January 16, 2025

The Law Society’s Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Tool provides opportunities for lawyers to engage with their CPD plans throughout the year. 

In response to lawyer feedback, the Law Society has made further enhancements to the CPD Tool, which are available now. We encourage you to familiarize yourself with the following optional features to help you save time and keep on top of your CPD obligations throughout the year:

• Featured Learning Resources provides access to a curated list of top Law Society resources based on your specific CPD plan, as well as access to the complete library of Law Society resources for those interested. You can filter resources based on cost, format and Professional Development Profile domain or competency to quickly locate relevant resources. 
• Track Progress allows you to receive periodic reminders to track your progress as well as specific reminders to follow up on each of your learning activities. You can also document your progress and completion of learning activities and record notes about each activity. Documenting progress as learning activities are completed helps you more accurately assess whether your proficiency level has changed as a result of the activity and whether the activity was effective for your learning style.  
• View/Edit Plan allows you to view and edit your plan’s details at any time during the CPD year, from October to September of the following year. You are encouraged to update your plan throughout the year if your role, circumstances or goals change. Using this feature, you can now download or email a copy of your plan at any time.

The CPD Tool Dashboard has been enhanced to integrate the new features and provide for a seamless experience. You can read more about these features in the CPD Plan User Guide and find out more information on the Law Society website, including two new how-to videos on creating a plan and the optional features available.

If you have questions about the CPD Tool or your CPD obligations, or have feedback on the new features, please contact Education.

Department of Justice Canada National Family Law Survey Now Open

The Department of Justice Canada (Justice Canada) has launched the 2025 National Family Law Survey (NFL Survey). There are three versions of the survey, seeking input from judges, lawyers and other family justice professionals respectively.

The focus of the surveys is on the amendments to the Divorce Act that came into force on March 1, 2021 concerning the best interests of the child, relocation, family violence, children’s views and preferences, family dispute resolution, as well as the public legal education and information materials that were developed or updated to support these amendments. The results of these surveys, along with other Justice Canada data collection initiatives, help to inform family law policy development. 

Take the Survey

The surveys take approximately 15 to 20 minutes to complete. They are open now and will close on Monday, Feb. 24, 2025. All survey responses are anonymous. 

For those eligible, take one of the surveys by choosing the link below that applies to you:

• Survey of judges presiding over family law cases
• Survey of family law lawyers
• Survey of other family justice professionals (including mediators, arbitrators and parenting coordinators)

Please note, if you fall under more than one category, please choose one survey to complete and base your responses on your experiences in the chosen profession.

A summary of the results of the survey will be shared on the Justice Canada website when it is available. For more information on the survey, visit the Justice Canada website or contact Cherami Wichmann, Senior Researcher via email.

Pro Bono Law Alberta (PBLA) is seeking an exceptional and dynamic Executive Director to lead the organization in addressing unprecedented challenges and barriers faced by individuals seeking access to justice.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in not-for-profit administration or a related field, along with practical skills in financial management and results reporting, using frameworks such as Social Return on Investment. They should also have experience in the social justice or legal sector.

As the Executive Director, they will play a pivotal role in leading and empowering a team of dedicated and professional staff who share the mission of creating and promoting opportunities for Alberta lawyers to provide pro bono legal services.

For more information on the position and instructions on how to apply, view the full job posting.

Court of King's Bench of Alberta Announcement

Review and Assessment Office

Effective Jan. 15, 2025 and until further notice, all review and assessment hearings will be heard remotely, out of Calgary.

View the announcement.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada Launches Reviewer Selection Process

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has launched a selection process to fill two part-time Reviewer positions in preparation for the coming into force of new regulations in 2025. Ideal candidates will have experience in decision-making on complex, sensitive issues and demonstrate proficiency in interpreting and applying legislation, regulations, policies and directives. This is a virtual position open to candidates across Canada.

Review of applications will begin on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. Candidates are strongly encouraged to submit their application by this date. 

For more information, view the Notice of Appointment Opportunity.

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