In celebration of National Indigenous History Month this June, we encourage the legal profession and the public to explore the unique cultures, traditions and histories of Indigenous Peoples in Canada. The Law Society honours the stories and achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples and is committed to ensuring that our processes are culturally safe, removing systemic barriers and celebrating Indigenous culture.
This month, we’ll be sharing interesting facts about Indigenous history, resources and notable Indigenous people in the legal profession. Read our news highlight for more resources, or follow along on LinkedIn to learn more and share.
Pride Season in Canada begins in June and stretches through to September, with events and parades happening across the country. It is a time when 2SLGBTQI+ individuals and allies come together to spotlight the resilience, celebrate the talent and recognize the contributions of 2SLGBTQI+ communities. Advocacy groups like the Canadian Bar Association’s Sexual and Gender Diversity Alliance (SAGDA) exist to address the needs and concerns of 2SLGBTQI+ legal professionals while also creating professional development programs and resources on legal issues relating to sexual orientation and gender identity. The Law Society’s inclusive language guide also provides a glossary of terms and helpful tips for working with gender-diverse clients and colleagues.
June is Filipino Heritage Month in Canada, an opportunity to highlight the rich history and achievements of Filipino people in BC and beyond. This year, celebrations carry the weight of the April 26 Lapu Lapu Day attack. The Law Society stands in solidarity with the Filipino community, and we hope this month may serve as a symbol of unity, hope and strength in the face of tragedy.
In light of a recent case in Ontario in which a lawyer is accused of leaning on AI to prepare court materials, lawyers are reminded of their duty to use AI responsibly and to be aware of the risks that may be associated with it, including the possibility of producing false or fictitious information. While AI breakthroughs have brought tremendous opportunities for efficiency and effectiveness in all professions, including the practice of law, all lawyers must be accountable for its use in their practice. Read LIF’s previous Notice to Lawyers to learn what you can do to mitigate risks and review the Law Society’s guidance on generative AI.
Congratulations to the 2025 Law Society Gold Medalists
Each year, the Law Society awards gold medals to the students who achieved the highest cumulative grade point average over their three-year law degree program at Thompson Rivers University, the University of British Columbia and the University of Victoria. Congratulations to this year’s recipients: John Spencer (TRU), Jaclyn Miller (UBC) and Nicholas Olson (UVic).
Nicole E. Smith elected in Nanaimo County Bencher by-election
Nicole E. Smith was elected as a Bencher in Nanaimo County in the May 2025 Bencher by-election.Nicole was called to the Bar in 2009 and is a partner at Ramsay Lampman Rhodes. Her work focuses on civil litigation, particularly injury and disability claims, and workplace investigations.
Bill C-2 and its potential effect on legal professionals
Bill C-2 – the Strong Borders Act – passed first reading on June 3. The Bill proposes amending the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act,the Criminal Code and other legislation to increase border security, strengthen its anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing regime, address some of the most prevalent types of money laundering and enhance the integrity of the country’s immigration system. The Law Society will be reviewing the Bill to determine how it may affect lawyers and law firms and we will share more information as it becomes available. If you have any practice advice questions, contact Barbara Buchanan, KC at 604.697.5816 or bbuchanan@lsbc.org
BC Courtrooms Live Links available only on provincial government website
The Court Services Branch has transitioned the "Live Links" document to be available only on the provincial government’s Access to Court Materials webpage and on the Virtual Bail Team. The Live Links document is no longer posted on the Law Society and Canadian Bar Association websites and counsel now need to register on the Access to Court Materials website to access the Live Links information.
Articling offers by downtown Vancouver firms to stay open until August 15
All offers of articling positions made in 2025 by law firms with offices in downtown Vancouver must remain open until 8 am on Friday, August 15. For more information, visit our website.
Certificates of Authentication can now be ordered and paid online by credit card
Lawyers and members of the public can now place their orders for a Certificate of Authentication and submit payment by Visa or Mastercard online before dropping off the documents at the Law Society office. This will streamline our process, enhance the security of sensitive data and reduce wait times. In addition, email notifications will be sent to keep requesters up-to-date on the status of their order. Please note that the Law Society does not issue Apostille Certificates.
