The Law Society of British Columbia is pleased to announce Gigi Chen-Kuo has accepted the position of Chief Executive Officer/Executive Director, effective January 6, 2025. Chen-Kuo brings to the Law Society more than 30 years' experience leading teams and delivering innovative solutions to complex challenges. Most recently, she served as the Chief Operating Officer of TransLink where she also held leadership positions such as General Counsel and Executive Vice-President, Corporate Services. Her experience in the complex and dynamic environment of TransLink has established a strong track record in managing change in the service of the public interest, which will position her well in providing leadership to the Law Society.
As Chen-Kuo steps into her new role, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to CEO/Executive Director Don Avison, KC, whose distinguished leadership has been transformational for the organization and its staff during the last seven years. His strategic foresight, commitment to our mandate and passion for the independence of lawyers and the rule of law has enriched the Law Society and strengthened our organization.
Bencher changes and Transitional Board appointments
There are a number of changes to Law Society Benchers and the Transitional Board of Legal Professions BC, as outlined below:
Thank you to 2024 President Jeevyn Dhaliwal, KC
The Law Society wishes to thank 2024 President Jeevyn Dhaliwal, KC, who will be concluding her term as Law Society President on December 31. First elected as a Bencher for the 2014-15 term and again in 2017, Dhaliwal has served the Law Society in various capacities since 2013, including as Chair of the Executive Committee and a member of the Finance and Audit Committee. The Law Society is grateful to President Dhaliwal for her substantial contributions to the Law Society and the legal profession as a whole. She will be succeeded by current First Vice-President Brook Greenberg, KC.
Katrina Harry, KC elected in Vancouver County
Katrina Harry, KC was elected in Vancouver County in the November 2024 Bencher by-election. Katrina was a Bencher for Vancouver County from 2022 to 2023 and chaired the Truth and Reconciliation Advisory Committee during that time. She was called to the bar in 2006 and primarily works in the areas of child protection and family, both at Legal Aid BC and as a sole practitioner.
Bencher changes following judicial appointment
On November 29, the Honourable Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, appointed Lindsay R. LeBlanc, KC to the BC Supreme Court in Victoria, effective immediately. As such, Justice LeBlanc is no longer a Law Society Bencher or Second Vice-President. Per the Law Society rules, Second Vice-President Elect Thomas Spraggs now becomes Second Vice-President. We extend our congratulations to Justice LeBlanc on her appointment and thank her for her immense contributions to the Law Society.
Updates to the Transitional Board of Legal Professions BC
Earlier this year, in accordance with s. 223(1)(a) of the Legal Professions Act, the Benchers of the Law Society appointed four members to the transitional board of Legal Professions BC. The appointments were Brian Dybwad, Lindsay LeBlanc, KC, Bruce LaRose, KC and Scott Morishita. On October 29, Morishita was appointed to the Supreme Court of BC and Benchers appointed Sarah Westwood, KC from a shortlist of interested alternates to fill the vacancy. Work is underway to address the vacancy left by Justice LeBlanc's appointment to the Supreme Court.
Final due date for 2025 annual fee is December 31
Lawyers who did not pay their 2025 annual fee by the November 30 deadline have been issued a late payment fee. Both the 2025 annual fee and the late payment fee, as well as any other outstanding fees, must be paid before membership expires on December 31, 2024. Membership will be ceased if payment is not received by the expiry date. Ensure your payment amount matches that on the invoice(s) found under “Invoices & Receipts” in the Member Portal as the 2025 practice fee has increased. If you need to change your membership category or indemnity coverage, pay your current invoice(s) first and submit the appropriate application through the Member Portal as soon as possible. Visit our annual fee webpage or contact the Registration & Licensee Services department at registration@lsbc.org or 604.605.5311 if you need assistance.
Note that due to stoppage of mail delivery during the Canada Post strike, you must select an appropriate payment method (e.g. online banking) or delivery method (e.g. in-person drop off or courier) to ensure payment is received by the Law Society before the final deadline.
Reminder: Practising lawyers must submit a 2024 Annual Practice Declaration
Pursuant to Rule 2-8, a practising lawyer must complete and deliver an Annual Practice Declaration (APD) to the Executive Director each calendar year. To complete your APD or to find out if you have any outstanding APDs, log into your Member Portal account and select “Annual Practice Declaration” under “Online tools and reporting.”
The deadline for practising lawyers to complete and report 12 hours of accredited Continuing Professional Development (CPD), of which at least two must pertain to any combination of professional responsibility and ethics and practice management, through the Member Portal is December 31, 2024. Failure to report completed CPD or to complete CPD by the deadline is subject to a late fee of $200 and $500 (plus applicable taxes), respectively. Membership may also be suspended in accordance with Rule 3-32(1). To find out how many CPD credits are outstanding, view your CPD details by going to the CPD section in your Member Portal.
