Save the date: virtual town hall on May 12 at 12:30 to 1:30 pm
The Law Society will hold a virtual town hall in which President Craig Ferris, QC will provide an update on our pandemic response and plans for the pandemic recovery. President Ferris will be joined by Executive Director Don Avison, QC to answer questions and receive input from the legal profession on priorities and issues to consider as we continue to address the impacts of COVID-19. Mark your calendar now. Further details on how to RSVP and participate in the town hall will be sent to you next week.
Video update on the Law Society’s COVID-19 response
President Craig Ferris, QC has made a video statement thanking lawyers, especially in small firms and sole practitioners, for the leadership the legal profession has shown to continue keeping the justice system operating through the provincial state of emergency.
Beware of counterfeit cheques drawn on your bank account
Fraudsters often take advantage of disruptive events like the current pandemic. Previously, we notified lawyers of a ransomware attack on a Manitoba law firm’s computer systems. Now, here at home, a BC lawyer has reported that funds were withdrawn from his bank account by the use of a counterfeit law firm cheque. Because this lawyer reviews his accounts online daily, he was in a position to report the missing funds to his financial institution within 48 hours, and the institution credited his account. Protect yourself from unauthorized withdrawals by frequently reviewing your accounts. Report any missing funds to your financial institution as soon as possible. Talk to your broker about the insurance available on the commercial market to respond to these frauds. If you have questions, contact Barbara Buchanan, QC at bbuchanan@lsbc.org or 604.697.5816.
Federal Court of Canada COVID-19 response update
The Federal Court of Canada has issued a Practice Direction and Order extending the suspension of operations and expanding the range of matters that may be heard by videoconference, teleconference or in writing during the suspension period. Further details can be found in the Federal Court’s full Practice Direction and Order.