Ronald Skolrood appointed Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of British Columbia

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced the appointment of Ronald A. Skolrood as the new Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of British Columbia.

Justice Skolrood brings over a decade of judicial experience to his new role. He was appointed to the BC Supreme Court in 2013 and elevated to the Court of Appeal in 2022. Before his judicial appointments, Skolrood practised law at Lawson Lundell LLP from 1987 to 2013, focusing on civil and commercial litigation. He was appointed King’s Counsel in 2012.

Skolrood’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Lethbridge in 1983, a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Victoria in 1986, and a Master of Laws from the University of Cambridge in 1989. He was called to the bar of British Columbia in 1988 and the bar of the Northwest Territories in 2010.

In addition to his legal career, Skolrood has contributed to several professional and community organizations. He has served as chair of the British Columbia Law Institute and held positions with the Law Society of British Columbia’s Special Compensation Fund Committee. He has also been involved in legal education as a lecturer at the University of Victoria and a course leader at the University of British Columbia.

As Chief Justice, Skolrood will lead the Supreme Court of British Columbia, which handles the province’s most significant civil and criminal cases. His leadership is expected to guide the court’s operations and contribute to maintaining the administration of justice in BC.

Skolrood replaces Justice Christopher E. Hinkson, who retired on May 7.

In his statement, Prime Minister Trudeau expressed his confidence in Skolrood’s qualifications and experience, stating, “He is a respected member of the legal community and has extensive experience in many areas of law. I am confident he will be a great asset to the people of British Columbia.”