Law Society of British Columbia

We encourage lawyers in BC’s northern regions to join us at the Canadian Bar Association of BC’s Northern BC Law Talks to discuss the future of law on May 24, 2024. Learn more about how technology and AI are shaping the future of law, strategies to help your practice, Truth and Reconciliation initiatives, changes to the Federation’s Model Code and recent developments surrounding advocacy and regulation. We hope to see you there! Learn more or register here: https://shorturl.at/bfqF9

Are you the one scheduling appointments, buying groceries or arranging rides for a loved one? If so, you're not just providing assistance - you're a caregiver. This week, LifeSpeak experts explore compassion fatigue, burnout and navigating evolving relationships. Empower yourself with the tools and insight needed to navigate your caregiving journey with confidence and resilience. Read Supporting Aging Loved Ones here: https://shorturl.at/byP25

Navigating challenging discussions about finances with loved ones is increasingly important as financial pressures continue to rise. Embracing these discussions with patience and open communication is essential for building unity against growing economic challenges. This week, LifeSpeak experts provide tools and resources to facilitate those conversations and to minimize the impact of financial stress. Read Navigating Family Finances here: https://shorturl.at/iovxQ

We encourage lawyers to attend the Canadian Bar Association of BC’s Town Hall with Attorney General Niki Sharma, KC to learn more about Bill 21 – the Legal Professions Act on April 18, 2024. The Attorney General will discuss the Act and answer questions from attendees. Learn more here: https://t.ly/8TaG0

The Law Society of BC strongly opposes the BC government’s Bill 21 – the Legal Professions Act – tabled today, which will establish a single legal regulator for all legal professions in BC. We are deeply concerned it will have detrimental effects on the ability of lawyers to represent the public. Should the regulatory model reflected in the Bill be passed and receive Royal Assent, the Law Society has instructed counsel to initiate litigation to challenge the constitutionality of the Legal Professions Act. Read our full statement here: https://shorturl.at/pzCG3

LifeSpeak has launched the Caring for You, Your Loved Ones and Everything in Between campaign for professionals during the month of April. This week, experts offer practical strategies to create a nurturing environment for your family. Learn skills to help build your child's confidence, resolve conflicts or engage in thoughtful discussions to cultivate a happier home. Read Embracing the Parenting Journey here: https://shorturl.at/puJT9

Our Professional Legal Training Course (PLTC) department is seeking a temporary, full-time Program Assistant for a 15-month term. The Program Assistant provides administrative support to the Director, Senior Coordinator and the faculty of the Professional Legal Training Course. This position also entails a considerable amount of communication with students. Learn more or apply here: https://shorturl.at/ekTU5 We are proud to say that we’ve been recognized as one of BC’s Top Employers since 2022! 

In March 2022, the BC government announced their intention to create legislation to have all legal professionals in British Columbia regulated by a single regulator. Since that time, the Law Society has issued several public statements in response to the government’s intentions paper, updates and progress. We have provided ongoing feedback to the Ministry of the Attorney General on the proposed legislation, which is expected to be tabled during the government’s Spring session in 2024. We have provided a recent summary and timeline of public statements and responses from the Law Society and government here: https://shorturl.at/kPX69

LifeSpeak has launched the Caring for You, Your Loved Ones and Everything in Between campaign for professionals during the month of April. This week, experts explain how focusing on your mental health, practicing mindfulness, connecting with friends and nurturing a relationship with yourself can prevent burnout and allow you to better care for loved ones. Read Creating Space for Self-Care here: https://shorturl.at/axKVZ

Members of the public and the legal profession are invited to provide their feedback on the use of technology in BC courts. In 2019, the Ministry of the Attorney General created a Court Digital Transformation Strategy, which outlined their priorities and goals regarding accessible and efficient use of technology in the province’s courts through to 2023. The Ministry is seeking to better understand the experiences, expectations and perspectives of court participants with the goal of further improving services and accessibility. The survey can be accessed until April 8, 2024, via the Ministry’s website here: https://shorturl.at/csJSW