Each year, the Canadian Bar Association British Columbia Branch selects one student from the Faculty of Law at the University of Victoria (UVic) to receive a $4,000 award. The award recipient is someone who exemplifies the best ideals that are served by the Canadian Bar Association (CBA):

• participation in activities that support members of the profession and law students;
• promotion of justice and law reform;
• promotion of equality among members of the profession and law students; and
• a demonstration of exemplary public or community service.

In 2008, Karen Tse was selected as the law student from UVic who demonstrated an outstanding commitment to the ideals of the CBA.

Before entering law school Ms Tse served as a Petty Officer with the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets and in diverse capacities with the Simon Fraser Student Society. These experiences exemplify her dedication to exploring the concept of justice and upholding fairness through increasing accessibility and dialogue.

Ms Tse’s extensive community involvements have demonstrated her dedication to community service. These involvements include:

• Serving as a Simon Fraser University (SFU) Senator and joining the Research Ethics Board where she worked to ensure all SFU research met acceptable ethical standards.
• Volunteering as the Publication Director of the Chinese Student Union at SFU where she created an accessibility package delivered to 1,500 staff and faculty to promote fair access to participation for students with disabilities.
• Volunteering at the Surrey Pre-Trial Centre with the Elizabeth Fry Society where she offered conversation and crafts to encourage, mentor and support women, some of whom were recovering from substance abuse.

Ms Tse is the past recipient of:

• The Judy Kelly Humanitarian Award
• The Gordon M. Shrum Gold Medal, the most prestigious medal awarded by SFU annually

After graduation Ms Tse plans to practice criminal law and provide legal aid in Vancouver. Her actions have shown great dedication to the community, and clearly demonstrate the values and ideals of the CBA.

The CBA Law Student Award was presented to Ms Tse at the UVic/CBA Mentorship Reception that was held on October 29, 2008. We wish to thank the many lawyers and law students who participate in the Mentorship Program.

The Canadian Bar Association Financial Services Corporation Law School Achievement Award was presented by John Waddell, QC to this year's winner Michelle Chan.

CBABC President Miriam Maisonville and Karen Tse	John Waddell, QC and Michelle Chan
Dean Donna Greschner, Karen Tse, Sue Wishart and Mr Lou-Poy	Harpreet Nahal, CBABC Student Representative

[posted November 4, 2008]