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. 


    • 8 Nov 2024
    • 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
    • Hyatt Regency Seattle, Room 604 (Skykomish)
    Register


    We are pleased to host an official NAPABA reception to welcome what will be the largest group of Canadian attendees across BC, Alberta, Ontario, and more! The NAPABA Convention is held in different US cities each year and this is the closest it will be to Vancouver, BC. The reception is capped at 49 attendees and you will receive one complimentary drink ticket for attending, on a first come first serve basis. Please see here for the Convention agenda.

    Join FACL BC in celebrating its receipt of the Affiliate of the Year Award. We are the first Canadian affiliate organization to receive this award for our best practices and impact in the local community (see news announcement here).

    This year will also mark the first year that FACL BC will be appointing an Alternate Regional Governor for the Northwest Region to join the NAPABA Board of Governors. We thank all those who put their name forward, and have appointed our Advisory Director/Past President, Fiona Wong, to serve in this role starting November 2024. See you there!

    Please note that Convention registration is required to attend the Canadians Reception, but the event is open to all FACL BC and non-FACL BC members.

    ___________________________________________________

    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.

    • 9 Nov 2024
    • 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
    • Hyatt at Olive 8 (Residential Tower), 737 Olive Way, Seattle WA
    Register


    For those who are attending, please meet in front of 737 Olive Way before 2:00PM as we'll need to let attendees up to the 18th floor in batches. Note that this is the residential tower of Olive 8 (not the hotel side). Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/yJxvU6yW43wXwE6N9

    Join us in Seattle, WA, as we host a fireside chat in conjunction with the 2024 NAPABA Convention and the FACL BC Leadership Academy.

    This event will feature Jamie Chung, Chief Corporate Counsel at Rivian, whose career spans roles as a former partner at Cooley LLP, General Counsel at AAA and Walmart eCommerce. She will share her career journey and insights on leadership and career development. 

    This session is open to all FACL BC members, guests, and supporters attending the NAPABA Convention in Seattle, as well as current and past fellows of the FACL BC Leadership Academy

    Please note: Registration for the NAPABA Convention is not required to attend this event.

    Agenda:

    • 2:00 PM: Event Start

    • 2:20 PM: Opening Remarks

    • 2:30 PM: Fireside Chat with Jamie Chung, moderated by Steven Ngo 

    • 3:00 PM: Q&A

    • 3:30 PM: Event End

    Special thanks to Seyfarth Shaw LLP for supporting this event.

    ___________________________________________________

    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.

    • 15 Nov 2024
    • 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM
    • 29th Floor, 733 Seymour Street
    Join waitlist

    Ahead of the 13th Annual Gala, join us at our complimentary conference and hear from our panel speakers on their unique perspectives on navigating the legal profession as pan-Asian Canadian legal professionals, individually and collectively, highlighting both progress and ongoing challenges in achieving true inclusion.

    In connection with the theme of the 13th Annual Gala, “Unity in Diversity”, the conference will entail an insightful and interactive discussion on how equity, diversity, and inclusion are not separate concepts but are deeply interconnected and mutually reinforcing. By understanding their intersections and hearing the insights and experiences shared by the speakers, we hope to identify challenges, create comprehensive strategies, and empower the attendees to drive positive change in their workplaces, communities, and beyond.

    The conference will be held in person at Vancouver Centre II, Skyview Lounge, 29th Floor, 733 Seymour Street, Vancouver, BC, V6B 0S6. The conference venue is just a five minute walk to the Gala venue! 

    Complimentary canapés and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided. 

    The agenda for the conference is as follows: 

    • Event check-in: 3:15 pm to 3:30 pm

    • Welcome and introductions: 3:30 pm to 3:40 pm 

    • Moderated panel discussion: 3:40 to 4:40 pm

    • Q&A session: 4:40 pm to 5:00 pm

    • Concluding remarks and thank you: 5:00 pm to 5:10 pm

    • Informal audience/panelists engagement: 5:10 pm to 5:30 pm

    We are pleased to announce the following panel speakers for the conference: 

    • Kwang Lim, Vancouver Managing Partner, Bennett Jones

    • Dimple Kainth, Founder and CEO of Satya Law and Sayva Consulting

    • Barbara Wang, Manager, Student Programs & EDI, Blakes Vancouver

    • Brian Cheng, Shareholder, Owen Bird Law Corporation

    The conference will be moderated by Sebastian Chern, FACL BC VP External. 

