The Law Society is saddened by the loss of the Honourable Murray Sinclair and extends our deepest condolences to his family, friends and community. The Honourable Sinclair was a monumental leader, an advocate for justice, and an inspirational figure for all Canadians. His legacy and contributions will continue to make a lasting and profound impact on Canada.
Lawyers are reminded that their 2025 annual fee is due on November 30. Outstanding invoices can be found under “Invoices & Receipts” in the Member Portal. Ensure your payment amount matches that on the invoice(s) as the 2025 practice fee has increased. Payment received after November 30 is subject to a late payment fee. If you need to change your membership category or indemnity coverage, 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.
Effective January 1, 2025, pursuant to Rule 2-110 (1) of the Legal Profession Act, the Trust Administration Fee for 2025 will increase from $15 to $20 for each client matter.
Online voting for the 2024 Bencher by-election is now open. Members in good standing from Vancouver County are eligible to vote until 4:30 pm on November 14, 2024. Votes will be counted on November 15, 2024. Voting instructions and voter credentials have been sent to eligible voters. For further information, and to view candidate biographies and election statements, visit the elections webpage.
Rule of law essay contest for secondary school students
BC secondary school students in grade 12, or who have taken or are currently enrolled in Law 12, Political Studies 12, Social Justice 12 or Social Studies 11, are invited to submit an essay on the following topic: “How can the rule of law be affected — positively or adversely — through the actions of politicians or political parties?” In your essay, reference any examples from Canada or the United States that illustrate your point. The winning entry will be awarded a $1,000 prize, and the runner-up will receive $500. The deadline for submissions is April 17, 2025.
At the November 1 meeting, Benchers approved the dissolution of the Lawyer Development Task Force, effective December 31, 2024, and the Trust Review Task Force, effective February 7, 2025, as their work is nearing completion. Additionally, two new Task Forces were established for 2025: one on bullying, harassment and discrimination in the legal profession and one on Law Society discipline processes.
Courthouse Libraries BC launches new Clicklaw service
Clicklaw is a digital service created by the Courthouse Libraries BC that provides relevant and practical legal resources for the public. The service also benefits legal professionals, who often refer clients to the Courthouse Libraries website to help them understand legal issues and processes. The Courthouse Libraries receive funding and support from the Law Society as part of our vision for improving access to justice. The updated Clicklaw includes an expanded list of 42 common questions, including information about legal issues Indigenous people may face and wills and estates; streamlined legal topics to reduce time spent searching for information; and more guidance on how to navigate the website.
Overcoming substance use and stigma in the legal profession
National Addictions Awareness Week is November 24–30 in Canada. Substance use issues and burnout are common symptoms of mental health issues among legal professionals. Lawyers typically work long hours, have extensive caseloads and demanding work schedules, which can prevent them from spending time with loved ones and engaging in healthy activities that help reduce or manage their symptoms.
1. Be aware of Tarsem Singh Gill and Surinder Kaur Gill
If you practise real estate law, you need to be aware of Tarsem Singh Gill, the individual accused of being the directing mind in BC’s largest real estate fraud scheme, and his spouse Surinder Kaur Gill. The fraud involved Vancouver lawyer Martin Wirick who acted with Tarsem Gill in a series of mortgage frauds that resulted in Wirick’s disbarment and incarceration. It also led to the Law Society of BC paying out more than $38 million in losses to innocent property purchasers and their lenders.
2. Non-financial encumbrances — to review or not to review?
Real estate claims are consistently in the top three types of claims for both number reported and dollars spent. And every year, lawyers report claims where their clients allege they should have been advised about non-financial encumbrances. Take three minutes to watch this video of LIF Claims Counsel, Sherry Kooner, describing an actual claim file and providing key risk management tips.
