GEN 05: Non-Lawyers Appearing for Clients

October 24, 2025

Effective date: 24 October 2025 

Purpose: 

The objective of this practice direction is to outline the limitations and process for designated paralegals, non-lawyer agents, and proponents in the Law Society of British Columbia’s (the “Law Society”) Innovation Sandbox (“non-lawyers”) to make a request to appear for clients before the Provincial Court. 

Update: 

Effective October 24, Paragraph 5 (c) was added, stating that non-lawyer agents can appear to fix dates on criminal, family or small claims matters. Also, amended wording in practice direction from ‘in court’ to ‘before the court.’ 

Melissa Gillespie 
Chief Judge 
Provincial Court of British Columbia 

GEN 05