Calgary, September 1, 2026 – Sarah Vincella Coderre of Calgary begins her year-long term as President of the Canadian Bar Association - Alberta Branch, which represents more than 5,500 lawyers, justices, legal academics and law students in Alberta. She succeeds Christopher Samuel of Edmonton, who remains on the Board of Directors as Past President.
Sarah is a partner and co-founder of Bow River Law LLP in Calgary, where she primarily practices employment law, labour law, and human rights. Prior to starting her own practice, she worked for firms in boutique offices to one of the largest firms in Canada in both Calgary and Edmonton.
Born and raised in Fort McMurray, Alberta, Sarah completed her Bachelor of Arts (Philosophy) degree at the University of Alberta, and her Juris Doctor degree at the University of Calgary, and was called to the Alberta Bar in 2012.
An active member of the Canadian Bar Association throughout much of her career, Sarah has made numerous contributions to CBA Alberta. She has served on Vice-Chair of the Labour & Employment Law Section, Vice-Chair of the Inns of Court (South) Committee, and a member of the Agenda for Justice & Advocacy Committee. She also served on the CBA Alberta Board of Directors from 2020 to 2022 as the Young Lawyer (South) Director. In 2023, Sarah was elected to the CBA Alberta Executive Committee as Secretary.
Sarah is honoured to be the first Black President of CBA Alberta. She is excited to lead the organization as the legal profession confronts challenges to the rule of law, and as it responds and adapts to the integration of AI in the legal profession. Sarah is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, mentorship, and civility in the profession, and she wants to ensure that CBA Alberta continues to be a valued supporter and ally for lawyers across Alberta at every stage of their careers.
Outside her legal practice and volunteer work, Sarah is a busy mother of two young children and an amateur bodybuilder.
Sarah will be joined by fellow Executive Committee members Kathy M. Briere, KC (Vice-President), Tracey D. Stock, KC, PEng (Treasurer), Jillian Gamez (Secretary) and Christopher Samuel (Past President), as well as Board Directors Yoko Azumaya, R. Travis Bissett, KC, Maddison Croden, Patricia Gonzalez, Jonathan Griffith, Raphael Jacob, Tiffany Primmer, and Marc Yu.
About the Canadian Bar Association
The Canadian Bar Association is the largest professional association for lawyers, representing over 40,000 lawyers, justices, legal academics and law students across Canada, with over 5,500 members in Alberta. As the essential ally and advocate for our members, CBA Alberta promotes fair justice systems, facilitates effective law reform, and upholds equality in the legal profession and beyond.