    We are grateful for the sponsors of the conference, Dentons Canada LLP, Owen Bird Law Corporation, and the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association.

    ___________________________________________________

    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
    • 4
    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.

    • 20 Nov 2024
    • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    • Synergy Business Lawyers LLP 925 W Georgia St #2300, Vancouver, BC V6C 3L2
    • 8
    Register


    Join us for an exciting Munch & Meet event hosted by Brian Rudy and Amy Lowe of Synergy Business Lawyers LLP, a law firm that has expertise in commercial and business law. Brian and Amy will discuss legal matters in General Corporate Commercial, Corporate Structuring and Corporate Reorganizations. This exclusive event is tailored for and only open to in-house lawyers.

    We thank Synergy Law for graciously offering to host FACL BC for this event.

    • Date: Wednesday, November 20, 2024
    • Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM 
    • Location: Synergy Business Lawyers LLP 925 W Georgia St #2300

    The Munch and Meets are designed to be in a smaller group setting to maximize the potential for connecting with the event host and your in-house counsel peers. Accordingly, seats are limited and are available on a first come first serve basis. Upon registration, please verify that you are currently serving in an in-house role as counsel.

    This is the first Munch and Meet open to the wider FACL BC in-house community.

    Final Notes

    While this event is complimentary, we kindly request that you inform us of any changes to your RSVP as a courtesy to Synergy Business Lawyers 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.

    • 22 Nov 2024
    • 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
    • Zoom

    Register here

    FACL BC will be hosting a moderated panel discussion, "Securing a Job Outside the OCI Process," on November 22nd at 12:30PM. The panel will be facilitated remotely to increase accessibility and is aimed at supporting students who chose not to apply for OCIs or did not secure a position through them.

    Meet our Speakers

    Zheng-Yi Ong is a member of Garfinkle Biderman LLP’s commercial and securities group, focusing on capital markets and mergers and acquisitions. Before joining Garfinkle Biderman, Zheng-Yi articled at Harper Grey LLP while serving on FACL BC’s Board of Directors and, worked at Fortis BC during the summer prior to 3L.

    Jim Wu is the Litigation Lead at Forte Law, where he brings extensive expertise in employment law, honed through years running his own practice. Jim was recognized as a 2023 Rising Star by Lexpert and received the CBABC Diversity Award. Previously, he articled at Wallace M. Wong and Co. Barristers and Solicitors and served on FACL BC’s board of directors.

    Jennifer Lau is a Career Advisor for Graduate Studies at Allard Law, and has held various roles at Allard, including the Director of Career Services. Jennifer has a background in litigation and experience as a judicial law clerk at the BC Supreme Court. Jenn is also a founding board member of FACL BC and previously served as Director of Professional Resources at Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP, where she managed student recruitment and development.

    ___________________________________________________

    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.

    • 22 Nov 2024
    • 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    • 1063 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC
    • 0
    Join waitlist


    FACL BC Hometown Eats Series is back! This Series invites members to network over plates of delicious food prepared by local favourite restaurants. Each event of this Series will highlight a particular kind of Asian cuisine and will be hosted by members of our FACL BC board.

    Our next FACL BC Hometown Eats event is ready to show you a taste of Malaysian food at John 3:16 Malaysian Delights on Friday, November 22 at 6:30 pm.

    • Restaurant: John 3:16 Malaysian Delights
    • Location: 1063 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC V6H 1E2
    • Date & Time: Friday, November 22, 2024 | Time: 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm

    Guests who visit John 3:16 Malaysian Delights rave about their delicious, authentic Malaysian food. Each of their dishes are attractive to the eye and seasoned with just the right amount of spice to appeal to the palates of the true Malaysian food aficionado.

    The cost is $31.00 per person including tax and gratuity and will include a selection of some of the must-try dishes. Feel free to explore additional food and drinks beyond our selection; however, these delightful extras will be at your own expense.
    This event has an attendance cap, so make sure to secure your spot earlier than later. Please send us an email at membership@faclbc.ca if you have any dietary restrictions.


    Event hosts:

    • Catherine Wong, Associate at Guild Yule LLP | Membership Committee Chair
    • Xue Zhang, Associate at Lawson Lundell LLP | Membership Committee Vice-Chair
    • Janice Fujikawa, Articled Student at Owen Bird Law Corporation | Membership Committee Vice-Chair
    • Baron Hsueh, Law Student at Allard | Student Director
    • Gaurav Deep Singh I Membership Committee Member
    • Xiang Wei Wan I Membership Committee Member

    ___________________________________________________

    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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