The primary mandate of the Society under the Legal Profession Act[2] is to safeguard and protect the public interest in the administration of justice by preserving and protecting the rights and freedoms of all persons, ensuring the independence, integrity, honour and competence of lawyers, and establishing standards and programs for education, the professional liability and competence of lawyers in British Columbia. The Society also has a mandate to regulate the practice of law and to assist and assist lawyers, students and lawyers in other jurisdictions who are licensed to practise law in British Columbia in the performance of their duties in the practice of law. Telephone: 604-669-2533 Toll Free: 1-800-903-5300 Fax: 604-669-5232 Website: www.lawsociety.bc.ca Email: professionalconduct@lsbc.org Crease believed that the legal profession should be regulated, especially since Begbie`s long absence during the administration of justice in the vast B.C. border made it difficult for the judge to do so quickly and efficiently. On 15 July 1869 Crease assembled 13 members of the colony`s bar. Together, they founded the Law Society of British Columbia, whose objectives were to: create a law library; publication of court decisions; the regulation of appeals to the legal profession; and the protection of the interests of the legal profession. The Law Society offers several online educational programs and oversees the mandatory continuing education program. It requires all practising lawyers in British Columbia to complete and report at least 12 hours of professional development through accredited educational activities each calendar year. Advisors provide formal recognition to members of the legal community for their achievements and service to the public and the profession. The Law Society Scholarship financially encourages and supports a law graduate to pursue a full-time law program that benefits the British Columbia student, the province and the legal profession. The Law Society has the authority to review the conduct and competence of lawyers practising in British Columbia, including lawyers in private practice, legal aid lawyers, government attorneys and Crown attorneys. The Law Society may also review a lawyer`s conduct outside the law firm if the alleged conduct contravenes the British Columbia Code. Each formal conduct and jurisdiction complaint is reviewed and considered, and approximately 1,100 complaints are dealt with each year.

The Professional Legal Education Course (CELA) is the Bar`s 10-week admission course. Successful completion of the course is one of the prerequisites for becoming a lawyer in British Columbia. PLTC focuses on practical skills, ethics, practice management and procedures to help new lawyers bridge the gap between law school and practice. The Law Society Award recognizes the lifetime achievement of truly extraordinary individuals in the legal profession. The award is given every two years and is based on the criteria of integrity, professional performance, service and legal reform. The award is primarily given in recognition of contributions to the advancement of the profession or law, but public services outside the legal profession are considered. The Law Society has the authority to review the conduct and competence of lawyers practising in British Columbia, including lawyers in private practice, legal aid lawyers, government attorneys and Crown attorneys. All formal complaints regarding conduct and competence will be considered.

The Law Society uses a graded discipline system to respond to lawyers` violations of the Law Society`s Rules and the British Columbia Code of Professional Conduct. This allows the Law Society to apply mild to serious consequences, depending on the nature of the violation and the circumstances of the case. The Law Society is overseen by a Council of Governors known as Councillors, which is composed of 25 lawyers elected by the Law Society`s registrants, up to six non-lawyers appointed by the Government, and the Attorney General of British Columbia. The Attorney General is usually represented in this capacity by the Deputy Attorney General. Counsellors are responsible for regulating and administering the affairs of the Law Society, including setting standards for licensing, driving and competence. These are determined by the Law Society Rules. The Law Society is a member of the Federation of Law Societies of Canada, the national umbrella body for Canada`s 14 law firms. The Law Society of British Columbia offers a range of services to lawyers and the public, including: Begbie crossed the Atlantic and brought with him official documents that founded the colony of British Columbia. These documents were signed by Governor James Douglas at Fort Langley on November 18, 1858. The next day, Begbie was sworn in as a judge of the Supreme Court of the British Columbia and Vancouver Island colonies. The Legalization Committee is responsible for overseeing the registration, training, examination and bar appointment of articling students, transferring lawyers to British Columbia and reinstating former lawyers.

Where the nature or suitability of an applicant for admission, readmission or transfer needs to be assessed, the Committee shall examine the application directly or order a formal hearing. The committee is also responsible for reviewing applications related to a student`s failure at the TCPP and reviewing all matters arising from the practicum system. With the exception of the Chair, First Vice-Chair and Second Vice-Chair, all elected Councillors and members of Council`s committees, subcommittees and working groups are volunteers of the Law Society. Councillors serve two years up to a maximum of four terms and may be re-elected. The Senior Advisor is the President who fills this position for a one-year term.