The Law Society of BC is profoundly saddened by the devastating mass shooting that occurred on February 10 in the community of Tumbler Ridge, BC. We extend our deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathy to all those impacted by this horrific act of violence.
The Law Society stands in solidarity with the people of Tumbler Ridge, including the victims, families, first responders and all impacted communities as they navigate the pain and aftermath of this senseless tragedy. We encourage those affected to seek support and resources, including legal professionals who can access free, anonymous support through our Lawyer Well-Being Hub.
Upholding the independence of the courts
Following the Cowichan Tribes v. Canada decision, the provincial government stated they plan to amend the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA) in order to limit the role of the judiciary in matters related to reconciliation. Meaningful access to the courts is foundational to a democratic society so the public can seek a judicial review to defend legal rights and resolve concerns, including those relating to government and laws. Interpreting legislation is a core function of our courts by Constitutional design. While governments are entitled to disagree and appeal court decisions, politicians must take great care when commenting on judicial decisions and must avoid asserting or implying that courts are not properly playing their role. Doing so decreases public confidence in the justice system.
Ours to Protect campaign raises awareness of the rule of law
The Ours to Protect nationwide media campaign, initiated by a coalition of Canadian law societies, was launched in the fall of 2025 to increase public awareness of the rule of law and how it affects the society in which we live. As concerns over the strength of democratic freedoms dominate international headlines, legal professionals carry a shared duty to uphold and defend this cornerstone of our democracy. The rule of law isn’t just a legal principle, it ensures that everyone, from individuals to governments, is accountable under the same laws. It safeguards rights, promotes equality and prevents power from being used unfairly. Now, more than ever, it’s essential for all Canadians to understand and value the principles that work behind the scenes to sustain our democracy.
The Law Society of BC is deeply concerned by reports that Sudine Riley, a Black woman lawyer wearing a head scarf, was allegedly assaulted by police while working in a courthouse in Oshawa, Ontario. All lawyers must be able to represent their clients, attend court facilities and perform their duties safely, with respect, dignity and equity. Courthouses play a vital role in society and all justice system participants, including members of the public, lawyers, witnesses, complainants, victims, jurors and judges, must feel safe and be free of any risk of intimidation as they carry out their roles in the administration of justice.
Update on Indigenous initiatives and the IERM report recommendations
At the February 6 Bencher meeting, Director of Indigenous Initiatives Sherry Small provided an update on the Law Society’s Truth and Reconciliation Initiatives, including progress on the Indigenous Engagement in Regulatory Matters (IERM) task force’s recommendations. After a review of current practices, a new Journey of Practice was introduced, which is a relational, experiential and ongoing learning pathway for Law Society staff and Benchers. This framework integrates the Law Society’s Strategic Plan and the IERM report recommendations, and establishes a sustainable, practice-based approach to Indigenous engagement across all regulatory functions.
Consultation on Regulated Paralegal Working Group draft recommendations
In 2024, the Attorney General established a Regulated Paralegal Working Group to recommend what legal services a regulated paralegal should be able to provide independently in BC in the event the new Legal Professions Act is brought into force. The working group has now prepared draft recommendations and is seeking input on their report and executive summary.
Individuals have the opportunity to review the report and complete an online survey. The survey will be open until February 27.
Law Society welcomes new President, Vice-Presidents and Benchers
Oaths of Office were taken by Benchers starting their terms at the Bencher meeting on February 6. Thomas L. Spraggs, KC began his term as President with Michael F. Welsh, KC as First Vice-President and Katrina Harry, KC as Second Vice-President. Six new elected Benchers and three new appointed public representatives joined 22 returning Benchers in taking their oaths, which were administered by the Honourable Justice Nitya Iyer. The Oaths of Office ceremony was followed by an Indigenous Welcome and Territorial Acknowledgement by Carleen Thomas, an Elder from the Tsleil-Waututh Nation.
Benchers receive King's counsel appointments
Congratulations to the 31 lawyers who were recently appointed to King’s counsel (KC), including Law Society Benchers Tanya Chamberlain, KC and Tim Delaney, KC. The designation is a provincial honour that recognizes members of the legal profession who have been members of the BC bar for at least five years and have demonstrated professional integrity, good character and excellence in the practice of law.
Black History Month celebrates the contributions, leadership and resilience of Black Canadians in the legal profession and beyond. From pioneering lawyers to human rights advocates, Black legal professionals have strengthened Canada’s justice system. As we mark 30 years of Black History Month, legal professionals across Canada are invited to honour Black excellence and the everyday contributions of Black Canadians. This year’s theme, 30 Years of Black History Month: Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations — From Nation Builders to Tomorrow’s Visionaries, highlights their enduring legacy.
To read the latest discipline outcomes, including conduct review summaries and admitted discipline violations, head to our Discipline Outcomes section. You can read summaries of discipline outcomes in our news section.
Think before you click: Fake law student looking for articles
A scammer posing as a law student looking for articles contacted a Vancouver lawyer involved in student recruitment through LinkedIn. The scammer wanted to meet the lawyer for coffee. He had a history of “liking” posts made by the firm’s lawyers. He falsely claimed to have worked as a summer student or intern at two Vancouver firms, to have been offered articles by one and to have graduated from a BC law school. He provided his resume and when requested, provided a transcript by a link. The lawyer didn’t open the link — having taken cybersecurity training through the firm that day, her guard was up. She smartly asked the firm’s IT department to check the link, and they confirmed it was highly suspicious. The scammer’s true objectives are unknown; however, the firm’s computer system could have been put at risk for funds transfer fraud or ransomware if the lawyer had clicked on the link. The scammer’s profile has been removed from LinkedIn but the same individual, or another scammer, could create a new profile.
