Join the CBA In-House Lawyers Board of Directors and be part of building the future of the profession! Nominations are open from February 23 to March 25, 2026. Complete the nomination form.
Before applying, applicants should review the CBA’s operational policies, paying particular attention to the Principles of Conduct, and consider the following expectations for members of the CBA In-House Lawyers Board of Directors:
- Ensure you have the capacity and time commitment necessary to fulfill Board responsibilities and expectations throughout your term. Secure the support of your employer to hold the position of Board member for the relevant term to ensure you can devote the time required to fulfill your duties.
- Attend all meetings of the Board, two of which are typically in person. (Note that the orientation session is mandatory, and CBA In-House Lawyers covers the cost of attendance at in-person meetings in accordance with its expense claim policy.)
- Review all meeting materials in advance and come prepared to actively participate in discussions and decision-making.
- Engage with one another with courtesy, civility, good faith, and mutual respect.
- Uphold fiduciary duties of care and loyalty to the organization.
- Understand the governance role of the Board of Directors, including the duty to provide strategic oversight, ensure responsible stewardship of the organization’s resources, and act in the best interests of the CBA In-House Lawyers.
- Exercise independent judgment and act in the best interests of the organization as a whole, rather than as a representative of any particular employer, sector, or constituency.
- Maintain confidentiality of Board discussions and information received as a member of the Board, including the personal information of colleagues and other stakeholders, and continue to do so after your involvement with the CBA In-House Lawyers ends.
- Respect the principle of collective Board responsibility, including supporting Board decisions once made.
- Participate in one or two committees. Actively contribute to committee work, including preparing for and attending meetings, completing assigned tasks between meetings, and reporting back to the Board as required. Committee participation may include committees of the CBA In-House Lawyers Branch and/or committees of the Canadian Bar Association more broadly, as appropriate.
- Contribute to strategic planning initiatives and support the implementation of the organization’s strategic priorities.
- Review and approve annual budgets and financial statements, and monitor the financial health of the organization.
- Support succession planning and leadership development within the organization.
- Support the CBA In-House Lawyers Leadership Retreats, webinars, and other events by:
- Promoting registration among fellow CBA In-House Lawyers members, coworkers, and other relevant professional networks;
- Attending and remaining in attendance throughout key events, including the Leadership Retreats; and
- Serving as a CBA In-House Lawyers Ambassador at social and networking sessions by welcoming new members, supporting sponsors and exhibitors, etc.
- Avoid conflicts of interest and declare and promptly disclose any actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest in accordance with the CBA In-House Lawyers’ Conflict of Interest Policy, recognizing that transparency and integrity are fundamental to the Board’s governance responsibilities.