About Jeevyn Dhaliwal, KC
Jeevyn is the President of the Law Society of BC and has served the Law Society in various capacities since 2013. Called to the Bar in 1998, she practises in workplace immigration law at Larlee Rosenberg in Vancouver. Jeevyn’s service to the profession includes elected positions on CBABC Provincial Council and the Vancouver Bar Association, and she has been a longstanding board member and Past President of the South Asian Bar Association of British Columbia.
About The Honourable Chief Justice Christopher Hinkson
The Honourable Chief Justice Christopher Hinkson was sworn in as the 16th Chief Justice to the Supreme Court of BC in 2013. Prior to his role as Chief Justice, he was a civil litigator at Harper Grey for 31 years, appointed to the Supreme Court of BC in 2007, and the BC Court of Appeal in 2010.
About David Layton, KC
As the Deputy Director of Criminal Appeals in the Ministry of Attorney General for BC, David is highly experienced in the topic of criminal law and ethics. He worked as defence counsel for over 20 years in Toronto and Vancouver before joining the Crown in 2014. David is co-author, with the late Mr. Justice Michel Proulx of the Quebec Court of Appeal, of the textbook Ethics and Criminal Law.
About The Right Honourable Beverley McLachlin
The Right Honourable Beverley McLachlin retired as the longest-serving Chief Justice in the Supreme Court of Canada, having served from 2000 to 2017. She is also the first woman to hold this position.
Prior to being appointed Chief Justice, McLachlin practiced in Alberta and British Columbia and taught law at the University of British Columbia. She was appointed to the Supreme Court of BC in 1981, the BC Court of Appeal in 1985, and as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of BC in 1988.
About Scott Morishita
Scott is the president of CBABC for the 2023-24 term. He has worked for over 15 years as a trial lawyer and is currently associate counsel at Rice Harbut Elliott LLP.
Scott has been a dedicated member of CBABC for 17 years, also serving the Board of Directors since 2020. A strong advocate for lawyers’ mental health, Scott is a long-time volunteer within the profession and actively mentors many early career lawyers. He also donates his time to organizations such as the Continuing Legal Education Society of BC, Pro Bono Law Students Canada and the Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers.
About Marilyn Sandford, KC
Marilyn's experience appearing in all levels of court makes her fit to speak on the independence of the Bar. Her practice includes personal injury and wrongful death claims arising from motor vehicle accidents and other mishaps. In addition, Marilyn has acted as counsel at all levels of court in BC, and at the Supreme Court of Canada. She represents clients facing criminal charges and clients advancing civil constitutional claims.
The Honourable Niki Sharma, KC
Niki Sharma was elected MLA for Vancouver–Hastings in 2020 and is Attorney General. Niki’s law practice focused on representing Indigenous people, including residential school survivors. Niki has worked throughout B.C. as an advocate on climate policy and reconciliation. She has also been recognized for her work on combatting racism.
The Honourable Judge David St. Pierre
The Honorable David St. Pierre has been a judge at the Provincial Court of BC since 2009. St. Pierre also worked as a musician before attending law school, stating that music has enabled him to be a better judge “because [he] has an outlet where frustration and stress can safely be released.” He founded the Black Law Students’ Association of Canada at the University of Calgary Law School. After graduating, he practiced at the criminal law firm of Cobb, St. Pierre, Lewis, Barristers and Solicitors in Vancouver.
