Vancouver – The Law Society is creating a new scholarship for Aboriginal graduate students in a field of law.
The $12,000 annual award aims to enhance the retention of Aboriginal lawyers by supporting the development of Indigenous leaders and role models in the legal academic community. Retaining Aboriginal lawyers in the profession is one of the key objectives in the Society’s 2012-2014 Strategic Plan.
“We know that the public is best served when the legal profession reflects the population, and British Columbia is a culturally diverse place,” said Society president Bruce LeRose, QC. “As the regulator, we can’t do it alone, but this scholarship is one contribution that we can make now toward that wider goal.”
To be considered, applicants must be proceeding to a full program of graduate studies in a field of law at a recognized institution.
The first scholarship is expected to be available in 2013. More details about the scholarship and the application process and deadlines will be posted soon on the Society’s website.
The Law Society of British Columbia regulates the more than 10,000 lawyers in the province, setting and enforcing standards of professional conduct that ensure the public is well-served by a competent, honourable legal profession.
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For further information or to arrange an interview contact:
Lesley Pritchard
Communications Officer
604.443.5708
lpritchard@lsbc.org
Robyn Crisanti
Manager, Communications and Public Affairs
604.697.5845
rcrisanti@lsbc.org