BC Law Society appoints transitional board members despite Legal Professions Act challenge

The Law Society of British Columbia has appointed four members to the transitional board under the Legal Professions Act despite ongoing constitutional challenge against it.

On July 17, the BC Supreme Court declined to grant the Law Society injunctive relief to suspend the transitional provisions of the Legal Professions Act until the constitutional challenge could be heard. As a result, the transitional provisions of the act will proceed while the litigation is ongoing.

Following this decision, the Benchers of the Law Society have moved forward with appointing four members to the transitional board of Legal Professions BC, as mandated by section 223(1)(a) of the act.

The four appointees are Brian Dybwad, Lindsay LeBlanc, KC, Bruce LeRose, KC, and Scott Morishita.

Brian Dybwad

Brian Dybwad was first elected a Law Society Bencher in 2022. Called to the bar in 2010, he has significant experience in criminal defence, family law, child protection, and as director’s counsel for the family maintenance enforcement program. His career has focused on protecting vulnerable people, evidenced by his roles as manager of family law services for Legal Aid BC and as a fellow for CanAge, a national seniors' advocacy organization. Dybwad is a member and hereditary chief of the Tsetsaut Gitxsan Nation.

Lindsay LeBlanc, KC

Lindsay LeBlanc, first elected a Law Society Bencher in 2022, serves as the second vice-president for 2024. Called to the bar in 2006, she is a partner at Cox Taylor in Victoria, BC, with a practice focusing on property, administrative, and commercial law. LeBlanc’s governance experience includes serving on several boards and committees, including the Supreme Court of BC Rules Committee and the UVic Properties Boards. She is also an Indigenous advisor on the Law Foundation of BC Indigenous Advisory Circle. She is Métis and a member of the North Cariboo Métis Association.

Bruce LeRose, KC

Bruce LeRose, a Life Bencher of the Law Society and its president in 2012, was called to the bar in 1983. He practices in West Kootenay as a general practitioner focusing on real estate, corporate, commercial solicitor’s work, and civil litigation. Appointed Queen’s Counsel in 2006, LeRose received the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2013 for his services to the legal profession.

Scott Morishita

Scott Morishita served as president of the Canadian Bar Association, BC branch, for the 2023-24 term. He was called to the bar in 2007 and is associate counsel at Rice Harbut Elliott LLP. With over 15 years of experience as a trial lawyer, Morishita has represented various clients, including individuals, insurance companies, and local governments. He has volunteered for numerous legal organizations, including the Continuing Legal Education Society of BC and Pro Bono Law Students Canada.

These appointments are intended to guide the transitional board through implementing the Legal Professions Act while the constitutional challenge progresses.