TAF rule amendments apply to mediators and arbitrators
In October 2025, Benchers approved amendments to Rule 2-110 so that the Trust Assurance Fee (TAF) is payable where the lawyer receives trust funds in an aggregate amount per client matter greater than $10,000. As per the provisions of Rules 3-58.1 (3) and (4), the TAF is also payable where lawyers use their trust accounts to deposit retainers in an aggregate amount greater than $10,000 received for services as a mediator, arbitrator or parenting co-ordinator
Addressing sexual harassment in the legal profession
Sexual harassment remains a serious issue across workplaces, and the legal profession is no exception. Meaningful action is essential to protect legal professionals and create safe, inclusive work environments. By taking steps to ensure workplaces are respectful, providing support, removing stigma and increasing awareness, the legal profession can address harassment and the harm it causes.
Registration open for 2026 National Family Law Program
The Federation of Law Societies of Canada has announced that registration is open for the 2026 National Family Law Program, which is taking place July 13 to 16 in Kelowna.
BC Assessment is alerting legal professionals to two aspects of tax law that have caused significant concern for some purchasers of private managed forest land:
Purchasers of managed forest land may be responsible for paying taxes on timber previously harvested by the vendor; and,
Purchasers of managed forest land may be responsible for paying exit fees to the Managed Forest Council if the property is removed from managed forest class.
In early 2026, the Land Title and Survey Authority of BC (LTSA) added two new webinars to their resources page that may be of interest to legal professionals: “Land Owner Transparency Registry Filing Requirements & Ongoing Obligations” and “Strata Plans Basic Amendments, Part A.”
Free court services help available through online platform
People can receive free, convenient help and advice navigating the court system from anywhere in the province with the launch of the new virtual-counter service. The virtual counter connects people with court registry staff remotely by video or phone for help with general inquiries, court forms and other topics related to Provincial and Supreme Court processes.
Updated title insurance agency and client consent agreements
Last August, the Law Society provided a Notice to real estate lawyers advising that effective October 1, 2025 title insurers are required to report to FINTRAC. The Notice contained important cautions for lawyers who were considering: (i) acting as a title insurer’s agent to provide it with a client’s confidential information; and (ii) entering into a written agreement with the title insurer to provide non-legal services — to verify a client’s identity to assist title insurers.
To address lawyers’ concerns regarding potential risks, we negotiated new agreements with three title insurers to better protect BC lawyers. Please ensure that you enter into a new agreement, as the earlier version may not fully align with your professional obligations. In addition, the new agreement now includes enhanced provisions — a broader indemnity, a covenant not to sue and limited disclosure obligations — to better safeguard your interests while ensuring compliance with your professional responsibilities.
To enter into an updated agency agreement, take the steps set out in our December Notice to Lawyers. In addition, consider using this client consent form.
Important Coalition insurance renewal Notice coming in March
Most BC law firms participate in the Coalition cyber insurance policy arranged and paid for by LIF. In March, LIF will email firms that Coalition has identified as having critical vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities are weak points that a fraudster can potentially exploit to gain access to your firm’s network, and are of significant concern to an insurer and should be to you. These vulnerabilities must be resolved to Coalition’s satisfaction prior to the policy’s renewal date of June 1 in order to continue your insurance. The email will come from mmulhern@lif.ca and be sent to your firm’s Designated Representative(s).
Firms that do not have critical vulnerabilities will not receive the email. If you have questions about the coverage or process, please contact our Director of Underwriting and Claims, Michael Mulhern, at mmulhern@lif.ca or call at 604.697.5869.
Attention construction lawyers: New prompt payment legislation
The Construction Prompt Payment Actreceived Royal Assent on November 27, 2025. The Act establishes a prompt payment framework and introduces an interim adjudication process for construction projects. It also amends the Builders Lien Act, including abolishing Shimco liens, which previously allowed a lien to be claimed against the statutory holdback without filing a lien against the land. The Act will come into effect on a date to be set through regulation.
Million-dollar funds transfer fraud twist: Fraudulent verification
Fraudsters recently targeted two medium-sized Vancouver law firms. Find out the details of what happened in our recent Notice to Lawyers. The key takeaways from these recent funds transfer frauds are:
Break the email chain. First, never email a client, opposing counsel or another party to verify payment instructions — call a trusted number. Second, the verifier should never send an email confirming that the payment instructions have been verified but instead meet with you in person to confirm verification. Why? As you can see in this recent case, fraudsters impersonate lawyers and staff alike, and the email purportedly from the lawyer or assistant confirming that verification has been completed may be from the fraudster. Always meet with the verifier in person or virtually (where you can see them) to confirm that the verification of payment instructions has been properly completed.
Complete internal wire transfer request forms with physical signatures, not digital signatures.
Call a trusted number. Never use the contact information in the instructing (or confirming) email. A fraudulent email will always contain a fraudulent phone number.
Back to basics: What’s new in your 2026 indemnity policy
Understanding your indemnity coverage, including what is covered, what is not and what has changed, is essential to your practice.
To make this easy, we have prepared a short video highlighting the changes and enhancements to your indemnity coverage for 2026, featuring LIF’s Chief Operating Officer, Su Forbes, KC.
