There are 2 CBABC appointment vacancies on the Board of the British Columbia Law Institute (BCLI), each for a three-year term. One position commences immediately; the other position commences in February 2024. Please submit expressions of interest to CBABC Executive Director Kerry L. Simmons, KC at ea@cbabc.org by July 5. The expression of interest should include a cover letter outlining how the appointee meets the requirements of BCLI and CBABC, and their resume.
About BCLI
The BCLI undertakes law reform projects in the public interest. We bring together academic, expert, and community collaborators to clarify and improve the law, develop innovative, inclusive solutions, and increase access to justice. Formerly the BC Law Reform Commission, the Institute has been promoting the clarification and simplification of the law and its adaptation to modern social needs in BC for over 25 years.
The BCLI includes its division, the Canadian Centre for Elder Law (CCEL), which has expertise on issues related to our aging population. In 2022, the BCLI launched its Reconciling Crown Legal Frameworks Program to support the research and innovations required to implement BC’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.
Responsibilities of the Board Member
The Board’s role is to set strategic direction, ensure necessary resources, and provide governance and oversight of the Institute. Board members are expected to review materials and attend four regularly scheduled meetings per year. Board members also participate in one of 5 standing board committees, which usually meet two or three times per year. All meetings now occur electronically.
The BCLI also seeks to have one board member on each BCLI project that results in law reform recommendations. These project committees are generally 1 to 2 years in duration and meet monthly. Additional information about the BCLI, board activities, and our draft strategic plan can be obtained by contacting Karen Campbell, BCLI Executive Director at kcampbell@bcli.org.
Qualifications
The BCLI welcomes candidates that bring diverse perspectives and experiences to the position; laws in BC will be more durable where they reflect the diversity in our population. The candidates will be committed to supporting reconciliation and access to justice for Indigenous peoples in BC. BCLI is also interested in representation from outside the Lower Mainland, and the perspectives of younger members of the CBABC.
Those who wish to be considered for this volunteer opportunity must be CBA members and must maintain CBA membership for the duration of the appointment.