The Canadian Bar Association, BC Branch today announced Lee Nevens (they/them) as president for the 2024-25 term. A long-time advocate for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, Nevens is the first transgender lawyer elected as CBABC President and first non-binary Branch President in all of the Canadian Bar Association.
Having served on the majority of CBABC’s committees, six years on Provincial Council, and four years on the Board of Directors, Nevens brings a breadth and depth of experience to the leadership role. Their involvement with the association began in 2008 through the Sexual and Gender Diversity Alliance, which they ultimately co-chaired for five years. Nevens has also led and contributed to multiple policy consultations, advocacy and educational initiatives in collaboration with the courts, the Law Society of BC, tribunals and other organizations to improve equity, diversity and inclusion in the profession.
“As we face an increase in hate and violence against two-spirit, trans, non-binary and gender diverse communities, now it is more important than ever for me to stand up and be counted” said Nevens. “Gender diverse youth and adults alike need to know they’re not alone and they have an enormous amount to contribute to this profession and to our society. I want to help us move past the days when we had to pick between being true to ourselves and thriving professionally. We can do both.”
With the upcoming provincial election and increased public dialogue about responsibilities for our justice system, Nevens looks forward to sharing CBABC’s Agenda for Justice 2024 in September. “CBABC’s recommendations for change are based on the front-line experiences of our members and their clients. Agenda for Justice 2024 is an opportunity for the next government to understand where changes are most needed and what actions would have an immediate positive impact after the election.”
President Nevens is a senior counsel in civil litigation for the Department of Justice Canada in Vancouver. They completed their JD at Peter A. Allard School of Law following their BA from McGill University.
CBABC Chief Executive Officer, Kerry L. Simmons, KC welcomed Nevens to their new role, “Lee is known for their positive role in helping our profession learn the value of equity, diversity and inclusion. Their experience will assist CBABC in advocating on behalf of our members.”
Read Lee's bio
Media Contact:
Jo Brayshaw, Manager, Marketing & Communications
604.687.5293 ext. 359 | media@cbabc.org