CheckBoxList Inside EditTemplate :: GridView

Hello,
Intended scenario:
I have a grid view that displays a particular column using a repeater to display data stored in a separate lookup table. In the EditTemplate I drop the repeater and utilize a checkboxlist to allow for updates to be made. After the sqlUpdate command is processed on the main table I call a sub to loop through the checkboxlist and update the lookup table accordingly.

Problem:
I can't seem to access the checkboxlist in the edit template. I have a 'updateServices' procedure that is called by the main sql updated event. I call findcontrol on the gridview but I keep getting this error: "Object reference not set to an  instance of an object".
 
Here is my code:  Protected Sub updateServices(ByVal sender As Object, ByVal e As System.Web.UI.WebControls.SqlDataSourceStatusEventArgs) Handles sql_respParty.Updated
'Filing type was modified, update lm_Responsible_Party_Filing_Type
If FilingTypeChanged = True Then
Dim command As System.Data.Common.DbCommand = e.Command

'Insert service_filing_type
Dim li As ListItem
Dim checkBoxServices As CheckBoxList = grid_parties.FindControl("checkBoxServices")
sql_allFilingTypes.InsertParameters("Party_id").DefaultValue = command.Parameters("@Party_id").Value.ToString

For Each li In checkBoxServices.Items
If li.Selected = True Then
sql_allFilingTypes.InsertParameters("Filing_Type_id").DefaultValue = li.Value
sql_allFilingTypes.Insert()
Response.Write(" check: " + li.Value.ToString)
End If
Next

End If
End Sub
 
 
Thank you.