Law Society of British Columbia

We are seeking a full-time, Assistant in our Credentials department for a 18-month term. The position is responsible for providing administrative support to the Senior Director, Director, Credentials Officers, Professional Development and Practice Support. Learn more or apply here: https://shorturl.at/elrC3 We are proud to say that we’ve been recognized as one of BC’s Top Employers since 2022!

In this must-read article, First Vice-President Brook Greenberg (he/him) explains how Bill 21 includes stigmatizing and discriminatory provisions to compel legal professionals to undergo forced medical treatment. While there are many reasons to oppose Bill 21, including its failure to uphold the independence of the legal profession, allowing the regulator to force medical treatment on licensees will cause active harm to the mental health of lawyers, paralegals and notaries. We, again, call on the BC government to reconsider proceeding with this flawed legislation and take the time to get it right.

We are excited to announce that we have updated our website to improve the user experience and make information easier to find! Learn more about the changes here: https://shorturl.at/dfjA0

Let's learn how we can use compassion to help ourselves and others by being present and attentive to another person's needs and struggles. If you or someone you know is struggling with burnout, stress, substance use or suicidal thoughts we have a variety of free resources available on our Lawyer Well-Being Hub. One of the simplest things you can do, no matter your role, is to support yourself and others through care and compassion. Visit our Lawyer Well-Being Hub here: https://shorturl.at/ijIRY

The nomination period for the King’s Counsel (KC) designation, originally scheduled for May 20–July 15, has been delayed and will now be open from August 12–October 7 to accommodate the upcoming provincial election. The KC designation recognizes BC lawyers who have made significant contributions to the legal profession and their legal practice, and who display professional integrity and good character. Candidates must also have been a member of the BC bar for a minimum of five years. Visit the Ministry of the Attorney General’s website to learn more about the nomination process: https://shorturl.at/EUW03

Our Discipline department is seeking a full-time Paralegal. The Paralegal, Discipline works as part of a team to support the work of the Discipline group of the Professional Regulation Department, in particular supporting Discipline Counsel in effectively carrying out the Discipline Committee’s directives related to discipline hearings, section 47 reviews and interim proceedings. Learn more or apply here: https://shorturl.at/pqRV0 We are proud to say that we’ve been recognized as one of BC’s Top Employers since 2022!

This #MentalHealthWeek learn about the pressing mental health issues facing the legal profession and the importance of lawyers taking care of themselves. We chatted with Director of Policy & Practice Support, Claire Marchant and UX & Content Strategist Rose Morgan on the importance of mental health. In this episode, we discuss reducing stigma, triggers and accessing help. Listen here:https://shorturl.at/dgAW5

We know compassion and kindness can make a huge impact on others. This #MentalHealthWeek we join the Canadian Mental Health Association to explore how compassion connects us all. According to the National Study on the Health and Wellness Determinants of Legal Professionals in Canada, more than 50 per cent of legal professionals in BC experience psychological distress and about 56 per cent of legal professionals in Canada are affected by burnout. However, less than 45 per cent seek professional help, with the majority believing “it will pass.” The same study found that legal professionals are more likely to have suicidal thoughts compared to other professions in Canada. Improving mental health in the profession is a top priority for the Law Society. We encourage you to prioritizing your mental health and access free resources available through our Lawyer Well-being Hub: https://shorturl.at/jtNY1

On May 5, the National Day for Awareness of Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, we honour the lives of Indigenous women and raise awareness of the ongoing violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people in Canada. The #REDressProject serves as a visual reminder of thousands of missing and murdered Indigenous people throughout BC and Canada.

Discrimination and harassment, including sexual harassment, in the workplace are serious problems in society, and the legal profession is not immune to it. In the latest episode of LawCast BC, Sarah Sharp, Equity Advisor at the Law Society speaks about her role in supporting those who have experienced or witnessed harassment, discrimination and bullying in the legal profession. Sarah addresses challenges faced by those who experience this harmful behaviour and outlines resources that are available. Learn more or listen to the podcast here: https://shorturl.at/nyFOR