E-Brief: November 2016 

Vancouver county election results

Jazmin Ahmad and Jeevyn Dhaliwal have been elected Benchers for Vancouver county in the November 15, 2016 by-election. Their one-year terms begin on January 1, 2017. For more information on the newly elected Benchers, read the website highlight.

Law Firm Regulation Task Force releases interim report

The Law Firm Regulation Task Force presented its interim report to the Benchers at their meeting on November 4. The report includes 10 recommendations on the regulatory design and proposed next steps. Read the full report.

BC Court of Appeal decision on TWU matter

The BC Court of Appeal released its decision on November 1 in TWU v. Law Society of BC. The appeal was dismissed. The Law Society has determined it will seek leave to appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada. Read the news release.

Amendments to the Code of Professional Conduct for BC

A new set of rules for transferring lawyers has been adopted by the Benchers. The change aligns the Code more closely with the Federation of Law Societies of Canada's Model Code of Professional Conduct. For details, see the website.

Consultation on incriminating physical evidence rule ends November 17

The consultation period to provide the Ethics Committee with feedback on the proposed incriminating physical evidence rule and commentary will end on November 17. To participate in the consultation, download the memorandum and email comments to Lance Cooke, Staff Lawyer, Policy & Legal Services, with "consultation on the proposed incriminating physical evidence rule" in the subject line.

Reminder: New Franchises Act in force February 1, 2017

This complex new legislation introduces fundamental changes to franchise law in BC. The Lawyers Insurance Fund strongly recommends that lawyers who practise in the area take a course to educate themselves on the new law and review our risk management tips.

BC Courthouse Libraries invites lawyers to complete survey

The BC Courthouse Libraries is conducting a survey of BC lawyers as part of their strategic planning research.

From the courts

The Provincial Court of BC has issued an amended Notice to the Profession regarding the South Peace Family Mediation Initiative. For a full list of notices, visit the court website.

The Supreme Court of BC has issued an Administrative Notice which directs that, effective January 1, 2017, copies of trial briefs should be included in the trial record. For more information, visit the court website.

The Federal Court has issued a Notice to Parties and the Profession on the pre-publication of the proposed amendments to the Federal Courts Rules. For further information, visit the Federal Court's website.

 

Send your comments or questions to communications@lsbc.org.