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The COVID-19 pandemic has led to courtroom doors being shuttered and hearings being held on online platforms rather than boardrooms. But the new president of the Canadian Bar Association, B.C. branch (CBABC) says it has also led to the reshaping of a profession which still had many of its traditions rooted in the past.

When the Canadian Bar Association (CBA) released its Legal Futures report in 2014, it identified cloud-based technologies, online learning, electronic filing and videoconferencing as disruptive forces that could alter the practice of law but also presented “significant opportunities” for the lawyers who embraced them. 

Three dozen legal associations and advocacy groups have sent a letter to Canada’s attorney general calling for current judicial vacancies at the Federal Court to be filled with judges of colour as a way of increasing racial diversity on the bench.

"We are writing on behalf of the Canadian Bar Association to urge you to appoint Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) candidates to the Supreme Court of Canada and other federal judicial positions."

The Alternative Dispute Resolution Institute of BC (ADRBC) has been selected as the organization that will help people find mediators and provide information on alternative dispute resolution.

The federal Department of Justice (DOJ) on Sept. 9 announced three judicial appointments for the province of British Columbia.

British Columbia’s new Arbitration Act has come into force, modernizing the province’s domestic arbitration system and improving access to justice through out-of-court options.  The legislation, passed during the spring session, replaces outdated arbitration law and reflects best practices based on a United Nations arbitration model that has been adopted by many other jurisdictions.

The Honourable Lance S.G. Finch passed away in the presence of his family on 30 August 2020, after a trip to his much loved summer retreat. As Chief Justice of British Columbia Lance Finch led the Court of Appeal for British Columbia and the Court of Appeal of Yukon from 2001 to 2013.

The CBA Board of Directors also welcomed new members as of today: Eden Alexander of Yukon, David O’Brien, Q.C., of New Brunswick, Jonathan Coady, Q.C., of PEI, Brittany Scott of NWT, Susan Johnson of Nova Scotia, and John Stefaniuk of Manitoba. They join Board members who are entering the second year of their two-year terms. Melanie Mortensen won a mid-term election in British Columbia to replace William Veenstra, who was appointed to the Supreme Court of British Columbia in June.

“Now is the time for our profession to effect a cultural paradigm shift embracing diversity, shattering the glass ceiling, and validating flexible work arrangements. ” - Jennifer J.L. Brun, CBABC President 2020-21