Indigenous lawyers are currently underrepresented in the legal profession in BC.

This mentorship program is the first of its kind in North America, and pairs experienced lawyers with Indigenous lawyers of up to three years of call.

Mentees

Do you self-identify as a person of Indigenous ancestry? Are you seeking a mentor to provide advance and guidance with your career? You're invited to apply to the program!

To be eligible, you must be a member of the Law Society or actively enrolled in the Law Society Admission Program.

Download the mentee application form

Mentors

Mentors play a vital role in the retention of Indigenous lawyers. They can help mentees develop knowledge and skills, as well as provide advice and guidance. Members should have the following attributes:

  • membership in good standing in the Law Society of British Columbia, and not currently or previously subject to any citations;
  • more than three years of call in any jurisdiction in Canada;
  • established professional experience;
  • effective communication skills; and
  • an advanced understanding of issues related to the retention of Indigenous lawyers in British Columbia. It is not necessary that mentors have Indigenous ancestry.

Download the mentor application form

The goals of the Indigenous Lawyers Mentorship Program are to:

  • support the development of the knowledge, skills and attributes needed by Indigenous lawyers to be successful in their legal careers;
  • assist Indigenous lawyers in developing strategies to mitigate common issues that arise for many Indigenous legal professionals.
  • promote collegiality to expand and strengthen the professional networks of Indigenous lawyers; and
  • foster the retention and advancement of Indigenous lawyers in BC.

For more information, please contact:

Andrea Hilland, Staff Lawyer
Law Society of British Columbia
Email: ahilland@lsbc.org
Phone: 604.443.5727