Duty Counsel - Lawyer news
Topic: Duty Counsel
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Revised compliance policy
LABC has revised its policies governing the handling of complaints, and the procedures surrounding the investigations and resolution of issues. The…
Criminal record check requirements
Legal aid lawyers will now be required, per the Criminal Records Review Act, to submit a criminal record check, aligning with the current…
Extending our heartfelt gratitude to you
As 2025 wraps up, we at Legal Aid BC (LABC) extend our sincere appreciation to you for your continued commitment to legal aid work. Your dedication,…
Early Resolution Process expanded in Lower Mainland
As of November 1, 2025, the Early Resolution Process (ERP) has been expanded to Provincial Court registries in North Vancouver, Pemberton, Richmond,…
October 27 is Duty Counsel Day
October 27, 2025, is Duty Counsel Day — a time to celebrate our everyday legal heroes and recognize the essential role they have in our justice…
Lawyer Portal updates
We recently updated the Lawyer Portal. The following is a summary of some of the changes that may affect you.
Court Services Branch rough transcripts survey
In support of the Court Digital Transformation Strategy, the Court Services Branch (CSB) is exploring the production of AI-generated voice-to-text…
Phase-out of the word ‘body’ for in-custody accused persons
Further to a discussion held at the Judicial Operations Committee of the Provincial Court of BC, all court users including defence counsel, Crown…
Retroactive compensation process for section 530 transition
LABC has created a one-time process to compensate criminal defence counsel for work done in response to the May 2024 change in the s. 530 process.…
Retirement of Brian Coleman, QC (KC)
Brian Coleman, QC, a long-serving criminal law lawyer dedicated to legal aid work, recently retired from practice. (While the QC designation is now…