Introducing David Hiebert and the New CBA Alberta

By Frank Friesacher

The 14th (and current) Dalai Lama said, “When you talk, you are only repeating what you know; but when you listen, you learn something new.” Hearing this, I think of our incoming CBA Alberta Branch president, David Hiebert.

In 2017 Dave joined the executive. It’s hard to remember before that, not at all because he overpowers, but because he takes the time to absorb comments from others, contemplate competing interests and perspectives, and then make thoughtful valuable input.

Dave is a CBA guy, through and through. He joined in 1994 as a law student and has been active throughout on various committees and section executives, including as Commercial Property & Leasing (North) co-chair, and as part of CBA Council provincially and nationally. In 2015 Dave became North Section Coordinator (my old job!), and then successfully ran as Branch Secretary.

This 2017 blurb from Dave on “why I am running” speaks well to his dedication:

I am a passionate long-term member and supporter of the CBA. I want CBA Alberta to survive and thrive by changing its governance structure to better harness the passion, energy, and knowledge of its wealth of committed volunteers. I want to help CBA Alberta focus its resources on helping its Section executives deliver relevant presentations to Section members and making this wealth of materials and knowledge easily available to Section members. Finally, I want to ensure that CBA Alberta is fiscally prudent so that it can survive and continue to provide continuing legal education to its members.

Dave is not just a CBA guy; he is a CBA member guy. He focuses on how CBA can be relevant and responsive to members’ needs and desires. His first question when we consider initiatives is, how can this benefit our members? He has great ideas for this: his brainchild, a lawyer advocacy committee, being one example. His most (literally) palatable idea is for pierogies for all section lunch meetings. I am curious how this will be fulfilled via videoconferencing, but no doubt Dave will focus energies on any endeavour so beneficial to members’ hearts…and stomachs!

Dave is a solicitor. As a litigator, I have heard over the years the old stereotypes: barristers are extroverts who excel at public speaking; solicitors are introverts, bookish, shy and colourless. Stereotypes are dangerous: while they may hold some element of truth, they are usually wrong enough to completely mislead. Dave is a good example.

Dave has exceled in his 25-year legal career in assisting commercial developers, in contractual drafting and interpretation, and resolving commercial and construction disputes: in brief, helping people and businesses find safe passage through difficult legal waters. Before law he completed his B.Sc. (computing science specialization) and his MBA. He is partner at Witten LLP: well-liked in his firm and a well-respected member of the legal community.
At first blush, Dave has a quiet manner. But as per Susan Cain‘s book Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking, don’t mistake introversion for shyness or inhibition. I know him to be a witty, high-octane public speaker. At the mentor reception last fall, Dave presented (to great effect) on why law students should treat their lawyers like pet rocks! Bringing CBA greetings at swearing-in ceremonies for newly appointed judges, Dave strikes that ineffable balance between solemn deference and daring cheeky humour. His computer skills shine in his PowerPoint presentations containing rare photos of these judges. And who else could get away with tossing a frisbee in open court, before hundreds of onlookers and dozens of the judiciary? Dave’s unique perspective and distinctive manner of speaking makes one endear to him and pay attention. As for being colourless… one has only to observe Dave’s love for sporty cars, spiffy bowties and great socks to dispel this notion outright.

Dave is husband to charming wife Nicole 27 years, with whom he enjoys travel (remember travel?) and all kinds of goings-on, various cooking classes forming the more recent activities. Most recently he has been enjoying piano lessons.

CBA Alberta structure transformed in 2019 with adoption of new bylaws and creation of a 13-member governing board, including the executive Dave will head in 2020-21 along with Vice President Bianca Kratt, Treasurer Amanda Lindberg, recently elected Secretary Indra Maharaj and Past President Ola Malik. I was excited to see the board’s first iteration make great strides and am confident the incoming board will continue focusing energies on five CBA pillars: developing deep, smart member intelligence; delivering distinct & relevant professional development; advocating on behalf of the profession; preparing us for the future; and cultivating an inclusive, engaged professional community. In this heady undertaking, we are buoyed by the calm guidance of our own Executive Director Maureen Armitage, and by our unparalleled CBA staff in both Edmonton and Calgary who make the member experience amazing.

Those who know him best speak of Dave in glowing terms. He is unpresuming and humble, always willing to provide a witty comment and a helping hand. He is first to assist at a CBA function and last to leave once he has chatted with everyone. His appreciation for things technical and novel will push the CBA forward in innovative ways. He ensures voices are heard, regardless of vintage at the profession. He handles himself with grace and diplomacy, approaching others with civility and respect. These qualities, combined with invaluable experience gained on the executive the past three years, will make Dave an excellent voice for our members.

Attributed both to Socrates and Buddha, but likely a universal piece of wisdom, is this: Before speaking, be mindful of these three things: Is It True? Is It Necessary? Is It Kind? Our incoming president exemplifies this. In a world increasingly full of fake, Dave is authentic. Especially given the challenges we face as an organization and as a profession, those which we have seen coming on the horizon and those which burst out of the sea, we will be most fortunate to have David Hiebert at the rudder.

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