Benchers retreat focused on technology, the legal profession and regulation
The Benchers held their annual retreat from June 6 to 8 in Parksville. Friday, June 7, was devoted to AI, technological innovation and the future of regulation. The Benchers heard from leading academics and business experts on the implications of AI and developments in technology for both the future practice of law and regulation of the profession. The information will form part of the Futures Task Force report expected in 2020.
Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
The National Inquiry report, released on June 3, 2019, includes a call for justice that is directed at law societies and reinforces the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s call for intercultural competence training of lawyers. The Law Society will review this recommendation and consider the role of the legal profession in justice reforms that address the rest of the calls for justice. Lawyers are encouraged to read the full report, which is available here.
Results of the AGM referendum
The referendum on proposed general meeting reform resulted in the Benchers being authorized to amend the Law Society Rules to allow online voting in advance of the meetings and to assist with the duration of the meetings. The revisions will be considered at the Benchers’ July meeting. The referendum results are available on the Law Society website.
2019 Rule of Law Lecture will be available by webcast
On June 25, 2019, the Law Society will host the third annual Rule of Law Lecture on privacy, technology and the rule of law. The Rt. Hon. Beverley McLachlin and Richard Peck, QC are the featured speakers for this year’s lecture, which begins at 6:15 pm at UBC Robson Square campus. While registration is now full, the lecture will be available by live webcast. The link to the webcast will be posted on the Law Society website.
Invitation to apply for appointment to hearing panel pool
The Law Society is currently inviting qualified practising lawyers to apply for appointment to the lawyer (non-Bencher) hearing panel pool. See the website highlight for more details.
CLEBC appointments
The Law Society is seeking expressions of interest for appointments as the Law Society's nominee to the Continuing Legal Education Society of BC's board of directors. In particular, candidates from Westminster County and Kootenay County are encouraged to apply. For information about the appointments process and requirements for the position, click here.
Call for QC nominations
Nominations for Queen's Counsel appointments are being accepted until Friday, July 19 at 4:30 pm. For more information on eligibility requirements, nomination process and applications, visit the Ministry of Justice website.
Articling offers by downtown Vancouver firms to stay open to August 16
All offers of articling positions made by law firms with offices in the city of Vancouver north of False Creek and west of Carrall Street must remain open until 8 am on Friday, August 16, 2019. The deadline, set by the Credentials Committee under Rule 2-58, applies to offers made to first and second-year law students, but does not apply to offers made to third-year law students or offers of summer positions (temporary articles). For more information, read the highlight on the website.
From the courts
The BC Supreme Court has issued CPD-4, which sets out a general interim procedure for detention reviews under s. 525 of the Criminal Code following the Supreme Court of Canada’s decision in R. v. Myers, 2019 SCC 18. CPD-4 is posted on the Supreme Court website under Practice Directions - Criminal. The court also issued a Waiver or Adjournment form for use in detention review proceedings.
The BC Court of Appeal has issued a new practice directive that provides instruction on when the court will accept transcripts other than oral testimony.
The BC Supreme Court and the BC Court of Appeal have changed their domain names from courts.gov.bc.ca to www.bccourts.ca. Please update your links.
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