Join us for an innovative hybrid conference brought together by CBABC and the Department of Justice Canada, BC Regional Office, which bridges the realms of public and private law. This highly anticipated annual event serves as a gathering point for private and public lawyers, providing insight on emerging trends in Crown law from esteemed scholars, seasoned private practitioners, and experienced government counsel.

We look forward to having you join us in captivating discussions that shape your understanding of the evolving legal landscape of Crown law.

8:30am | Registration & Breakfast

9:00am | Welcome Remarks

9:05am | Remarks from the Department of Justice Canada, B.C. Regional Office

9:15am | Perspectives from the Bench

Have you ever wondered what judges wish counsel knew before stepping into the courtroom? Join members of the judiciary from multiple levels of court for an engaging and interactive discussion on advocacy, courtroom practice, and appearing before decision-makers. Attendees will have the opportunity to submit questions in advance and gain practical insights directly from the bench.

Justice Janet Winteringham, BC Court of Appeal
More speakers TBA

10:15am | Health Break

10:30am | Lessons from the Negotiation Table

Move beyond ADR theory and explore the realities of dispute resolution in government practice. Experienced DOJ counsel will discuss significant mediations and negotiations, examining what worked, what didn't, and how they navigated challenges before, during, and after the process. Attendees will leave with practical strategies and perspectives directly applicable to their own files.

Edward Burnet, (Retired) DOJ Canada, BC Regional Office
Cheryl Giesbrecht, DOJ Canada, Advisory Services
Isabel Jackson, DOJ Canada, Indigenous Rights and Relations

11:30am | A Tool Called Otto: Update 2026

At the Department of Justice, Otto has moved beyond a promising new technology to become a practical tool that  is helping counsel tackle real legal work. In this candid and interactive session, experienced Otto users and technical experts will share lessons learned from the front lines of AI adoption, demonstrating how the platform is being used to support legal research, drafting, analysis, and workflow efficiency. Whether you've embraced the platform, remain skeptical of its value, or simply want to better understand what your colleagues are doing with it, you'll leave with practical insights, ethical considerations, and actionable strategies for using Otto effectively and responsibly in your day-to-day practice.

Phillipe Alma, DOJ Canada, Public Safety, Defence, and Immigration
Ebrahim Adeeb, DOJ Canada, Lead Data Science & Business Analytics Centre
Josef Beug, DOJ Canada, Public Safety, Defence, and Immigration

12:30pm | Lunch

1:20pm | Remarks from CBABC

1:25pm | Top 10 Cases of 2026

In this fast-paced round-up, counsel summarize the most significant cases that shaped public law this year. Hear recaps on key decisions and developments in administrative law, constitutional issues, Crown liability and more.

Speakers TBA

2:10pm | That's Privileged! (Or is it?)

Privilege issues arise at every stage of government litigation and advisory work, often involving unique considerations that do not exist in private practice. This session brings together DOJ professionals to discuss practical approaches to document review, disclosure obligations, privilege motions, and complex interdepartmental files. Using real-life scenarios, presenters will explore what works, common pitfalls, and key considerations when protecting sensitive government information while meeting legal and ethical obligations.

Eric Brown, DOJ Canada, Tax Law Services
More speakers TBA

3:10pm | Health Break

3:30pm | In the Hot Seat: Ethics in Action

Government lawyers often face complex ethical dilemmas that require balancing competing duties — to their client, the public and the justice system. Presented with real-world scenarios, experienced counsel are put on the spot to share their strategies for navigating tensions between privilege, confidentiality and secrecy. 

Laura Zumpano, DOJ Canada, Tax Law Services
Samantha Chang, Dentons Canada LLP
Charmaine De Los Reyes, DOJ Canada, Public Safety, Defence, and Immigration

5:00pm | Closing Remarks

This conference is hosted on the traditional and unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples, including the Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh and Musqueam First Nations. We encourage our members to explore the rich history and knowledge of Indigenous people, and to continue learning about their experience in Canada, past and present.

• The facilities for this conference are wheelchair accessible.
• The facilities will also include gender-neutral bathrooms.
• We are also offering a virtual viewing with closed captioning for this conference.

For requests or inquiries on accommodations, please contact CBABC Professional Development. We welcome your suggestions for enhancing the inclusiveness of our activities.

Participant Disclaimer
All materials related to this conference are for the sole use of the registrant, which may not be copied, reproduced, uploaded, posted, publicly displayed, translated, distributed, shared, modified, made available on a network or other website, used to create derivative works, or transmitted in any form or by any means whatsoever without the prior express written permission of the Canadian Bar Association.

Cancellation Policy
Please note there will be no refunds after payment has been processed. To cancel your attendance or to transfer your registration to a colleage, please contact CBABC Professional Development.

CBABC reserves the right to cancel or reschedule courses or change speakers, location or content.