The Law Society of B.C. Pushes Back Against Province’s Plans for New Regulatory Body

The Law Society of B.C. is facing off against the province over a controversial new regulatory body that aims to bring lawyers, paralegals, and notaries under one umbrella. The proposed Bill 21, also known as the Legal Professions Act, has sparked a heated debate between the government and legal professionals.

The province argues that the bill will increase access to legal services by offering British Columbians the choice of hiring a lawyer, notary public, or a new regulated paralegal. B.C. Attorney General Niki Sharma believes that this will level the playing field for individuals seeking legal assistance.

However, the president of the Law Society of B.C., Jeevyn Dhaliwal, raises concerns about the potential impact on lawyers’ independence. He fears that government regulations could infringe on the autonomy of legal professionals, undermining their ability to serve as a crucial defense for the public.

Several legal organizations, including the B.C. branch of the Canadian Bar Association and the Trial Lawyers Association of B.C., have voiced opposition to the bill. They argue that it threatens the existing governance structure and could compromise the integrity of the legal profession.

On the other hand, the Society of Notaries Public in B.C. supports the bill, highlighting safeguards to protect client-solicitor privilege and the independence of lawyers. The debate also extends to the composition of the new regulator’s board, with concerns raised about the balance of lawyers and non-lawyers in decision-making roles.

If Bill 21 is passed in its current form, the Law Society of B.C. plans to challenge its constitutionality through litigation. The outcome of this clash between the legal profession and the government could have far-reaching implications for the future of legal regulation in British Columbia.