The Canadian Bar Association (CBA)

The CBA is the essential ally and advocate of all members of the legal profession; it is the voice for all members of the profession and its primary purpose is to serve its members; it is the premier provider of personal and professional development and support to all members of the legal profession; it promotes fair justice systems, facilitates effective law reform, promotes equality in the legal profession and is devoted to the elimination of discrimination; the CBA is a leading edge organization committed to enhancing the professional and commercial interests of a diverse membership and to protecting the independence of the judiciary and the Bar. The Canadian Bar Association is a professional, voluntary organization which was formed in 1896, and incorporated by a Special Act of Parliament on April 15, 1921. Today, the Association represents some 35,000 lawyers, judges, notaries, law teachers, and law students from across Canada. Approximately two-thirds of all practising lawyers in Canada belong to the CBA. The mandate of the Canadian Bar Association is to: * improve the law; * improve the administration of justice; * improve and promote access to justice; * promote equality in the legal profession and in the justice system * improve and promote the knowledge, skills, ethical standards and well-being of members of the legal profession; * represent the legal profession nationally and internationally; and * promote the interests of the members of The Canadian Bar Association. Through the work of its sections, committees and task forces at both the national and branch levels, the CBA is seen as an important and objective voice on issues of significance to both the legal profession and the public. The Canadian Bar Association has branches in each of the provinces and territories. The Canadian Bar Association is also affiliated with international associations, including the Commonwealth Law Association, International Bar Association and the Union internationale des avocate(e)s. Membership in these groups provides the Association with input on recent developments in the legal profession on a broad scale.