2024

A number of different factors are making judges harder to recruit, which is causing some civil trials to be delayed for years

Legislation combines notaries, paralegals, and lawyers under one regulator

Lawyers, paralegals and notaries would all be under one regulatory umbrella with proposed changes

Kerry Simmons, KC's interview on Jill Bennett Show (CKNW)

The B.C. government has unveiled long-promised legislation to bring lawyers, paralegals and notaries under the umbrella of one regulator. But the provincial law society and bar association have both come out swinging against the proposals, saying they would erode the independence of the legal profession.

The Canadian Bar Association, BC Branch announced today that it does not support the Legal Professions Act, newly introduced by the B.C. government.

"The Legal Professions Act builds on government’s work to expand opportunities for people who need help with legal problems in B.C."

The Attorney General has responded to members’ concerns about courtroom safety.

Congratulations to CBABC member Sabena Thompson on her appointment as a Provincial Court judge effective April 15 and to Mandy Klein, effective April 29.

A Public Update from the Ministry of the Attorney General includes some details about the proposed governance structure regarding the single regulator for lawyers, notaries and paralegals. CBABC appreciates more details but continues to call for full transparency.