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Focus group on demographic data collection

Update: The Law Society is pleased to share that the focus groups on demographic data collection generated strong interest among legal professionals. We have successfully completed five focus groups with members of the legal community, and two with Benchers and members of senior management, marking the conclusion of Phase 1 of the project.

Phase 2 has now begun. We are currently transcribing the data for analysis, which will inform the development of a draft survey based on the focus group findings. This draft survey will be released on the Law Society website for consultation in September. We welcome input from all members of the legal profession, as well as the public at large.

The Law Society is inviting legal professionals and law students to participate in focus groups to help us improve how we collect demographic data. Your input will shape more relevant, inclusive and accurate questions, enabling us to better understand and address systemic inequality in the profession. Learn more below.

Background 

In 2024, Law Society Benchers approved a new approach to demographic data collection. This approach involves gathering attributable (non-anonymous) data through updated demographic questions, which will enable us to conduct more advanced statistical analyses. These analyses will help explore systemic inequalities within the legal profession, examine the intersectional impacts of social hierarchies and ultimately guide our policy decisions. As a first step, the Law Society of British Columbia is inviting you to participate in a focus group. Specifically, we are looking for your input on:

  • improving the demographic questions under consideration to enhance their relevance, inclusivity and accuracy;
  • understanding perceptions and concerns about collecting and using demographic data to promote trust, transparency and survey participation; and
  • exploring the experiences of lawyers from diverse backgrounds and the barriers they may face.

Your insights will be invaluable in finalizing the demographic survey and shaping effective strategies for deployment, ultimately helping to better understanding of systemic inequalities.

If you are interested in participating, please do the following:

Have a question? Visit our contact us page.