BCLMA President's Report
Message From the Board
We had a busy spring this year with many exciting and educational events, including our bi-annual conference focused on Empowering YOU. The 2024 conference aimed to bring innovative ideas and leading practices to help you, your teams, and your firm thrive. Gathering for two days at the Vancouver Convention Centre in April, BCLMA delegates, sponsors, and exhibitors shared, learned, connected, and got empowered!
If you've ever co-ordinated a multi-day event, you know the extraordinary commitment and investment of time and energy volunteers make. The 2024 conference committee worked for months to bring an innovative and dynamic conference experience to everyone. Led by Lorraine Burchynsky, the committee volunteered countless hours over the last year to develop a valuable yet fun program with all members in mind. We hope you enjoyed it fully!
On behalf of the BCLMA, I thank all members who attended; all legal professionals who travelled from out side Metro Vancouver and our sister association (TLOMA) to participate and contribute; all of the energetic facilitators who shared leading practices; and—last but not least—our generous sponsors, who step up, time and time again, to help make sure we can host high-value events and conferences.
Check out the conference recap and photo album in the Summer TOPICS issue.
The Board membership had minimal turnover. We thank former Director Kirsten Whitley of Alexander Holburn Beaudin + Lang LLP for her important contributions. We welcome new Director Priscilla Martindale of Richards Buell Sutton LLP.
At the first meeting of the new term, the Board reiterated the three pillars of its strategic plan:Â Organizational Sustainability, Membership & Engagement, and Enhanced Technology. These pillars will help steer our membership engagements throughout the upcoming year. If you have ideas or suggestions to help bring these pillars to life, please contact any board member and share your thoughts!
The ever-popular annual Summer Social took place on June 6 at the D6 Lounge. It’s always so nice to see members mingling and catching up with one another. Many members won fantastic prizes donated by both the BCLMA and generous sponsors. Everyone had a great time. Watch for the photo album in the Fall TOPICS issue.
Keep an eye on your email over the summer, as two BCLMA surveys will get issued: ‘Business Services Compensation & Benefits’ and ‘Charge-out Rates’ will both get distributed on July 24. Recipients will have until September 23 to respond.
After we enjoy the lazy days of summer, we will ramp back up in September with an educational event focused on ‘Science for Success’ facilitated by Dr. Catherine A. Sanderson, Ph.D. The fall season will also provide a requested follow-up Social Media Marketing session. If you have any requests or ideas for sessions, let us know! Contact your subsection Chair or Co-Chair, or contact our administrative staff. You will find contact information on the back page of Topics.
Save the date! The annual Winter Social will take on November 7 at the Sutton Place Hotel.
Wishing you an enjoyable summertime!
Rubyna Jinnah
President & Business Partner Liaison
Harris & Company LLP