Legal aid lawyers will now be required, per the Criminal Records Review Act, to submit a criminal record check, aligning with the current requirements for all LABC staff and contractors. As part of our ongoing commitment to continuous improvement and risk management, we are implementing this measure because lawyers in this role may work with children and other vulnerable individuals, and a criminal record check is necessary to support client safety and program integrity. See LABC’s Criminal Records Check policy (PDF) for more information.
This requirement will come into effect February 1, 2026, and applies to both current lawyers with an existing vendor number and lawyers applying for a new vendor number. Lawyers will have six (6) months to submit their application. Lawyers who do not submit their criminal record check within six (6) months may have their vendor number suspended until the process is complete.
LABC will cover the payment for the criminal record check if completed on or before March 20, 2026; applicants are only required to complete and submit the application, and costs will be automatically paid when the application has been submitted.
To complete the criminal record check, applicants must have:
- a BCeID or BC Services Card
- the BC Services Card mobile app
You’ll find a link and access code to complete a criminal record check on the home page of the Lawyer Portal. Please save a PDF as proof of submission or confirmation of the completed criminal record check.