The BC Authentication Program has noticed an increased number of notarized documents from BC that are being rejected in the US due to inconsistency between the lawyer’s name in the seal, their printed name on the notarized document and their name on the Apostille Certificate, which is the same as their preferred name with the Law Society (e.g., John Alan Doe vs. John A. Doe vs. J. Alan Doe vs. John Doe). To avoid rejections, please ensure your name is used consistently and complies with Chapter 4, Section 4.2 of the Code of Professional Conduct.
Latest discipline news
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.
Recently, a BC law firm’s accounting employee received a call from a scammer claiming to be a Canadian bank employee (providing his name, the bank’s name, an 800 number and the law firm’s bank account number). The scammer claimed that due to recent system upgrades, all of the law firm’s wire transfers from the previous day required verification and would be stopped and reversed unless the employee verbally provided information about the firm’s transactions and additional information about himself. The employee phoned the law firm’s bank directly to check if this was true and the bank confirmed it was a scam. The bank also warned that scammers will sometimes ask firm employees to log on to a digital platform and then share their screen, which allows the scammer to obtain the firm’s login information.
If you have questions about this or other scam attempts against lawyers and law firms, contact Barbara Buchanan, KC at bbuchanan@lsbc.org or 604.697.5816.
Updated contact list for escalation of mortgage discharges
Law Society Rule 3-96 requires that lawyers report the failure of a mortgagee to provide a registrable discharge of mortgage to the Law Society within 60 days of any real property transaction. If lawyers are unable to obtain a discharge of mortgage, they can download the Mortgage Discharge Escalation Contact List for a list of local contacts at the Bank of Montreal, Scotiabank, TD Canada Trust, National Bank of Canada, CIBC, Royal Bank, HSBC or Canadian Western Bank.
A free online webinar, updated to take the Law Society’s 2024 rule changes into account, is available to help lawyers comply with anti-money laundering obligations and avoid being targeted by criminals, including those who seek to launder the proceeds of crime. The webinar counts for three hours of CPD credit.
Continuing Legal Education Society of BC appointments
The Law Society is seeking expressions of interest from practising lawyers from Kootenay County who wish to be considered for a three-year term as a Law Society appointee to the Continuing Legal Education Society of BC’s Board of Directors. Further information about this opportunity can be found on our website. Eligible lawyers are encouraged to submit an application and supporting resume online, along with an explanation of how they meet the detailed criteria. The deadline for applications is 4:30 pm on Friday, August 22.
For more information about the appointments process and requirements for each board position, see our Appointments Guidebook.
Feedback invited: The Supreme Court’s role in advancing reconciliation
The BC Supreme Court has created a Reconciliation Working Group (RWG) informed by the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada and the Calls to Action. The RWG was established to examine the Court’s role in advancing reconciliation. The Court invites those who are interested — including Indigenous Peoples or organizations, members of the Bar or the public, or those with matters before the Court — to email comments to ReconciliationFeedback@bccourts.ca by September 30, 2025.
LSBC Tribunal Adjudicators seeks expressions of interest
The LSBC Tribunal is seeking qualified individuals to serve as adjudicators on its hearing panels. Adjudicators play a vital role in upholding the integrity, fairness, and independence of our decision-making processes. We invite expressions of interest from practising lawyers and members of the public. At this time, we are looking to increase diversity of our adjudicators and encourage applications from Indigenous lawyers, notaries and paralegals. To apply, submit a letter outlining your interest in the role and your curriculum vitae to tribunalchair@lsbc.org by August 30. Interviews will take place in September 2025 for appointments starting January 1, 2026.
Mental health and addiction challenges are common in the legal profession. The intense pressure, high demands and adversarial environment make it hard to balance personal lives and professional responsibilities. Too often, we put on a brave face and hide the struggle, even when the weight feels unbearable. If you or someone you know is facing difficulties, don’t hesitate to reach out for help.
In this video, LIF’s Chief Operating Officer, Su Forbes, KC tells the story of two lawyers who suffered from mental health challenges and shares her own personal journey. Learn how to prioritize yourself and support your colleagues.
