Cross-Sect ion
C ro s s -Sec ti o n
SOUTH
NORTH
Derek Allchurch Birch Miller
From the Desk of Jane Corns
THE VOICE OF THE LEGAL PROFESSION
From the desk of Derek Allchurch
It is now late April and spring has finally arrived in Calgary. Before you get out and sniff the daffodils please ensure that you have recruited volunteers for your 2011/12 Section Executive. Linda Chapman (sections@cba-alberta.org, 403.218.4313) needs your Section Executive finalized so that the information can be included in the section handbook for September. The new executive should try to line up their September and October speakers before the end of June to ensure a smooth start to the year. On April 20th I attended a delightful section meeting: The Senior Lawyers section and Young Lawyers section combined to host an evening wine and cheese. Bob Kerr started the discussion on “Crossgenerational values and the practice of law” by talking about the Calgary bar in the 1950’s when he started. Wendy Best Q.C. represented the Baby Boomer and talked about the challenges of being a female law school graduate in the 70’s. Finally, Kyle Kashuba of MacLeod Dixon LLP made some very amusing comments on behalf of the Internet Generation. This was a great example of two sections getting together and promoting a topic of mutual interest. Way back on February 3rd I went to a Law Practice Management section meeting which provided further insight into the practice of law in Calgary. Adam Pekarsky of Pekarsky Stein gave a fascinating
Jane Corns Steve Mandziuk, Q.C.
presentation on “The Power of Paranoia”. Mr. Pekarsky’s presentation focused on law firm economics and the generational differences that can stand in the way of a successful law firm. The Law Practice Management section is still in its infancy but they are a talented committed group. I would encourage you to try one of their meetings on the 1st Thursday of every month. The Chair of the Law Practice Management section is Kyla Sandwith of Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (ksandwith@blgcanada. com, 403.232.9501) if you are interested in getting involved with this section. There was another example of section synergy on March 3rd when the Civil Litigation and Criminal Law sections got together to host “An Evening with Edward Greenspan: Advocacy and the Vanishing Trial” This joint session was held at the Palliser Hotel and was very well attended. Mr. Greenspan’s fondness for Calgary and amusing anecdotes regarding his many years as prominent defence counsel made for an enjoyable evening.
Another CBA season draws to a close but the enthusiasm carries forward! On Steve’s behalf, I extend a collective heartfelt thank you to every member – the momentum of CBA’s success is a direct result of your participation at meetings, volunteer work as executive or engagement in other CBA activities. Kudos to YOU! For those renewing or changing executive roles consider using the summer months to canvass colleagues about potential presentation topics and speakers. No doubt, cajoling a classmate to brainstorm meeting ideas may be facilitated over a cocktail on a sunny patio! Summer may also present an opportune time to set up a meeting with current or past mentees. The CBA’s mentorship program continues to grow with students consistently expressing interest in staying in touch with mentors. For those interested in taking on a section executive role, we encourage you to do so! In the upcoming months sections host special meetings for elections and every section is always welcoming of new volunteers. If you would like to speak with someone about the role and its benefits, please feel free to contact the CBA office, current section executive, or myself or Steve directly. 2010-2011 saw another captivating Alberta Law Conference (this year in Edmonton), another entertaining (and educational) Law Day, as well as other successful events such as the Inns of Court dinner. Be sure to stay connected, either online or through the next issue of Law Matters, for the 2011-2012 calendar of these occasions. As I am sure you’ve come to appreciate or experience for yourself, these events are pillars in the CBA community, enhancing practitioners’ practices and performance talents!
A final thank you for the opportunity to serve as CBA Alberta North section co-coordinator; my term has come to a close and I feel truly blessed to have worked along side such thoughtful and caring colleagues. Steve, my dear friend, I know the year that lies ahead will be most fabulous for you. If not because of your most well deserved and exciting new role as CBA Alberta Secretary, most certainly because of your recent engagement! Congratulations – love and abundance to you and Josie. And to all readers, indulge me as I author my last CBA article – I can’t resist but include reference to what I expect will be my lifetime’s all time favorite quote – an except from Nelson Mandela’s inauguration speech, written by Marianne Williamson: “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us … “ If it strikes a cord or sparks interest, Google a couple key words from the above for the full text. In my view, it is a profound articulation of a universal plague – a disease or ‘dis-ease’ of believing we should limit our capacity, or desire, to shine our individual light. If light is love and compassion, let there be much light … and let your light bring out my light! Blue skies, Jane
LLB to JD Degree Conversion Odette Diaz-Tully
Development, Communications & Alumni/ae Affairs Officer University of Calgary
HIGH QUALITY Reliable Legal Research Experienced Research Lawyers Barbara E. Cotton, B.A., LL.B. PHONE : (403) 240-3142 FAX: (403) 242-5756
barb@bottomlineresearch.ca RESEARCH AND COMMUNICATIONS
www.bottomlinere s e a rch .ca 18
The University of Calgary and The Province of Alberta have approved the renaming of the Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree designation to that of Juris Doctor (JD). This change officially took effect on September 1, 2010. Students entering their second or third year of law school will have the opportunity to graduate with their choice of an LLB degree designation or a JD degree designation. Students entering their first year of law school on September 1, 2010 will graduate with a JD degree designation. There is an opportunity for alumni to change their degree designation. The deadline to make this change is August 31, 2011. To request the conversion of your degree designation, please fill in an Application for Change of
Degree Designation form (http://www.ucalgary.ca/registrar/law) and submit your original LLB degree. If you have lost your original LLB degree, you will need to fill in two forms: A) Application for Change of Degree Designation form (http://www.ucalgary.ca/registrar/law). B) Statutory Declaration form (http://www.ucalgary. ca/registrar/law). Once your degree has been converted, your official University of Calgary record will be adjusted and you will receive one copy of your official transcript with your new diploma. For questions, please contact Odette Diaz-Tully, Development, Communications & Alumni/ae Affairs Officer, at (403) 210-8720 or odiaz@ucalgary.ca 19