Interview with Allan Seckel, QC

On behalf of BarTalk readers, we asked Deputy Attorney General Allan Seckel, QC to answer a few questions, now that he’s had nine months in his new position. For a brief biography of Mr. Seckel, see www.bcjusticereview.org.

What made you say ‘yes’?
There were a number of reasons, and it’s hard to single one out over another. In part I saw an opportunity to take on a new challenge that could engage a number of my interests. The position of Deputy Attorney General allows me to be involved in law reform, public policy and administration and still be legal counsel. I also have a strong commitment to public service and the position gives me a chance to make a contribution in that area as well.

What makes you a good ‘fit’ for the job?
My interest in both law and administration is at least part of the answer to that question. I can also say that I am really enjoying the many challenges of the job and especially the opportunity to work with many other dedicated and committed professionals in the public service.

What’s been the biggest challenge so far?
The volume of information that funnels through the office of the Deputy Attorney General is incredible. It’s much more than I could have imagined before I started. So managing the flow of issues is quite a challenge.

I have also spent a lot of time trying to connect with many of the people who make up the Ministry and the justice system in B.C. It’s a very large group made up of many talented professionals with a decided viewpoint on how the justice system should operate. Trying to accommodate all of the perspectives and still achieve anything is a big challenge.

Another challenge is trying to encourage ongoing thinking about innovative ways to improve the justice system other than by just spending more time and money doing more of the things we already do.

What are your current priorities?
The Ministry has a number of functions, and I have priorities aligned to each of the functions. As the legal advisor to government, I want to ensure that the Ministry continues to improve the quality of advice and service it provides to its ‘clients.’ Internal surveys across government already rate this very highly, but I have learned that government lawyers are motivated to make continuous improvement in this regard, and I want to help with that process in any way that I can. I also want to assist the Ministry, in its role as a centre of law reform, by improving the justice system to make it more fair, accountable, affordable, accessible, and efficient. And in terms of administration of the courts, I want the Ministry to work with the Judiciary to ensure that our courts operate effectively, affordably and in a manner that is accountable to the public, all the while preserving and protecting the independence of the judiciary to decide cases fairly and impartially.

What do you want your legacy to be?
I think my priorities give a sense of some of what I would like to accomplish and when I am no longer the Deputy Attorney General, I would like people to say that I added value while in the role and inspired others to reach their own professional goals.

This article was published in the February 2004 issue of BarTalk. © 2004 The Canadian Bar Association. All rights reserved.