Cross Section South

  • August 08, 2016

Activity in the 2015-16 section year has been as strong as ever, with all 41 south sections hosting a wide variety of topics, dynamic speakers and providing a forum for discussion on issues that challenge our profession. 

It is also a time to recognize those that have aided in the betterment of the sections.  Section success would not exist without the passion, effort and energy of the many volunteer members of the Bar who donate countless hours to their respective sections. On behalf of the section coordinators, our thanks go out to each and every one of you. Our thanks also go out to the capable executive and staff of the CBA Calgary office who manage, year after year, to put it all together for CBA members.

What struck me most this year is the unique and continuing relationship the CBA, in particular the sections, has with the judiciary. Despite court resources being stretched to the maximum, our Judges and Masters find the time to support sections and other initiatives, and we are truly fortunate to enjoy this close connection with the Bench. Thanks goes out to Justices Hawco and Phillips and Judge Higa, our judicial liaisons, for maintaining this relationship.

For the upcoming season, we are adding the Internationally Trained Lawyers and Food and Agribusiness Sections, both of which will be available via webcast to members. Food and Agribusiness will also be open for registration across the country via webcast; a first for Alberta sections. 

At the end of the 2015-16 year, Kate Bilson will be completing her term as Section Coordinator.  Kate has been an absolute pleasure with whom to work and her talents will be missed. Andrew Bateman will be stepping into the role with Sean FitzGerald.  

If you are interested in socializing and networking with fellow members of the Bar in your practice area, require up-to-date information on substantive areas of the law and practical pointers relevant to your practice, and quite frankly want the best bang for your buck, be sure to register for the next season. Section registration will commence in August.    

On behalf of the CBA, we hope all of you a safe and relaxed summer. See you in September.


Katherine Bilson, LL.M., is Senior Legal Counsel, Litigation & Employment Law at TransCanada PipeLines Ltd. She primarily practices in the areas of employment, pension and privacy law, and is also an instructor in MRU’s Human Resources Certificate Program.  Katherine is also a South Section Coordinator for CBA Alberta.

Sean FitzGerald is a partner with Miles Davison LLP in Calgary, where he primarily practices in general civil litigation.  Sean has previously sat on the executive committees of the Civil Litigation, Employment Law and Insolvency Law sections.