BC Attorney General David Eby and BC Provincial Court Chief Judge Melissa Gillespie celebrated the inaugural Duty Counsel Day on October 27, 2021.
In video messages, they thanked duty counsel in BC for their service and dedication which are vital to the justice system.
Duty counsel are legal aid lawyers who provide free legal advice in criminal, family, child protection and immigration law matters.
“Having to attend court can be incredibly stressful,” Attorney General David Eby said in his video message. “It can be people’s most challenging day and duty counsel is there to help.”
Duty Counsel Day was initiated by the Association of Legal Aid Plans to celebrate and bring awareness to duty counsel services.
Learn more about the role of duty counsel and read stories from duty counsel lawyers across the country by visiting the Duty Counsel Day website.
BC’s Attorney General David Eby sends a special message on Duty Counsel Day