Incoming CBA In-House President Vows to Foster Inclusivity for All In-House Counsel
The Canadian Bar Association In-House Lawyers, formerly known as the Canadian Corporate Counsel Association, has unveiled a significant rebranding effort. This change reflects its expanded mission to represent in-house counsel across Canada, regardless of their workplace or sector.
Jennifer Freund, the incoming president set to take office on September 1, emphasized that the organization’s core values and objectives remain unchanged. However, the new name aims to clarify its inclusive approach, ensuring all in-house counsel feel welcome and supported.
“Our goal is to signal inclusiveness and a broader reach,” Freund explained. The previous name, “corporate counsel,” was seen as too narrow, potentially excluding those in non-corporate settings. The updated name, CBA In-House Lawyers, reflects the organization’s commitment to serving a diverse range of professionals.
Under the rebrand, members will continue to benefit from CBA resources, as the group remains under the Canadian Bar Association umbrella. Freund highlighted the organization’s focus on actively seeking member feedback to address unmet needs and provide tailored support.
The 2025–26 board, announced alongside the rebrand, features leaders from various sectors, including law societies, private corporations, and public institutions. This diverse leadership underscores the organization’s dedication to representing a wide range of practice areas and geographies.
With its new name and inclusive leadership, the Canadian Bar Association In-House Lawyers is reaffirming its commitment to being a welcoming and supportive community for all in-house counsel nationwide.
CBA In-House Lawyers Expands Representation Across Diverse Sectors
The rebranding of the Canadian Bar Association In-House Lawyers underscores its commitment to serving in-house counsel from a wide variety of settings. This includes every level of government, public and private companies, non-profits, charities, agencies, boards, commissions, and regulatory bodies. The organization’s new name clarifies that it welcomes and serves in-house counsel from all these diverse environments.
Jennifer Freund, the incoming president, highlighted that the change is more than cosmetic. It is intended to clearly signal inclusiveness and the broader reach of the organization. The previous title, “corporate counsel,” could be perceived as too narrow, potentially excluding those whose roles are not strictly within corporate environments. By shifting to CBA In-House Lawyers, the association seeks to ensure that all in-house counsel “know that they have a home with us, no matter where they work, what situation they’re in, [or] what career stage they’re at.”
In terms of practical impact, members can expect to continue accessing CBA resources as part of their affiliation, since CBA In-House remains under the umbrella of the Canadian Bar Association. Freund emphasized the organization’s ongoing commitment to proactively solicit feedback from its membership in order to address unmet needs and provide support tailored to a diverse and evolving in-house legal community. She aims to utilize her tenure to strengthen the group by enhancing this engagement and responsiveness.
Alongside the rebrand, CBA In-House has announced its board for the 2025–26 term, reflecting leadership from a broad cross-section of Canadian in-house lawyers. The board includes:
- President: Jennifer Freund, Law Society of Alberta
- Vice President: David Mousavi, NRT Technology Corp.
- Treasurer: Angela Yousofi, TD Bank
- CBA Board Representative: Heidi Schedler, Halifax Port Authority
Additionally, the board includes members-at-large and branch representatives chosen from a variety of sectors and regions across the country, underlining the organization’s commitment to representing diverse practice areas and geographies.
In summary, the Canadian Bar Association In-House Lawyers has reaffirmed its dedication to serving all in-house counsel through a clarifying rebrand, inclusive leadership, and an ongoing effort to engage and support its members in all aspects of their roles.
Conclusion
The rebranding of the Canadian Bar Association In-House Lawyers marks a significant step toward inclusivity and representation for in-house counsel across diverse sectors. By expanding its reach and clarifying its mission, the organization reaffirms its commitment to supporting legal professionals in various settings, from government and corporate environments to non-profits and regulatory bodies. With a renewed focus on engagement and responsiveness, CBA In-House Lawyers is poised to strengthen its role as a vital resource for the evolving needs of in-house counsel nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What does the rebranding of CBA In-House Lawyers mean for members?
The rebranding emphasizes inclusivity and a broader reach, ensuring all in-house counsel feel represented, regardless of their work environment or career stage. Members will continue to have access to the same resources and support.
Why did the Canadian Bar Association change its name from “corporate counsel” to “In-House Lawyers”?
The name change was made to signal inclusiveness and broaden the organization’s reach. The term “corporate counsel” was perceived as narrow, potentially excluding those in non-corporate settings.
Who is included in the expanded representation of CBA In-House Lawyers?
The organization now explicitly includes in-house counsel from all levels of government, public and private companies, non-profits, charities, agencies, boards, commissions, and regulatory bodies.
Will members still have access to the same resources after the rebrand?
Yes, CBA In-House Lawyers remains under the Canadian Bar Association umbrella, ensuring members continue to access the same resources and support.
Who are the leaders of the 2025–26 board?
The board includes Jennifer Freund (President), David Mousavi (Vice President), Angela Yousofi (Treasurer), Heidi Schedler (CBA Board Representative), and members-at-large from diverse sectors and regions.
Why is the diversity of the board important?
The diverse board reflects the organization’s commitment to representing a broad cross-section of Canadian in-house lawyers, ensuring varied perspectives and comprehensive support for members.