Certificate of standing orders can now be paid online by credit card
Lawyers can now pay via credit card using our new online secure platform when placing Certificate of Standing orders through the Member Portal. Visa and Mastercard are the only acceptable methods of payment. This new payment method will streamline our processes, enhance the security of sensitive data and reduce wait times for Certificate of Standing orders (which are processed upon receipt of payment).
Member Portal updated to use multi-factor authentication
The Law Society will be implementing two-factor authentication in early 2025 to enhance the security of the Member Portal. It is important that your email address with the Law Society is up-to-date and accessible as a verification code will be sent to your registered email address when you log in to the Member Portal. If you need to update your email address, log into your Member Portaland click “Email Settings” under “My Profile.”
The Law Society conducted two surveys in 2024 to hear from articling students and new lawyers under five years of call, as well as principals, recruiters and those who mentor articling students or new lawyers. The survey report and findings are now available.
The Law Society is seeking expressions of interest from lawyers in any county who wish to be considered as a Law Society appointee to the Legal Aid BC Board of Directors for a three-year term beginning February 10, 2025. Those interested in serving on the Legal Aid BC Board of Directors are invited to submit an application form and supporting resume online, along with an explanation of how they meet the requested criteria. The deadline for applications is 4:30 pm, Monday, January 13, 2025. For more information about the appointments process and requirements for each board position, see our Appointments Guidebook.
Courthouse Libraries BC provides lawyers with free access to print and digital legal resources to support your practice. They’d like to find out if you’re aware of what’s available and what CLBC services, if any, you use. Your feedback will help inform future CLBC planning and services. CLBC is asking members of the Law Society of BC (including those who don’t use CLBC services) to take five minutes to complete this brief survey by December 13.
The Law Society office will be closed from Tuesday, December 24 at noon to Friday, December 27, inclusive. Reception will be open on December 30 and 31, and a limited number of essential staff will be available to respond to inquiries. We will open again for regular business hours (Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm) on January 2.
Support and Resources
Notice to intellectual property lawyers: Scam attempts on trademark owners
Scammers have been impersonating intellectual property lawyers in phishing emails targeting members of the public. The emails request payment to the scammers for trademark work, which may include taking action against potential trademark infringement. Lawyers who want practice advice about this scam or the bad cheque scam, including phony trademark infringement claims and the phony purchase and sale of intellectual property, can contact Barbara Buchanan, KC at bbuchanan@lsbc.org or 604.697.5816. If you have been impersonated, report immediately to Coalition, Inc. (if your firm has coverage with Coalition) and to your cyber insurer.
Complete your 2024 CPD credits: Free anti-money laundering measures webinar
A free, online webinar, updated to take the 2024 rule changes into account, is available to help lawyers comply with anti-money laundering obligations and avoid being targeted by criminals, including those who seek to launder the proceeds of crime. The webinar counts for three hours of CPD credit. See the Client ID & Verification page for more resources.
Navigating the holiday season with mindfulness and self-care
Seasonal changes that bring shorter, colder days and less sunlight can add to feelings of burnout or sadness, making this a challenging time for your mental well-being. As you prepare for the holiday season, remember to check in on your mental health and prioritize self-care. Read our recent article for helpful tips on taking care of your mental health this holiday season.
Fraudsters love the holidays as much as the rest of us. They take advantage of the busy season when we have reduced staff and added distractions. Watch this three-minute video by Director of Underwriting and Claims Michael Mulhern to stay safe this holiday season and avoid becoming the next victim of funds transfer fraud.
Use a checklist for every payment to avoid becoming the next victim. If you plan to be away from the office, arrange for a competent lawyer to supervise your practice and provide the lawyer and staff with your contact information. Ensure that the lawyer and staff comply with the anti-money laundering obligations in the Law Society Rules Part 3, Division 11 – Client Identification and Verification and BC Coderule 3.2-7. Further, staff may not deal with trust funds, except in accordance with the Law Society Rules Part 3, Division 7 – Trust Accounts and Other Client Property.Ensure you and your staff are aware of different scams, including the bad cheque scam (which has recently targeted a number of lawyers). We also recommend reviewing the names and ruses fraudsters have attempted to use against BC lawyers.
Civil litgators: Pleadings can make or break your case
Seven thousand, two hundred and seventy: That’s the number of civil litigation reports LIF received in 15 years. This practice area consistently generates the most significant number of reports to LIF. A surprising number of these reports are caused by oversights in drafting pleadings.
Take three minutes to watch this video of Director of Claims, Greg Sexton, describing an actual claim file.
