Our Misson Statement

Canadian Defence Lawyers is a voice and a resource for civil defence lawyers providing a national perspective, quality defence-specific education and networking opportunities

About CDL

We are the only national organization representing the interests of civil defence lawyers. With members from coast to coast we offer unparalleled opportunities to unite the defence bar over common issues. Trends in one province may be headed to the front door of your firm – will you be ready? .

A Single Voice to the Industry

While our membership is diverse, CDL represents only defence lawyers and therefore offers unique access to the industry to promote the interests of the defence bar. Can you afford NOT to be a member?

Continuing Legal Education

We offer defence lawyers access to high quality defence-oriented CLE. We deliver in person programmes in Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Toronto, Halifax and Moncton as well as our Annual Meeting and Conference. The only one of its kind in Canada, our AGM brings together defence lawyers and industry representatives from across the country. We provide CLE in all the multiple modes demanded by today's lawyers: classroom, teleconference, DVD and webcast.

Online Community

CDL is a dynamic and growing association built around a robust online community.

On our website you can sign up for CLE, manage your membership profile, view employment postings, purchase materials, view experts and search for CDL members in other provinces.
 

The CDL listserve is one of the most useful practice tools for defence lawyers who use it to make instant contact with other members - "Need orthopod in Calgary area for defence IME", "Information needed on vehicle registration in Manitoba", "Use of videotapes in discovery in BC", "Has anyone used Doctor Smith as an expert?" are some examples of postings. Please refer to the CDL AUP before posting.

Networking

CDL brings together all defence lawyers, both locally and nationally. Membership offers a great opportunity to build professional relationships with other members of the defence community.

DRI Affiliation

We are affiliated with the Defence Research Institute representing 20,000 defence lawyers in the United States. New members of CDL automatically qualify for a free one year membership in DRI – which would ordinarily cost you US$150. The DRI Board of Directors keeps a seat reserved for CDL – a great opportunity to stay current on US trends.