The Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers (British Columbia) Society is a diverse coalition of Asian Canadian legal professionals working to promote equity, justice, and opportunity for Asian Canadian legal professionals and the wider community.

Founded in 2011, FACL BC is the largest equity-seeking bar association in British Columbia with over 800 members ranging from judges, partners, associates, in-house counsel, academics and law students and is affiliated with other FACL chapters across Canada and the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) in the United States, which represents over 80,000 lawyers.

In 2024, FACL BC received the Canadian Bar Association Touchstone Award as a result of our contributions relating to race and gender, and for promoting equality in the legal profession, the judiciary, and the legal community in all of Canada. FACL BC was also the winner of the 2022 Clawbies award for Best Podcast and the 2021 Clawbies award for Best Innovative Project for our ground-breaking documentary, “But I Look Like a Lawyer”, which captures stories of the discrimination, stereotyping and bias experienced by members of the Pan-Asian legal community. Allies are welcome, and can support our mission by joining as a Supporting Member. Supporting Members do not need to identify as pan-Asian or as a legal professional. Learn more here. 


    • 24 Oct 2024
    • 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
    • Zoom


    Register Here

    FACL BC understands that navigating through the NCA process can be confusing, lonely, and overwhelming, and is excited to present a panel discussion to help provide insight to NCA students as they navigate exams. The Panel will consist of NCA students who recently completed their required exams and an NCA tutor, and the topics will focus  on exam selection and studying. Mark your calendars for Thursday, October 24, 2024 from 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm and connect with us on Zoom for an insightful session with your fellow peers.

    Registration is open to FACL BC members. To become a member, please visit faclbc.ca/join

    Disclaimer: FACL does not endorse any tutoring services. This online discussion is to assist with navigating through the NCA process, provide advice, and build a supportive community among all participants! 

    Panelist Profile Descriptions:

    Vanessa Santaguida 

    Vanessa is the founder of NCA Mentor™️, has a rich educational background with an LLB obtained with first-class honors from the University of Sussex in England. Recognizing a lack of support for Internationally trained law students and lawyers (ITLs) in the NCA market upon her return, Vanessa's passion for teaching and empowering legal professionals led her to establish NCA Mentor™️. With an Undergraduate and master’s degrees in business, a Bachelor of Education, and a teaching certificate from the Ontario College of Teachers, Vanessa brings over a decade of teaching experience to her role. 

    Jessica Pham 

    Jessica is proud to say that she is full Vietnamese and the first in her family to pursue a career in law. She has both her legal administrative assistant and paralegal certificate and is in her 10th year of working in the legal field. She was encouraged by her employers to continue her education and completed a law degree at the University of Leicester in England. While doing NCA exams, Jessica worked full-time at a prestigious civil litigation firm that primarily focused on defence work. At present, Jessica has secured split articles with Richard Fowler, K.C. and Marilyn Sandford, K.C. and will start later this month.

    Monica Gangar

    Monica is a first-generation law student. She completed her BA in Criminology at SFU. She went on to do a LLB at the University of Sussex in England. While doing the NCA exams, she worked at a corporate law firm in Surrey and also ran a Poverty Law Clinic with a non-profit organization. She is currently articling with Portside Law doing family law and child protection work. She is in PLTC at the moment. 

    Moderated by Tina Ye, FACL BC NCA/LLM Committee Chair

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    By attending this event, you agree to abide by the FACL BC Event Code of Conduct.

    If you have any questions about the Code of Conduct, please email info@faclbc.ca.


    • 25 Oct 2024
    • 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    • Hamilton Duncan's Office, 13401 108 Ave #1450, Surrey, BC V3T 5T3 or Zoom
    • 17
    Register


    Register Here for Zoom

    Join us for an engaging inaugural seminar and reception, hosted by Gurminder Sandhu, KC at the offices of Hamilton Duncan Law Corporation in Surrey. This exclusive event is tailored for lawyers and law students, offering valuable insights into insurance law as presented by Gurminder. After the seminar, Hamilton Duncan will host a post-seminar reception, providing an excellent opportunity to network with other lawyers and students.  We extend our sincere thanks to Hamilton Duncan for graciously offering FACL BC their space.

