In memoriam: The Honourable Mary F. Southin, KC

It is with sadness that we mark the passing of the Honourable Mary F. Southin, KC on September 24, 2025.

Justice Southin had a remarkable legal career spanning more than 50 years as a lawyer and judge. She graduated from the University of British Columbia Faculty of Law in 1952, finishing second in her class, and was called to the bar in BC in 1953. She became the first woman to article at Bull Housser and was the first woman appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1969. She was appointed to the Supreme Court of BC in 1985 and appointed to the BC Court of Appeal in 1988, where she served until her retirement in 2006.

At the Law Society, Justice Southin was the first woman to be elected a Bencher in 1971 and subsequently became Treasurer in 1977. After serving for four terms, she became a Life Bencher in 1980.

The Law Society offers condolences to Justice Southin’s family and friends.