The Law Society of British Columbia’s 2022 Annual General Meeting is taking place virtually on Wednesday, June 22. The AGM will include the election of the Second Vice-President-elect for 2023, appointment of Law Society auditors, and consideration of six member resolutions.
The following information may be relevant when considering the resolutions.
Resolution 3 directs the Law Society of BC to implement changes to the Member Portal and Lawyer Directory on LSBC’s website to enhance the ability for the public to find a lawyer through the Lawyer Directory.
CBABC members may be familiar with the CBABC Legal Directory, which offers a service to the public as described in Resolution 3. This public directory lists all practicing lawyers in BC and is searchable by name, location, language spoken and area of practice. To improve your listing, update your Member Profile.
CBABC has proposed that LSBC add a link to the CBABC Legal Directory on their “Finding a Lawyer” webpage, which offers several solutions for finding a lawyer, including how to verify a lawyers’ standing through the regulator.
Resolution 5 directs the Benchers to oppose the BC Government’s proposal to create a single regulator for lawyers, notaries and paralegals and to support the existing legal profession act regulating lawyers only.
In 2013, the profession engaged in discussions about the regulation of lawyers and notaries. CBABC prepared a comprehensive submission to LSBC supporting a single regulator model if certain criteria were met.
The BC government is expected to issue an Intentions Paper this summer, which will provide more details about their proposal. At that time, CBABC will notify members, identify key factors for lawyers to consider, and engage in member consultations to inform our updated position and advocacy on behalf of members.
LSBC members have the opportunity to vote on the resolutions in advance of the 2022 AGM. Look for the Second AGM Notice from LSBC.