Young Lawyers - BC North
Submitted by Section Co-Chair, Erin Crocker
Summary of Meetings
Number of Meetings Held: 4
October 25, 2013
Guest Speaker: N/A
Meeting Title/Topic: Young Lawyers Social Mixer
Synopsis: Social mixer at the Apen Bar in Smithers was attended by 7 lawyers and 1 spouse.
April 1, 2014
Guest Speakers: The Honourable Judge Struyk, The Honourable Judge Wright, The Honourable Judge Seidemann, and The Honourable Judge Jackson
Meeting Title/Topic: Tips from the Bench: Wine & Cheese with the Judges
Synopsis: The Honourable Judge Seidemann spoke about the importance of trial preparation. He highlighted the importance of knowing the issues, interviewing witnesses and preparing all questions (direct and cross) ahead of time.
The Honourable Judge Struyk spoke about the importance of your reputation as a lawyer and as an officer of the court. He emphasized the importance of courteous conduct in the court house including to judges, other lawyers, witnesses, sheriffs and registry staff.
The Honourable Judge Wright spoke about the importance of using court time effectively. His tips included conceding the facts not in issue and not waiting until the day of trial to make an application for delay.
The Honourable Judge Jackson echoed the comments of Judge Wright with respect to delay applications and addressed the lawyer's duties when a witness commits perjury.
June 27, 2014
Guest Speaker: N/A
Meeting Title/Topic: Young Lawyers Social Mixer
Synopsis: 10 attendees, and another 6 that expressed interest in coming but were unable to make it.
At least 4 new members of the Young Lawyers - BC North Section and a few others requested information and that they would look into joining.
There is interest in another mixer towards the end of August in Prince George.
August 9, 2014
Guest Speaker: N/A
Meeting Title/Topic: Archery Tournament at the Bench & Bar BBQ hosted by Yuen/Westwood Law Corporation
Synopsis: TBD
Comments and Observations of the Co-Chair
The Young Lawyers - BC North Section is gaining momentum. We are pleased with our membership numbers at the end of our inaugural year. We are looking forward to seeing our numbers increase, particularly in Prince George where there are larger numbers of young lawyers. We feel that the events we've held this year have been in alliance with our mandate to promote the retention of young lawyers in the BC north region. In particular, the View from the Bench event in Terrace was well received by both the lawyers and the judges.