Program

If the media is anything to go by, it would seem public discourse is increasingly at odds with the legal profession. Lawyers and judges face backlash outside of the courtroom, made worse by politicians looking to leverage public opinion. And all of this comes at a time when the future of lawyer independence is in question – a concept that seeks to protect the public from outside influences.

Navigating the Court of Public Opinion explores the balance between lawyer and judicial independence and the public interest, the potential influence of public outcry on the justice system, and how lawyers can uphold their obligations to the public in a changing world.

Balancing Act: Zealous Advocacy and Trauma–Informed Lawyering
Trauma-informed approaches to practice supports our clients and more and more lawyers are changing their approaches when working with clients. But what about in the courtroom during cross-examination? How do we reconcile trauma-informed approaches with zealous advocacy? Are there any lines that can’t be crossed?

Speakers
Matthew Nathanson, Partner, Matthew Nathanson Law Corporation
Daniel Song, KC, Counsel, Pringle Law Criminal Defence
Meena Dhillon, Managing Lawyer, South Asian Legal Clinic of BC

Accountability & Independence: Standing up to Public Scrutiny
Should public outcry influence legal decisions and case outcomes? As confidence in the legal system is under attack, lawyers and judges need to feel confidence in their purpose in the implementation of justice. Join as we explore why public scrutiny is increasing and examine court case studies.

Speakers
The Honourable Robert Bauman, KC, Former Chief Justice of British Columbia
Greg DelBigio, KC, Barrister & Solicitor, Gregory P. DelBigio Personal Law Corporation

Regulating “in the Public Interest”
What does it mean to regulate legal professionals “in the public interest”? Upholding lawyer independence? Regulating the fees for legal services? Setting standards of legal professionals to provide “access to justice”? Giving transparency to lawyer discipline processes? A clear definition of the “public interest” is needed.

Join in the discussion on how to reconcile meeting public interest through regulating the roles and responsibilities of a lawyer.

Speakers:
Robert Lapper, KC, Faculty Chair, University of Victoria
Andrea Hilland, KC, Assistant Professor, Peter A. Allard School of Law 
Anna K. Fung, KC, Deputy Chair, Commissioner, British Columbia Utilities Commission 

Learn about the Speakers

Order of presentations may be subject to change.