FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OCTOBER 3, 2006

VANCOUVER – Whether they’re improving the status of historically marginalized communities, supporting access to justice for the poor, or tirelessly volunteering for charitable organizations, lawyers are making a difference across BC. The Canadian Bar Association BC Branch (CBABC) recognizes the many unsung heroes in the legal profession who are quietly improving communities, and proudly congratulates the nominated recipients of the following awards:

Community Service Awards
Three Lawyers received this award – the highest honour provided by the CBABC in recognition of community involvement and contributions outside of the practice of law.

Peter Behie, Ramsay, Lampman, Rhodes, Nanaimo Mr. Behie receives the Community Service Award in recognition of the impact he has had on his community of Nanaimo. Leslie Sundby, Vice-President Board of Directors of the Nanaimo and District Hospital Foundation (NDHF) praises “Peter’s tireless efforts in working with staff, other volunteer board members, and the community to ensure that the NDHF’s success is maximized. Peter exemplifies the heart and soul of fundraising and indeed views philanthropy as an ethical responsibility of us all.”

Patrick Julian, Koffman Kalef LLP, Vancouver J. Najeeb Hassan, Vice-Chair of the Labour Relations Board of B.C. summarizes Mr. Julian’s community contributions: “Patrick has given his time, energy and expertise back to the community in such a manner as to warrant the recognition of his peers. He has directly impacted countless girls through coaching softball, soccer and basketball. Patrick has and continues to be involved in the artistic, cultural and religious aspects of his community.”

Elizabeth Lyall, Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP, Vancouver Elizabeth Lyall is described by Stevie Mitchell, Executive Director of the Endeavour Society as being “involved in every aspect of the (Endeavour) event from its concept to conclusion. It should be noted that at all times she also brought endless enthusiasm and a great sense of humour to the table.” Ms. Lyall is also actively involved in Big Sisters of Greater Vancouver, as well as York House School and the York House School Alumnae Association.

CBABC Equality and Diversity Award Anne Bhanu Chopra of Vancouver is the recipient of this award, which celebrates the accomplishments of a lawyer who has succeeded in advancing equality in the legal profession or generally in BC. The award recognizes significant contributions to improving the status of women, people with disabilities, people of colour, Aboriginal people or peoples, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered or two-spirited people or people who are members of historically marginalized communities. Pamela Egger, Senior Legal Counsel of the British Columbia Securities Commission summarizes Ms. Chopra’s contributions by saying “Not only has her unremitting passion and energy advanced equality and increased recognition of diversity in our legal community through her individual efforts, but the results come in multiples by being passed on through every person she meets.”

Harry Rankin QC Pro Bono Award This award is given in recognition of the immense contribution of Harry Rankin, QC in supporting access to justice for the poor. It recognizes outstanding contributions by a lawyer in the area of pro bono work. The late Dugald Christie of Vancouver’s Access Justice worked tirelessly to provide pro bono legal services, and, through his own leadership example, contributed immensely to the promotion of pro bono culture among lawyers. The Honourable Chief Justice Brenner says that Dugald “helped to make British Columbia a beacon for other jurisdictions to look to in providing pro bono assistance.” CBABC Past-President Meg Shaw praises Dugald’s efforts in the area of pro bono work: “We salute his passion for equal access to justice for all, and his extraordinary example of one lawyer’s dedication to the betterment of others’ lives. Our profession is richer for the time he spent among us, and we know that his work will be continued by those he has inspired.”

President’s Medal Awarded by the CBABC president, this medal recognizes one or more of the following: legal academic proficiency; outstanding works of legal scholarship; significant contribution to the profession; or noteworthy contribution to Canadian public life. William Clarke, Kimmitt & Company  William Thomas Clarke with the Kelowna law firm Kimmitt and Company is the recipient of the President’s Medal. Marguerite (Meg) Shaw, Past-President of the Canadian Bar Association, B.C. Branch, commented, “Throughout this past year, Mr. Clarke has gone above and beyond any expectation, taking on responsibilities that greatly assisted me as president. He has consistently given freely of his time and energy to the profession.”

Photos are available online at http://www.cba.org/BC/Public_Media/main/awards.aspx.

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The Canadian Bar Association is the professional organization representing the interests of more than 35,000 members in Canada, and almost 6,000 members in British Columbia.

For further information: please contact:
Caroline Nevin
CBABC Associate Executive Director
Tel: 604-687-3404 / Toll Free: 1-888-687-3404
cnevin@bccba.org