IN-PERSON MEETING: Becoming a Practicing Lawyer in British Columbia: Qualifications & Credentials
This meeting is being hosted by the Internationally Trained Lawyers Section.
| Speakers: |
Robert Russo, Professor, Peter A. Allard School of Law
Gurminder Sandhu, KC, Lawyer & Mediator, Hamilton Duncan |
| Time: |
Monday, March 31, 2025, 12:00pm - 1:30pm (PT) |
| Location: |
Courthouse Libraries (3rd Floor - Columbia Room), 800 Smithe St. Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2E1 |
| Meal: |
$23.00 (GST Incl.)
Optional -- Select at registration |
| CPD Hours: |
This session does not qualify for CPD |
Synopsis
Robert Russo and
Gurminder Sandhu, KC, explore the multifaceted journey to becoming a practicing lawyer in British Columbia, highlighting key steps and qualifications. They delve into the intricate details of the National Committee on Accreditation, Canadian Master of Laws (LLM), articling process in British Columbia, and address the Law Society of British Columbia's licensing requirements. This comprehensive overview provides aspiring lawyers with a clear roadmap to navigate the complex process of entering the legal profession in British Columbia.
About the Speakers
Professor Robert Russo obtained his JD, LLM and PhD degrees from the Allard School of Law. His research has been primarily in the area of immigration and labour/employment law and he has published several peer-reviewed articles in this field. He joined UBC as a part-time faculty member in 2017 and was appointed a full-time Faculty Lead Lecturer for the LLMCL program in 2018.
Dr. Russo has also has guided the teaching for the Distance Learning and LLMCL programs as well as teaching in the first-year J.D. program. He has also designed and taught online courses in in Torts, Contracts, Ethics & Professionalism and Administrative Law. Dr. Russo’s current interests in law extend to human rights, labour and justice issues. He has been invited to present on labour and migration issues to the Royal Society of Canada and the International Labour Organization.
Gurminder Sandhu, KC, obtained his B.A. and LL.B from the University of British Columbia. He is a trial lawyer specializing in commercial, family and insurance litigation. His recent cases include representing parties in a labour dispute, defending traumatic brain injury cases and litigating property disputes.
Gurminder is a twice elected Law Society of British Columbia Bencher for Westminster County. He served ten years on the British Columbia Provincial Court Judicial Advisory Committee and two years on the British Columbia Federal Judicial Advisory Committee. He was also elected to serve multiple terms on the Canadian Bar Association (BC) Provincial Council.
Gurminder is a current advisory committee member for the Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers (BC). In the past, he has also served on the BC South Asian Bar Association executive. In working to enhance access to justice, Gurminder volunteers with various pro bono organizations, including AC Friends of Court and Access Pro Bono.
PARTICIPANT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT - COVID-19 HEALTH & SAFETY
By registering for the in-person option, registrants agree to follow and adhere to the health and safety protocols of the venue to reduce the risks of exposure to and transmission of COVID-19 and agree to cancel your attendance if you are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms. If you test positive for COVID-19, you may transfer your registration to the virtual option.
Territorial Acknowledgement
This event takes place on the traditional and unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples, including Tsleil-Waututh, Squamish and Musqueam First Nations. We encourage members to explore the rich history and knowledge of Indigenous people, and to continue learning about their experience in Canada past and present.
Accessibility & Inclusiveness
The CBABC provides access to Section activities for all members. The facilities for this meeting may be wheelchair accessible. For information about accessible parking or to communicate your request for other accommodation you require, please contact CBABC Sections at sections@cbabc.org.
We also welcome your suggestions for enhancing the inclusiveness of our activities.
By attending this in-person Section event, attendees agree to follow the health and safety protocols of the venue to reduce the risks of exposure to and transmission of COVID-19 and confirm that they are not experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms on the day of the event.
Webinar/Teleconference (if applicable)
Sections host webinars from Internet-capable venues depending on the resources and technology available at the venue.
Disclaimer
Please ensure to sign-in at the meeting; failure to sign-in will result in de-registration. CBABC requires this as a record to confirm your attendance for this meeting for your CPD reporting (if applicable).
