New LawCastBC episode: Meet Gigi Chen-Kuo, the Law Society’s new CEO/Executive Director
In the latest episode of LawCastBC, we are pleased to introduce you to the Law Society’s new Chief Executive Officer/Executive Director Gigi Chen-Kuo. Gigi shares her experience in leadership roles and what she believes to be qualities of an effective leader. As a CEO who is passionate about empowering others, she also shares her perspective on cultivating a healthy workplace, the importance of equity, diversity and inclusion, and advice for anyone who is just starting their careers.
Information for lawyers on US border searches and electronic devices
In a recent revised travel advisory, the Canadian government urged Canadians to “expect scrutiny” when crossing the US border. In particular, it has been noted that US law permits Customs and Border Protection agents to demand passwords to unlock electronic devices during inspections. Travellers who refuse the demand could have their electronics confiscated. These circumstances pose particular risk to lawyers if they are taking phones or computers across the border that contain information relating to their law practice and client information.
Article: Trump’s disregard for rule of law highlights fight for independence in BC
US President Donald Trump’s direct disregard for the rule of law and lawyer independence has sent shock waves through the international legal community. His recent executive orders against law firms are concerning and highlight why the Law Society of BC is challenging the constitutionality of the Legal Professions Act.
The Continuing Legal Education Society of BC, in partnership with the Law Society of BC, invite you to attend the Mental Health Forum on May 7. This virtual event will explore mental health in the legal profession and provide practical strategies for well-being. Join us as we continue the conversation to promote mental wellness in the legal community.
Fostering authentic connections with mental wellness resources from LifeSpeak
Maintaining healthy relationships isn’t always easy — navigating emotional conversations, balancing caregiving demands or feeling overlooked at work can create tension in our personal lives. As part of their Fostering Authentic Connections campaign, LifeSpeak is offering practical strategies for legal professionals to prioritize their mental well-being.
FamiliesChange.ca updated with new resources for families going through separation
Are you a family lawyer working with a parent going through a family separation? The FamiliesChange.ca website has been relaunched with new resources to help parents support their children’s well-being through a separation or divorce. We encourage lawyers to share these resources with clients, colleagues, friends or anyone going through a separation or divorce to help them navigate this significant change and stressful transition.
Apology guidelines practice resource available for legal professionals
The Law Society’s Apology Guidelines practice resource was created to help lawyers and legal professionals apologize to clients for errors or mistakes that may occur during the practise of law.
Practising lawyers can find their Fee Billing: Second Instalment invoice in the Member Portal (under Invoices & Receipts). Ensure your payment amount matches the invoice and note that Rule 2-117 applies to outstanding payments. Late payments between June 1 and 30 of the current year are subject to a late payment fee. Non-payment by June 30 of the current year will result in membership suspension. If you need to change your indemnity coverage or membership category to non-practising or retired, or wish to voluntarily resign, submit the appropriate application through the Member Portal by May 17, 2025.
Nominations for the 2025 Law Society Award are open until April 30. Lawyers are encouraged to nominate a candidate for their exceptional contributions to the legal profession.
2025 Bencher by-election in the County of Nanaimo: Call for nominations
A by-election will take place in the County of Nanaimo (District No. 3) on Thursday, May 15 to elect a Bencher to fill the vacancy left by the appointment of Judge Brian Dybwad to the Provincial Court of BC. The term of the successful candidate will begin immediately upon election and will end on December 31, 2025. The nomination period is open and will close at 4:30 pm on Thursday, May 1. To submit a nomination, complete and submit the relevant forms, which can be found on the elections webpage. More details regarding the Nanaimo by-election are available within the Notice of By-Election and Call for Nominations.
Jeevyn Dhaliwal, KC appointed to transitional board of Legal Professions BC
Jeevyn Dhaliwal, KC has been appointed by the Law Society to the transitional board responsible for facilitating the transition from the operation of the Legal Profession Act and the Notaries Act to the operation of the new Legal Professions Act. Dhaliwal was originally elected as a Bencher in Vancouver in 2014 and served as Law Society President for 2024.
Practice fee rebate pilot program approved in principle by Benchers
Benchers have approved in principle the creation of a one-year pilot for a practice fee rebate program based on income eligibility, during which data will be collected to inform the purpose, viability and design of a future program. The details of the proposed pilot program will come back to Benchers for consideration at the July 2025 Bencher meeting.
Alternative Discipline Process established as permanent regulatory program
The Alternative Discipline Process (ADP), which diverts lawyers who are under investigation from the regular discipline process into a confidential, consent-based remedial program focused on the support and management of health issues that have contributed to lawyer misconduct, has been made a permanent program. Over the course of its three-year pilot, the ADP has been successful in fulfilling its public interest objectives, assisting lawyers in addressing health issues impacting their ability to meet their professional responsibilities and, in doing so, reducing the likelihood of future instances of misconduct.
Counsel and parties appearing before the Law Society Tribunal are reminded that requests for an adjournment of a scheduled hearing or an extension of time to comply with a direction or order must be made through a Notice of Motion with supporting materials, in accordance with Practice Directions 5.4 or 12.5 and 7. If the application is made on consent, a draft Consent Order should be included. When a panel is seized with a matter, a selection of alternative proposed dates must also be provided.
The Tribunal Office will no longer forward email requests for adjournments or extensions of time to the panel. Additionally, all parties must be copied on any communications regarding the substance of the proceeding, and all such communications should be directed to the Tribunal Registry's email, rather than individual hearing clerks.
LTSA fee changes in effect
As announced on March 3, 2025, an increase to most Land Title and Survey Authority of BC (LTSA) fees is now in effect. LTSA uses revenue from fees to cover operational costs and address the impact of inflation.
To read the latest discipline outcomes, including conduct review summaries and admitted discipline violations, head to our Discipline Outcomes section. You can read summaries of discipline outcomes in our news section.
Opportunities
Have your say: Trust Review Task Force final report
The Law Society of BC is seeking feedback from the legal profession on 40 recommendations contained in the Trust Review Task Force’s (TRTF) final report that seek to strengthen trust accounting rules and address the risk of money laundering in the legal profession.
Several of the recommendations in the TRTF final report were made in response to the Cullen report and others were made to improve trust accounting rules and to enhance clarity, all while preserving and strengthening their public interest purpose. With the final report now complete, we are seeking your feedback on the recommendations.
Help shape inclusive demographic data collection at the Law Society
The Law Society is inviting legal professionals and law students to participate in focus groups to help us improve how we collect demographic data. Your input will shape more relevant, inclusive and accurate questions, enabling us to better understand and address systemic inequality in the profession.
Updated deadline for Beyond Tomorrow Reports paper proposals
The Law Commission of Canada (LCC) seeks proposals to contribute to the Beyond Tomorrow Reports, a research project dedicated to exploring directions in law for Canada’s future generations. Although proposals will be reviewed on a rolling basis, the next deadline for review is May 30. Questions can be directed to projects-projets@lcc-cdc.gc.ca.
Federation of Law Societies announces 2025 National Criminal Law Program
This year's National Criminal Law Program will be held in Vancouver from July 7 to 11. The theme for 2025 is criminal procedure, ethics and the Charter. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the program and will feature special guests.
