When you start law school in September, you will be joining more than just an illustrious class; you will be joining a profession. This profession can be characterized in many ways. I’m sure most of you have heard the jokes by now.
According to some legal scholars, the “legal profession” is simultaneously a trade organization, corporate ideology, important cultural actor, and collection of individuals known both for their zealous pursuit of their clients’ interests and for their assertive individualism.
The Canadian Bar Association (“CBA”) was formed in 1896 to represent and serve the interests of the legal profession in Canada. Its motto is not “With great power comes great responsibility”, but it may as well be. The CBA promotes fair justice systems, facilitates effective law reform, champions equality in the legal profession, protects the independence of the judiciary and the bar, and is committed to the personal and professional development of its members. Read: CBA = Justice League (with an underwear inside-the-pants policy).*
In addition to fulfilling its noble purpose by way of committees, working groups and special reports, the CBA co-ordinates fun and accessible opportunities for lawyers to engage with the public. In Ottawa, to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the CBA organized a flash mob featuring a choreographed dance to a re-mixed version of our national anthem. In Vancouver, for the first time in decades, “Lawyers with Pride” will march in a float specifically representing the diversity in the legal profession in Vancouver’s 34th Annual Pride Parade.
Membership in the CBA is a career-long resource that you can start cultivating now – in your first year of law school! Student membership is only $20, and most of that fee contributes to career-related student programming sponsored by the CBA. Each province has its own branch and the BC branch is particularly active and collegial. Students interested in working in other provinces will find it helpful to connect to other provincial branches
Here are 5 reasons why you should join the Canadian Bar Association in September:
1. Mentorship Program
What better way to expand your professional network than to meet a potential role model? The CBA Mentorship Program pairs UBC Law students with a real-life lawyer for informal conversations and support. Mentors can offer valuable insight to unravel many mysteries faced by law students – from questions like “What courses should I take in my upper years?” to “Is this law firm a good fit for me?” or “What does it mean, aside from rank, to be a partner at a law firm?” and even “So would an investment in golf lessons be a good idea?” Importantly, mentors can help you decipher the subtleties about how your law school interests translate to real-world practice. Sure, being a criminal defense lawyer looks great when Perry Mason does it, but is that what it’s really like? If you are not sure what type of law you want to practice, being exposed to your mentor’s practice and sometimes even the practices of your mentor’s colleagues can inspire you. Mentors are encouraged to take their mentees to watch them in court and to bring them into the office, which gives students a better understanding of legal culture and the expectations of the profession. You will receive more information about the Mentorship Program during 1L Orientation Week. The registration deadline is September 27, 2012.
2. Sections
CBA sections are practice-focused groups that provide educational and networking opportunities for lawyers, judges, law teachers, and law students in BC and across Canada. With your CBA membership, students are invited to join up to 3 sections free of charge! Joining a section can pique your interest in a particular area of law, or keep you updated on developments in an area of law in which you have an interest, but cannot study in first year (environmental law, for example). Attend section meetings to hear distinguished keynote speakers discuss current cases, legislative reform and challenges facing practitioners today. Take advantage of this simple way to meet lawyers and expand your professional network. You’d be surprised at how willing these lawyers are to share their experience with you and assist you as you build your career.
3. Communications
Besides receiving newsletters issued by the sections and circulating information via Section listservs, the CBA also publishes 3 renowned journals —Canadian Bar Review (frequently cited by the Supreme Court of Canada), Canadian Competition Law Review, and Canadian International Lawyer; 2 magazines – BarTalk and National; as well as newsletters on career-building and running your own practice. These resources are available to CBA members, and often feature articles specifically directed at lawyers and articling students. In the latest BarTalk, there were two features: one on a day in the life of an articling student, and one written by a BC Supreme Court Justice describing what the Court expects of an articling student. Reading these publications can ease any anxieties about what to expect in the future, aid in your job search and career development, and keep you informed of current legal issues.
4. Member Savings
If quenching your thirst for knowledge and providing valuable access to lawyers in Vancouver’s legal community is not exciting enough for you, the CBA also partners with local businesses to provide members with fantastic deals!
Die-hard Canucks fan? Discounted tickets!
Ski-bunny? Discounted lift tickets at Whistler Blackcomb, Silver Star and Big White!
Tired of hostelling when you travel? Discounted accommodations at Starwood Hotels, including Westin, Sheraton, and W properties!
And many more!
5. Hang with Nivi!
As someone who has benefitted immensely from CBA initiatives, Nivi Ramaswamy is keen to spread her love for the CBA! Meet Nivi - our CBA student representative and a 2L. The Canadian Bar Association representative promotes and organizes the CBA mentorship program and annual reception to the student body and serves on the CBA Membership Committee at monthly meetings.
As an aspiring intellectual property (IP) lawyer (a relatively niche area of legal practice), CBA helped Nivi find the perfect mentor last year who offered valuable insights and connected her to other IP practitioners! Further, the CBA sections have helped Nivi stay informed on current happenings in IP law, which in turn has helped her become nerdier (i.e. cooler!)
Nivi is an international student from India. In her former life (i.e. before law school), she worked as an environmental engineering consultant who also represented youth policy perspective on climate change & sustainable development at the United Nations. If you have any questions about the CBA, please contact Nivi at ubcmentorship@bccba.org.
*NB: It is not conclusive whether joining the CBA will provide you with super-powers; however, it may connect you with some every-day superheroes.
This post was co-written by Elise Everest and Nivi Ramaswamy, and edited by Acting Career Services Director Jenn Lau.
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