Considering the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the unprecedented shift in our legal system we are seeing today has pushed more of our work online, and with that there is an increasing need, expectation, and emphasis on how we practice law during these unfamiliar times.

Experienced practitioners are coming together to discuss best practices for virtual hearings/mediation, meeting clients virtually, remote accessibility for your practice, ethical dilemmas that may impact your practice, the practice of witnessing wills virtually, and future implications.

We look forward to having you join us for what promises to be engaging discussions on the challenges and opportunities facing practitioners today!

11:00 am-11:10 am | WELCOME


11:10 am-12:10 pm | REMOTE ACCESSIBILITY FOR YOUR PRACTICE
Thomas Spraggs, LSBC Westminster County Bencher, Spraggs Law.
Robert Spraggs, Chief Technology Office (CTO) & Legal Practice Consultant, Spraggs Law.

This session will discuss the basics of setting up your office remotely, so you can get the best out of working from your home office. The session will discuss the logistics about setting up an offsite VPN Network, using Zoom/MS Teams to faciliate virtual meetings, possible document exchange platforms available, amongst other topical items.


12:10 pm-12:30 pm | LUNCH BREAK

12:30 pm-12:35 pm | CBA BC BRANCH UPDATE
Jennifer Brun, CBABC 2020-2021 President, Harris & Brun Law Corporation


12:35 pm-1:35 pm | ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR EVERY PRACTITIONER
Jennifer Brun, CBABC 2020-2021 President, Harris & Brun Law Corporation
Geoffrey G. R. Mcdonald, LSBC Cariboo County Bencher, Crown Counsel - Prince George

Think critically about ethical dilemmas that challenge your professional responsibility. In this webinar, we examine emerging ethical problems that could impact your practice and consider decision-making criteria to fulfill the obligations you have to your clients, the courts, our profession and the public. We will involve audience members in the discussion of real-life ethical dilemmas, case studies and the Code of Conduct. 
 

1:35 pm-2:35 pm | BEST PRACTICES FOR VIRTUAL HEARINGS/MEDIATION
Diane Bell QC, Clark Wilson LLP
Michelle T. Maniago, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP

The rapid shift to remote court appearances is a prime example of how COVID-19 continues to disrupt the traditional delivery of legal services. While social distancing measures have resulted in limited access to courts across Canada since March, some matters continue to be heard using remote technology. While on the other hand, many private mediators have taken steps to conduct virtual mediations during the current pandemic. With more and more of legal practice shifting towards the virtual and digital world, this session will discuss best practices for Virtual Hearings and Mediations.

2:35 pm-2:45 am |  AFTERNOON BREAK
 

2:45 pm-3:45 pm | MEETING CLIENTS VIRTUALLY
Barbara Buchanan QC, Practice Advisor, Law Society of BC
Michael F. Welsh QC, LSBC Bencher for the Okanagan District, Michael Welsh Dispute Resolution

The COVID-19 shutdown has sent many a lawyer from in-person meetings with potential new clients to the world of virtual meetings. If this gives you anxiety, this session will provide you with best practices for video-conferencing, risks and tips when using video-conferencing technology and the Law Society Rules for client identification and verification.
 

3:45 pm-4:45 pm | VIRTUAL WITNESSING OF WILLS & OTHER ESTATE PLANNING DOCS
Now and What’s on the Horizon.
Alison Oxtoby, Balmains Law Corporation
Monique Shebbeare, Monique Shebbeare Law Corporation

Alison and Monique discuss the recent legislative changes brought on by the BC Provincial Government allowing virtual witnessing, as well as what is on the horizon for virtual witnessing of wills. Leading by example, Alison and Monique will also play for you a pre-recorded video as a part of their presentation to show you what virtual electronic witnessing looks like.

Our speakers will also discuss

1. S.58 of WESA and its use in curing a defective will
2. Emergency Ministerial Orders in terms of POA’s and RA’s
3. The financial feasibility and logistics of setting up and running virtual witnessing
4. Electronic signing of other documents in an estate planning practice.
    

4:45 pm-5:00 pm | CLOSING REMARKS

Acknowledging First Nations Territories
This webinar is hosted by CBABC, which is located 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.