    Transportation & Parking Information

    Hamilton Duncan’s offices are located at 13401 108 Ave #1450, Surrey, BC V3T 5T3. The offices are adjacent to the Skytrain (Gateway Skytrain station), are easily accessible from Highways 1 and 1A and offer underground parking.

    Agenda:

    5:30 pm to 7:00 pm: Seminar on Introduction to Insurance Law, including Q&A Session and Closing Remarks

    7:00 pm to 8:30 pm: Networking reception and Tour of Hamilton Duncan's office

    Registration:

    Secure your spot by registering in advance. Complimentary drinks and small bites will be provided courtesy of Hamilton Duncan. Only 40 in-person spots are available for this exclusive event.

    Alternatively, a Zoom link will be provided to those who register for virtual attendance. Please register by clicking the link above. 

    Meet our Host


    As King’s Counsel, a current Bencher of the Law Society, a former member of the Canadian Bar Association’s Provincial Council and a member of the BC Federal Judicial Advisory Committee, Gurminder Sandhu, KC has a reputation that speaks for itself. In nearly 25 years as litigation counsel, he has had experience in all manner of litigation matters, from claims involving personal injuries to human rights issues to real estate disputes to commercial matters and beyond.

    Final Notes

    While this event is complimentary, we kindly request that you inform us of any changes to your RSVP as a courtesy to both Hamilton Duncan Law Corporation, our host, and other potential attendees. Timely notification of any changes ensures efficient planning and helps us maintain the quality of our events.

    Please note that unexplained absences or repeated no-shows to FACL BC events may affect your ability to attend future complimentary events.

    ________________

    By attending this event, you agree to abide by the FACL BC Event Code of Conduct.

    If you have any questions about the Code of Conduct, please email info@faclbc.ca.

    • 26 Oct 2024
    • 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
    • Milano Espresso Lounge, 36 Powell St, Vancouver
    Register


    Welcome to the first-ever in-person Write-On membership event! I'm Janice Jua Fujikawa, your new host as Jenny Huang steps into her role as President. This event is designed to help legal professionals explore their heritage, identity, and professional lives through guided writing and reflection. Whether you’re an experienced journaler or trying it for the first time, this session will offer a supportive space for personal growth, setting goals, and connecting with like-minded individuals.

    Our guest speaker, Steven Ngo—one of Canada’s Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers and Senior In-House Counsel at Rivian—will lead us through thoughtful writing prompts, quiet reflection, and group discussions to foster personal development.

    Event Details:
    Join us in person on October 26, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM at Milano Espresso Lounge (36 Powell St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1E7) for an inspiring session of reflective journaling.

    What to Bring:
    A journal, or any writing materials (pen, paper, or laptop). Grab a coffee or tea and immerse yourself in this relaxing and empowering experience.

    Moderators:

    • Janice Jua Fujikawa, FACL BC Membership Vice-Chair, Owen Bird Law Corporation

    • Steven Ngo, FACL BC Past President (2022–2023), Senior In-House Counsel at Rivian

      ___________________________________________________

      By attending this event, you agree to abide by the FACL BC Event Code of Conduct.

      If you have any questions about the Code of Conduct, please email info@faclbc.ca.


    • 19 Nov 2024
    • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    • Bentall II Building, 555 Burrard Street, 11th floor, Vancouver, B.C. V7X 1M8 or on Zoom
    • 14
    Register

    Register for Zoom here 

    Join us for an engaging Lunch and Learn seminar on Builders Liens and Construction Law Delay Claims, hosted by Marc MacEwing, Mark Braidwood, and Ouran Li of Clyde & Co Canada LLP. Marc, Mark and Ouran will discuss builders liens and delay claims which commonly arise during the course of a construction project. A case study which covers several issues discussed during the presentation will follow. Whilst this exclusive event is tailored for lawyers, law students are welcome to join.

    We thank Clyde & Co for graciously offering to host FACL BC for this event.

