Whitehead Miles & Allen LLP Congratulates Matthew Pearn on a Landmark 2026 Canadian Bar Association's New Brunswick MidWinter Conference
- WMA Team
- 1 hour ago
- 4 min read
WMA Team | February 10, 2026
Whitehead, Miles and Allen LLP (WMA LLP) is proud to congratulate our associate, Matthew Pearn, Vice President of the New Brunswick Branch of the Canadian Bar Association (CBA NB), on the outstanding success of the 20th Annual MidWinter Conference, held February 5–7, 2026, at the Delta Beauséjour in Moncton.
“I am incredibly proud of the collaborative effort from our committee of dedicated lawyers and the exceptional CBA NB staff. With more than 530 of our colleagues participating in our Moncton event—the largest turnout in our history— it speaks to the strength and engagement of the New Brunswick bar,” says Pearn, who spearheaded the planning committee. “This year wasn't just about reaching the 20-year milestone; it was about reaffirming our commitment to professional excellence and the shared values that move our legal community forward.”
This year’s conference set a new benchmark, becoming the most well-attended MidWinter Conference in CBA NB history. More than 530 lawyers from across the province participated in a robust program of continuing legal education, underscoring the strength and vitality of New Brunswick’s legal community.
A Record-Setting Educational Program
A dedicated 12-member planning committee delivered an ambitiously curated agenda for the conference, featuring 32 continuing education sessions. The program reflected the depth and diversity of modern legal practice, offering professional development opportunities for lawyers at every stage of their careers.
From cutting-edge technology to critical social policy, the education sessions offer a wide variety of topics designed to address the most pressing issues in modern law. Highlights included a keynote from Justice Minister Rob McKee, who shared details on the launch of a new Mental Health Court in Moncton. This new court will assist in responding to those charged criminally, but also suffering from mental health challenges
Additionally, attendees were able to explore the intersections of technology and practice through education sessions on the impact of AI Law. Alongside this were education sessions on concussion and mild traumatic brain injury led by Dr Sarah Pakzad and physiotherapist Pierre LeGresley, who educated lawyers on how to help clients suffering from brain injuries common to motor vehicle accidents and ATV accidents. We also gained insights into new court rulings regarding Long-Term Disability benefits in a special session on advancing these claims.
The scale, organisation, and quality of the sessions were a testament to the committee’s hard work throughout the planning and execution of the conference.
Fireside Chat with the Judiciary
A highlight of the conference took place on Thursday, February 5, when Matthew helped host a well-attended fireside chat with New Brunswick’s three Chief Justices—Chief Justice Marc Richard of the New Brunswick Court of Appeal, Chief Justice Tracey Deward of the New Brunswick Court of King’s Bench, and Chief Judge Brian McLean of the New Brunswick Provincial Court—drawing more than 100 attendees.
The discussion covered critical and timely topics, including:
The importance of the rule of law in a changing society
The expanding role of technology in the courtroom
Ongoing and new efforts to create efficiencies for litigants awaiting hearing dates and court decisions
The exchange provided some invaluable insights into the judiciary’s priorities and the future direction of court administration in New Brunswick.
Celebrating the Profession
The conference also offered opportunities to celebrate collegiality within the profession. On Friday, February 6, members of the Family Law Division of the Court of King’s Bench joined conference attendees at the President’s Dinner, reinforcing the strong relationships between the bench and bar.
The gala dinner featured memorable entertainment by Luc Leblanc, widely known for his role as Citrouille in Pays de la Sagouine, alongside Kelly Lamrock, former New Brunswick Minister of Justice. Their performances delighted lawyers and judges alike, adding a uniquely New Brunswick flavour to the evening.
The celebrations continued later that night with an after-hours mixer, where attendees enjoyed live music by Tcheu Misère, closing out the conference on a high note.
Recognising Outstanding Support
WMA LLP also extends sincere congratulations and thanks to CBA NB staff members Denise Cameron, Ginette Little, and Denise Fiset for their steadfast commitment to the MidWinter Conference. Their careful orchestration of the venue, programming, and entertainment was instrumental in delivering an event of this scale and quality.
A Proud Moment for WMA LLP
Matthew’s leadership of the 2026 MidWinter Conference reflects his ongoing commitment to the legal profession, professional education, and public service in New Brunswick. We are proud to see his efforts recognised through the record-breaking success of this milestone event.
Matthew moves into his role of President of the CBA New Brunswick, beginning this Spring. The MidWinter conference is expected to reconvene in February 2027 for its 21st annual meeting of lawyers.
Congratulations, Matthew and the 2026 MidWinter organising committee—Catherine LeBlanc, Cèline Robinchaur Fournier, Dale T. Briggs, Darren G. Blois, Emily Wooder MacLeod, Jason Dempsey, Jason Larose, Julie G. LeBlanc Hultberg, Lauren A. Cicin, Shawn R. Dempsey, and Stephanie Stapleford—on an exceptional conference and on contributing so meaningfully to the strength of our legal community.
Comments