Beatrix Josephy, of British Columbia, is the 2025 recipient of the Legal Aid Leader Award for embodying the principles of access to justice through her unwavering commitment to providing exceptional legal aid services, her leadership in advancing systemic change, and her compassionate advocacy for marginalized communities.
She was chosen by the CBA Access to Justice Subcommittee for this award, which recognizes lawyers who have made a significant contribution to providing access to justice to people in need.
In her nomination letter, the subcommittee wrote that Beatrix “serves as a role model for the legal profession, inspiring colleagues and law students with her compassionate approach and unwavering commitment to justice.”
Her dedication to marginalized clients (particularly to Indigenous clients and individuals facing significant barriers to justice, such as severe mental health challenges, homelessness, and substance use disorders), demonstrates “the profound impact legal aid lawyers can have on their communities.”
Beatrix played a critical role in establishing the Indigenous Court in Prince George and was on its standing committee from 2015-2018. She helped establish safe COVID 19 protocols for the reintroduction of in-person, out-of-custody duty counsel services for both Prince George and Quesnel. She continues to be on the Northern Virtual Bail Steering Committee, which is charged with the implementation and running of virtual courts. She is also on the Forensic Liaison Steering Committee, which assists accused persons experiencing profound mental health challenges to access psychiatric services within the Virtual Courts.
Her commitment to the need for representation of vulnerable individuals in Northern British Columbia led to her becoming the local Legal Aid Agent in Prince George in March of 2010. She continues in this role to this date. She also contracted with the Ministry of Attorney General to represent Wards of the Court facing criminal charges under the Y.C.J.A, in Prince George from 2012-2018.
Beatrix obtained a Bachelor’s degree in criminology from Simon Fraser University in 1986 and a Bachelor’s of Laws from the University of Victoria in 1993. Prior to law school, she was employed at the Quesnel Community Law Center (Legal Aid) as a legal information counsellor where she provided legal advice under supervision of counsel, to low-income individuals experiencing difficulties with administrative and poverty law issues.
After being called to the bar in 1994, she practiced criminal defence, family law, and civil litigation. Since 1999 she has been self employed, practicing exclusively in criminal defence, primarily serving low-income clients.
“Beatrix exemplifies excellence in representing clients with the most complex needs. Her ability to build trust and rapport with clients who often feel excluded from the justice system has led to a loyal client base and recognition from Crown Counsel, who frequently consult her on challenging cases,” the Access to Justice Subcommittee wrote.
“Her work not only reflects the highest standards of the legal profession but also highlights the critical role of legal aid lawyers in ensuring equitable access to justice for all.”