Legal Aid BC (LABC) is committed to improving lawyer recruitment and retention in meaningful ways that support our clients. We acknowledge our challenges in attracting and retaining lawyers to do legal aid work in certain areas of law and geographic regions of the province.
In 2023, LABC engaged a consultant to lead wide-ranging consultations to better understand the roster, recruitment, and retention challenges we face. This included a survey of our private bar in October 2023, an advisory committee made up of staff and private bar lawyers, and extensive information gathering on the topics of recruitment, retention, and roster management. The Roster, Recruitment, and Retention Review report was completed in March 2024.
Moving forward, LABC strives to launch initiatives to improve areas of roster recruitment, retention, and roster management. We recognize the importance this has to lawyers, and we want to keep you informed about what we’re working on.
Current initiatives
Lawyer application automation
Our current lawyer application process is largely manual, which can lead to delays. The new automated application process will make applying for legal aid work smoother, allow Lawyer Support to spend their time better supporting lawyers, and provide a basis for better processes in the future.
Lawyer orientations
Current orientation sessions are lengthy and require new lawyers to take time out of their busy days. There is also little tracking of who has completed an orientation and the effects of this training. The new orientation sessions will be recorded and allow lawyers to access the content at their own pace, allowing for better tracking and future expansion of training opportunities. The new orientation will still provide lawyers with opportunities to connect with LABC staff in face-to-face meetings.
We welcome your feedback
Have questions about the initiatives above or feedback on roster recruitment and retention? Reach out to us at lawyers.resources@legalaid.bc.ca.