Lawyers
Meeting Title/Topic: Tax and Trust Issues for Family Lawyers
Synopsis: The speaker discussed Tax and Trusts issues relevant to Family Law practice, taking into account the Family Law Act provisions and the recent amendments.
June 25, 2015
Guest Speaker: N/A
Meeting Title/Topic: Section Social
Synopsis: This was a social meeting.
Comments and Observations of the Chair
This past year acting as co-chair in the Family Law Subsection for Vancouver, I observed the general collegiality of the Family Law Bar. The CBA Section meetings provide a much needed opportunity for members of the bar to interact outside of courtroom and litigation process and to develop the relationships necessary to improve their practice and ability to assist their clients. I believe that the connections formed through the CBA truly assist lawyers in both providing and obtaining much needed mentorship and guidance while navigating the, often challenging, area of family law. The CBA Family Subsection in Vancouver has had the benefit of many distinguished speakers who generously provided their time to help our members improve their knowledge and skills in a number of areas impacting family law practice.