Reminder: Seeking Feedback on Draft Amendments to Model Code in Response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Call to Action 27

The Law Society is seeking 10–12 volunteers from the legal profession to attend a virtual focus group to provide feedback on the draft Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) proposed amendments to the Federation’s Model Code.

To participate in the focus group, lawyers must read the 47-page consultation report prior to the session being held on Tuesday, April 30 from noon to 1:30 p.m. 

Those interested in participating are asked to submit their expression of interest and CV to the Law Society before Monday, April 8, 2024, to be considered for the focus group. Each application will be carefully reviewed for inclusive representation of key stakeholder perspectives on legal practice. Please note that not everyone who expresses interest may be appointed, as the Focus Group is intentionally designed to elicit deep and meaningful feedback over a condensed time period, which necessitates a smaller participant group.

Those lawyers selected to participate in the focus group will be contacted by Monday, April 15 and sent a meeting invite for the session, along with the materials for review in advance of the session. 

This focus group’s output will be provided to the Benchers along with feedback from the Law Society’s Reconciliation Roster. The Benchers will submit their input via the Federation’s Standing Committee on the Model Code. The Standing Committee will review the feedback from across the country and then determine next steps. Any proposed changes to the Model Code of Conduct will ultimately return to the Law Society for a decision to adopt the amendments to their provincial Code, in whole or in part.

For those who are not appointed to the focus group, we will advise you by email. However, please note that we anticipate there may be additional opportunities for the profession to provide feedback prior to the Federation making any changes to the Model Code. 

New Learning Centre Module

The Law Practice Essentials course in the Law Society’s Learning Centre is intended to assist lawyers through the review of key practice management areas. It does not attempt to cover a complete knowledge base for each area but rather captures, highlights and provides an overview of core concepts. 

We are pleased to introduce the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) module. ADR refers to the variety of process options by which disputes are resolved other than through traditional litigation. The increasingly prohibitive cost and delay that often occurs in litigation, and public interest in resolving disputes through other means, have highlighted the need for lawyers to understand the different ADR methods and, if appropriate, seek training to participate in those processes. 

The module is intended to provide an overview of commonly used private ADR process options available in most practice areas outside of the court system.  

Registration Open for Mentor Connect & Mentor Express

Registration is open for both Mentor Connect and the 2024–2025 Mentor Express programs.  

As a mentee, a mentoring relationship can encourage and empower your professional development, help you identify and achieve career goals, and increase your confidence. As a mentor, you get to learn from your mentees and share perspectives and experiences with others at a different stage of their careers.

Mentor Connect 

Mentor Connect is a traditional mentorship program that matches mentors and mentees based on areas of law, geographical proximity, personal experience and similar interests. Pairs are matched for six months and meet regularly either in person or remotely depending on preference.  

The Mentor Connect program runs year-round. Register as a mentee or a mentor on our website.  

Mentor Express 

Mentor Express is a quick and easy way to meet with experienced members of the profession. Mentees browse an online listing of mentors and choose one-hour sessions with those they are interested in meeting. The self-match system allows mentees to seek guidance relevant to their own career development with a variety of mentors in different work settings. 

Mentor Express runs from October 2024 to March 2025. Mentor applicants will be added to a waitlist and notified in July if they have a spot in the 2024–2025 program. 

Register as a mentee or a mentor on our website. 

For more information on our mentorship programs and eligibility to participate, visit our website or contact Customer Service.

Court of King's Bench Announcements

Court Case Management (CCM) now Includes Contested Receivership Applications 

Starting April 1, 2024, all eligible receivership hearing requests must be submitted through the Court Case Management (CCM) digital service. This includes any new (subsequent) hearing requests on already existing commercial matters in both Calgary and Edmonton.

CCM will continue to be available for eligible commercial matters that commence by way of originating application. All other commercial matter types continue to be booked in the conventional way.

For your booking to be processed, you must submit your confirming letter to the appropriate court coordinator via email within 24 hours of your booking request.

View the full announcement for more information.

Upcoming Events

Visit our website for a full list of upcoming events.

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