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The Edmonton Community Legal Centre (ECLC) is hosting a webinar that will explore how law firms and legal clinics can enhance access to justice through the involvement of articling students in pro bono clinics. Emeritus Professor, Les McCrimmon, will be joining the session to discuss the benefits articling students gain through engaging in pro bono work as well as the benefits to the profession at large. We will then hear from Iain Walker, partner at Parlee McLaws LLP, who will discuss the benefits from a firm’s perspective of including volunteerism in the articling experience.

Event Details: 

Date: Feb. 8, 2024
Time: 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Location: Online

This event is free of charge to attend.

To register, please contact the Edmonton Community Legal Centre.

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Public Safety Canada is hosting its final webinar for the 2023-24 series on online child sexual exploitation (OCSE) for criminal justice professionals.

This session will be a panel discussion followed by a Q&A period.

Event Details: 

• Date: Feb. 7, 2024
• Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. MST
• Platform: Zoom

Register to attend this event, free of cost. For more information or questions about this event, please contact Public Safety Canada.

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Family law lawyers face unique challenges helping clients navigate stressful and emotional life events. Learn the processes, forms and techniques used by seasoned family law practitioners in this engaging full-day training. Throughout the day, faculty will facilitate a combination of lecture, small group exercises and Q&A sessions to address issues key to family law practice.

Program Details: 

Date: March 7, 2024
Time: 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Cost: $356.25 – $475

For more information and to register, visit the Legal Education Society of Alberta’s website.

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Understanding and mastering the art of cross-examination is critical in any trial setting. This program will address foundational theory and explore practical applications.

Topics Include:

• The theory of cross-examination within the adversarial advocacy system;
• effective planning and preparation for cross-examination;
• cross-examination of sexual offence complainants and vulnerable witnesses;
• impeachment, and;
• dealing with difficult witnesses.

Program Details: 

Date: Feb. 27 (Calgary) and March 5 (Edmonton), 2024
Time: 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Cost: $393.75 – $525

Faculty includes experienced counsel who practice in the areas of civil litigation, criminal law and family law, along with members of the judiciary. All litigators in their early years of practice will find benefit in this program.

For more information and to register, visit the Legal Education Society of Alberta’s website.

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The more things change, the more they stay the same…or do they? On March 7, 2024, please join The Advocates’ Society and their guest co-hosts, the Honorable Marshall Rothstein (retired Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada) and Justice Jo’Anne Strekaf of the Court of Appeal for Alberta for an engaging and timely afternoon seminar for Alberta advocates: Civility Across the Generations: The Future of the Profession.

Registration includes a networking lunch and a post-program cocktail reception.

You will gain:

• guidance on timeless principles of civility that continue to serve advocates well;
• top tips for navigating new challenges posed by technology, social media and more; and
• unique insights from judges and litigators from a variety of perspectives (and generations).

Registration includes educational materials, which will be provided prior to the program. Registration also includes access to the live webcast recording for 30 days from the date the link is sent to you.

Event Information

Date: Thursday, March 7, 2024
Time: Noon – 4 p.m., with post-program reception (MT)
Location: The Hyatt Regency, 700 Centre St. S., Calgary, AB
Delivery: In Person or Live Stream

Pricing

The Advocates’ Society Members: Regular: $219.00 + Tax | Discount: $164.25 + Tax* (please see below)
Non-members: Regular: $349.00 + Tax | Discount: $261.75 + Tax* (please see below)

*The Advocates’ Society is pleased to offer a 25 per cent discount on this program for all lawyers who practise as sole practitioners, or in firms smaller than five lawyers, and government lawyers (including lawyers who work for legal aid clinics).

Visit their website for more information and to register.

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Join the Association of Women Lawyers (AWL) Board and other women lawyers and judges in Canmore for rest, relaxation and spirited discussion. Sessions will cover a wide range of timely topics that address the challenges and triumphs women face in the legal profession.

Retreat Details

Date: Jan. 26 – 28, 2024
Location: The Malcom Hotel, Canmore, AB
Registration Costs: 

• AWL members – $200
• Non-members – $250

For more information and to register, visit the AWL website.

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The Commonwealth Lawyers Association Law, Innovation and Technology Committee presents “AI and Ethics in Contract Review and Due Diligence” on Jan. 18 at 1 p.m. GMT. The webinar will be moderated by Richard Amarh ESQ, and the panel is comprised of Genevieve Epatti and Desmond Israel ESQ.

Topics covered include the following:

• Overview of AI in contract review and due diligence, including its benefits and drawbacks.
• Ethical considerations in using AI in contract review and due diligence, such as ensuring accuracy, avoiding bias, and maintaining confidentiality.
• Best practices for using AI ethically in contract review and due diligence, such as training personnel and conducting regular audits.
• Use of AI tools such as natural language processing and machine learning in contract analysis and review.
• Ensuring the accuracy and reliability of AI tools, such as natural language processing and machine learning, in contract analysis and review.
• Addressing concerns related to bias and maintaining confidentiality when using AI in due diligence processes.

Register for this free event here.

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The Alberta Court of Justice is inviting members of the bar to an in-person only child protection town hall, taking place in the Edmonton Law Courts.

Event Details

Date: Monday, Jan. 15, 2024
Time: 12:15 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. MST
Location: Courtroom 266, Edmonton Law Courts, 1A Sir Winston Churchill Square, Edmonton

If you would like to submit questions in advance, send them to the Court of Justice’s External Feedback email by Jan. 8, 2024.

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The Distinguished Service Awards celebrate excellence in the legal profession. Jointly presented by the Law Society of Alberta and the Canadian Bar Association – Alberta, these prestigious awards shine a light on the outstanding contributions Alberta lawyers provide.

Members of the legal community being recognized this year include:

• Service to the Profession: Robert G. Harvie, KC
• Service to the Community: Sandy Alison Vander Ziel
• Service to Legal Scholarship: Professor Roderick J. Wood
• Service to Promoting Equity, Diversity & Inclusion in the Legal Profession: Andy Hayher, KC
• Special Mention: Alberta Surrogate Reform Project members

The event will take place in Edmonton on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024, at 11:30 a.m. MT.

Visit the CBA website for event details and to purchase tickets.

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The Criminal Trial Lawyers Association (CTLA) is hosting the first Alberta Criminal Defence Conference, a must-attend event for legal professionals. This in-person conference will take place at The Matrix Hotel in Edmonton, AB.

You’ll have the opportunity to network with esteemed criminal defence lawyers and experts in the field and gain valuable insights from informative sessions and panel discussions. This year’s conference focuses on sexual offences with topics on procedure and evidence, substantive law, and better lawyering practices.

The conference will feature two keynote speakers. On April 27, you will hear from Mona Duckett, KC, and on April 28 you will hear from Chief Justice Ritu Khullar of the Alberta Court of Appeal.

Included with your ticket are two full days of educational sessions, lunches and nutritional breaks, and an evening reception. Registrants who want to stay at The Matrix Hotel during the conference can do so at a special rate.

Whether you are a seasoned defence lawyer or just starting your career, this conference offers valuable knowledge and practical tips that will enhance your professional skills. Don’t miss the chance to gain fresh perspectives, exchange ideas and connect with fellow legal professionals from across Alberta.

Dates: Saturday, April 27, 2024 at 9 a.m. – Sunday, April 28, 2024 at 4 p.m. MDT

Price: $320.83 for Junior Lawyers, $480.58 for Lawyers

View the Eventbrite page for more information.