Submitted by Section Co-Chair Megan Olson
Summary of Meetings
Number of Meetings Held: 3
January 26, 2017
Guest Speaker: Linda D. Locke, Q.C.
Meeting Title/Topic: A Discussion about Legal Aid in BC
Synopsis: Linda Locke discussed her participation on the Family Tariff Advisory Committee with the Legal Services Society. We discussed options for how to improve legal aid in BC and gave Ms. Locke feedback and ideas.
April 24, 2017
Guest Speaker: Herman Van Ommen, QC, President of the Law Society of BC and Chair of the Law Firm Regulation Task Force
Meeting Title/Topic: Law Firm Regulation Task Force Update
Synopsis: We discussed the Law Society of B.C. Law Firm Regulation Task Force's work and provided feedback to the chair from our area. There was a particular focus on how Law Firm Regulation might affect solo practitioners and small firms in our area.
July 27, 2017
Guest Speaker: N/A
Meeting Title/Topic: Brainstorming Options for Legal Aid Increase
Synopsis: We heard from Linda Locke that Legal Services Society has asked for local feedback on how they can advocate to the new BC Government for increased legal aid funding. We brainstormed ideas for Linda to bring back the LSS.
Comments and Observations of the Chair
We focused on two issues for lawyers in the North this year - the state of legal aid in BC, and the impact of the Law Society's Law Firm Regulation Task Force on solo and small firm lawyers in rural communities. Our meetings were well attended by eager and committed lawyers. Our section continues to be a great way to meet with our colleagues and discuss common issues.