She will assume the vice-presidential role in September
The Canadian Bar Association (CBA) has announced the election of Bianca Kratt as its vice president for the 2024-2025 term.
Kratt, the CBA board member from Alberta, brings a wealth of experience in commercial, banking, and real estate law to her new role. Following her vice-presidential term, she will step into the position of CBA President in 2025-2026.
Born and raised in Quebec City and a member of the Huron-Wendat First Nation, Kratt works as a partner at Parlee McLaws LLP in Alberta. She leads the commercial, banking, and real estate practice group in Calgary. She specializes in real estate and commercial matters, such as acquisitions and dispositions, leasing, and land development. She also provides expert advice on corporate transactions and real estate financing deals.
Additionally, Kratt is experienced in financial services and diversified lending. She has represented creditors, including banks, financial institutions, and private lenders, in secured lending transactions, including acquisitions, asset-based lending, term and revolving facilities, and project and operating financing.
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Kratt's legal education includes law degrees from Université Laval and the University of Manitoba and an LL.M. from Osgoode Hall Law School. She is a member of the Law Society of Alberta and the Barreau du Québec member. She is proficient in both French and English.
Kratt served as the president of the CBA Alberta branch from 2021 to 2022 and has been an active executive member since 2019. In addition to her leadership roles within the CBA, Kratt has contributed to the legal community as a regular presenter for the Legal Education Society of Alberta (LESA) and shared her expertise in commercial leasing at the International Council of Shopping Centres (ICSC).
Kratt has also volunteered with the Association of French Speaking Lawyers of Alberta (AJEFA), aimed at promoting access to justice in French, and with the International Association of Women Judges, Canadian Chapter, to raise awareness of inequalities women face in the legal profession and to empower women in leadership roles.
Kratt will assume the vice-presidential role in September, succeeding Lynne Vicars of Toronto, who will serve as president.