    This seminar is eligible for 1 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credits, providing you with an opportunity to enhance your professional skills and stay updated on crucial legal topics. Don't miss this unique opportunity to expand your knowledge, connect with industry experts, and enjoy a productive lunch and learn experience.

    Meet our Presenters


    Since 1982, Marc MacEwing has practiced extensively in the area of construction law, focusing on builders liens, tendering disputes, the preparation and analysis of contract documents and construction–related litigation.


    With a focus on dispute resolution, including claims for delays, Mark Braidwood represents all parties involved in construction, including owners, developers, construction managers, contractors, sub-contractors, and design professionals in multiple jurisdictions.


    Ouran Li defends construction parties and site participants against allegations of deficient work and property damage. He also defends professional consultants, including architects and engineers, against allegations of professional errors or omissions.

    Final Notes

    While this event is complimentary, we kindly request that you inform us of any changes to your RSVP as a courtesy to Clyde & Co as our host and also to others who may wish to have attended the event. Timely notification of any changes ensures efficient planning and helps us maintain the quality of our events. Please note that unexplained absences or repeated no-shows to FACL BC events may affect your ability to attend future complimentary events.

    ___________________________________________________

    By attending this event, you agree to abide by the FACL BC Event Code of Conduct.

    If you have any questions about the Code of Conduct, please email info@faclbc.ca.


Statements


Our Podcast

    


Documentary



President's Message

It is a true honour to lead FACL BC as President for the 2024-2025 year. As a first-generation Canadian and the first in my family to become a lawyer, I deeply resonate with many of you. When I joined FACL BC as an articling student during the challenges of COVID, I sought support and connection in a time of uncertainty. What I experienced was far more remarkable than I ever expected: a vibrant and passionate community dedicated to mentorship, driving meaningful change, and championing Asian-Canadian legal professionals.

Throughout my time with FACL BC, I have been privileged to be part of many incredible initiatives and events. Some highlights include helping produce the FACL BC Podcast, available on Apple Podcast and Spotify, where we spotlight the inspiring journeys of Asian-Canadian legal professionals; being involved in the largest mentorship program in Western Canada for law students and junior lawyers; contributing to our impactful documentary, But I Look Like a Lawyer, which has become a key resource for equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) training at local law schools and in the BC bar materials; hosting our monthly wellness-focused journal club, Write On, for the past two years; enjoying meaningful connections at our Hometown Eats events; and establishing our very own FACL BC Journal to highlight and discuss pressing legal issues and topics important to the Asian-Canadian community in BC.

FACL BC has so much to offer, and I sincerely hope you have all experienced the same sense of welcome, community, and belonging that I have. Whether someone introduced you to FACL BC or you bravely attended an event by yourself, I applaud you. It is because of you that we have this wonderful community of over 800 members.

Together, we are a powerful voice for the Asian-Canadian legal community. As we enter our 13th year, leveraging our collective strength to push boundaries is more crucial than ever. In light of recent EDI program cutbacks across North America, fostering unity in diversity is not just a priority - it is a necessity. There is still a lot of work to be done. This year, we are committed to continuing furthering our EDI efforts, sparking essential conversations on allyship, and providing impactful legal educational opportunities for the Asian-Canadian legal community.

I encourage you to continue sharing your ideas, stories, and milestones, actively participate in our initiatives and events, and most importantly, consider volunteering your time or becoming a sponsor. FACL BC is a non-profit society that is predominantly volunteer-driven with 22 board members, over 100 committee volunteers, and 3 part-time staff members. Our growth and influence are only made possible because of your engagement.

We warmly invite you and your friends to join our community at https://faclbc.ca/join as Full or Student Members. Our allies are also welcomed through our Supporting Membership.

Thank you for the privilege of serving as your President. I look forward to working with you! 

Jenny Huang
President
Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers BC
LinkedIn



The FACL BC registered office is situated on the unceded, traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓ə (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. We acknowledge the significance of the land for the Indigenous peoples who have lived here and acted as stewards since time immemorial, as well as the historical and ongoing injustices they still face. We are committed to working towards decolonial solidarity and the full realization of Indigenous rights.   Read our full land acknowledgement here.

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