What does the Law Society of BC do?
The Law Society of British Columbia ensures the public is well served by legal professionals who are honourable and competent. We regulate the legal profession in BC, protecting the public interest in the administration of justice by setting and enforcing standards of professional conduct for lawyers.
What is the role of Benchers?
The Benchers collectively set fees and special assessments to be paid by lawyers and applicants for admission. The Benchers collectively make rules authorizing an investigation into the conduct of a law firm or the conduct or competence of a lawyer, former lawyer or articled student.
Who is the current president of the Law Society of British Columbia?
Don Avison, QC was named executive director and chief executive officer of the Law Society in December of 2017. He is a lawyer, former deputy minister and served for 10 years as the President of the Research Universities Council of British Columbia.
Is legal advice free in Canada?
Civil Claims Duty Counsel is a drop-in legal clinic, located in the Provincial Court that provides summary legal advice and other assistance, free of charge, to litigants and the public on their small claims matters.
What can the Law Society do?
It provides services and support to practising and training solicitors, as well as serving as a sounding board for law reform. Members of the Society are often consulted when important issues are being debated in Parliament or by the executive.
Who funds the Law Society?
How we work. Solicitors pay their annual practising certificate fee to the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). We receive around 30% of the fee to help fund our work. The rest of our funding comes from commercial activities.
What is a bencher in law society?
The work of the Law Society is overseen by a volunteer board of governors called Benchers. Benchers establish the Law Society Rules, the Code of Professional Conduct for British Columbia and board policies, including governance policies.
What is the meaning of bencher?
Definition of bencher : one who sits on or presides at a bench.
Is Law Society of BC government?
The Law Society of BC is the governing body of the legal profession in BC.
How do pro bono lawyers get paid?
A lawyer who works pro bono does not get paid for the commitment on the case. To cover the loss of income, lawyers often cover the pro bono cases through charges to paying clients. Others work on a “no win, no fee” basis. They only get paid if they win the case.