The Law Society Award honours the lifetime contributions of the truly exceptional in the legal profession; the person who has contributed more than anyone could ask and who inspires others in the pursuit of excellence.
The award is based on the criteria of integrity, professional achievement, service, and law reform. The award is made primarily in recognition of contributions to the advancement of the legal profession or the law, but public service outside the profession will be considered.
The Law Society Award is open to members or non-members of the Law Society, and current Benchers are not eligible for nomination.
Law Society Award for 2025
Karen Snowshoe, KC is the recipient of the 2025 Law Society Award.
Snowshoe was born in a Vancouver hospital (a survivor of the 60s scoop) and was raised as a proud member of the Tetlit-Gwich’in community of Tetlit-Zheh (Fort McPherson, NT). She is a trusted lawyer, mediator, adjudicator, educator and a leader in providing trauma-informed and culturally-informed dispute resolution processes. She served as a Bencher from 2018 to 2022, and her contributions led to the creation of the Indigenous Engagement in Regulatory Matters Task Force, whose historic report and recommendations have led to systemic changes within the Law Society and the profession. Her mentorship of other Indigenous legal professionals, especially encouraging them to run in the 2021 Bencher election, significantly increased Indigenous representation at the Bencher table.
The Law Society was pleased to present the award to, and honour the lifetime contributions of Karen Snowshoe, KC at the Bench and Bar dinner hosted by the CBABC on June 11.
Past recipients
Eloise Spitzer (2023)
Leonard Doust, QC (2020)
Richard C.C. Peck, QC (2018)
Constance D. Isherwood, QC (2016)
John Hunter, QC (2014)
Marvin Storrow, QC (2012)
The Hon. John Charles Bouck (honoured posthumously, 2010)
John McAlpine, QC (2008)
Charles C. Locke, QC (2006)
Richard R. Sugden, QC (2004)
The Hon. Kenneth E. Meredith (2002)
The Hon. E.N. (Ted) Hughes, QC (2000)
The Hon. Martin R. Taylor, QC (1998)
Alfred Watts, QC (1996)
Mr. Justice Peter D. Seaton (honoured posthumously, 1994)
Chief Justice J.O. Wilson (honoured posthumously, 1992)
Oscar F. Orr, MBE, OBC, QC (1988)
Dean Emeritus George F. Curtis, QC (1986)