Retirement on Trial: Life’s Next Case

A Night at the Movies! Watch the Film. Join the Conversation. Shape Your Next Chapter.

Enjoy an evening of popcorn, movie treats, and a special screening of Retirement on Trial, a compelling documentary that follows a senior lawyer’s journey through the uncertainties of retirement. Met with resistance from colleagues, he embarks on an unexpected path—creating this eye-opening and surprisingly humorous film. Can a documentary about retirement in the legal profession make you laugh? Come see for yourself.

Following the screening, the filmmaker and a panel of legal professionals, some preparing for retirement, others who’ve already made the transition, will share their personal experiences, insights, and advice. Whether you're a senior lawyer planning your next steps or a younger lawyer thinking ahead, this discussion offers valuable perspective.

Stay for the reception to connect, reflect, and continue the conversation in a relaxed setting. Don’t forget to bring your spouse or partner—retirement is a decision you make together.

EVENT DETAILS

EVENT PRICE

CBA Members & Non-Members: $40.00 | CBA Members & Non-Members 2 Tickets: $70.00

Payment can be made online via Mastercard or Visa or by cheque (GST #R100760487)

FILMAKERS

Stephen Herman (Amateur Filmmaker & Associate, Watson Goepel LLP)

Stephen Herman is a civil litigator based in Vancouver, Canada, at Watson Goepel LLP, with over 35 years of experience. He is currently transitioning from full-time practice. Stephen has conducted seminars and webinars for lawyers on retirement preparation since 2014. 

Stephen is also an amateur documentary filmmaker with a passion for criminal justice reform and has produced documentaries for projects in Ethiopia, Central America, Guyana, and Vietnam. 

His latest documentary, "Retirement on Trial," follows his journey as a lawyer who sets out to make a film about his struggle in preparing himself and his colleagues for the significant psychological transition of retirement.  The documentary is being showcased at legal conferences and private events throughout North America.

Evelyn Neaman (Documentary Producer/Director of Events, Justice Lab Productions)

With an impressive 30-year tenure in program management at the Justice Education Society, a Canadian non-profit focused on promoting access to justice and reforming the justice system, Evelyn Neaman is a highly regarded leader. Based in Vancouver, Canada, she has spearheaded projects involving the public, judiciary, attorneys, and police in Canada, Ethiopia, Guyana, Central America, and Vietnam. Evelyn has produced numerous documentaries and success stories that showcase these initiatives.

In collaboration with Stephen Herman, Evelyn worked on the production, writing, and direction of the documentary Retirement on Trial. Drawing on her expertise in cultural anthropology, curriculum design, and community education, this film project allows her to guide audiences in exploring the diverse viewpoints surrounding the "culture of retirement."

Additionally, Evelyn is a wellness practitioner who owns a boutique yoga studio in Vancouver, where she provides wellness sessions for judges and attorneys, both locally and internationally.

PANEL SPEAKERS:

Honourable Marina S. Paperny KC (Senior Counsel, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, Former Court of Appeal Of Alberta Justice)
Michael J. Swanson KC (Chair, Service Alberta Appeal Board)
Pamela McCluskey (Retired, Former Crown Prosecutor)

CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Consider including this Section meeting in the annual Continuing Professional Development Plan that you submit to the Law Society of Alberta. The knowledge and skills in this learning activity relate to Well-being, which is one of nine domains included in the Law Society of Alberta’s Professional Development Profile for Alberta Lawyers.

RSVP Deadline - Due to higher food costs, we cannot accommodate drop-ins for in-person events. If you have not registered for the in-person event by the RSVP deadline indicated above and would still like to attend the event, you are welcome to register by webcast or watch the recording on demand once it is available

Participant Disclaimer - All materials related to this course are for the sole use of the above said registrant, which may not be copied, reproduced, uploaded, posted, publicly displayed, translated, distributed, shared, modified, made available on a network or other website, used to create derivative works or transmitted in any form or by any means whatsoever without the prior express written permission of the Canadian Bar Association.

Cancellations made no later than 48 hours prior to the event are eligible for a refund. Registrants who less than 48 hours prior to the event will forfeit their registration fee. Event registrations are non-transferrable.