Newsletter

  • 9 Sep 2020 11:20 AM | FACL BC (Administrator)


    FACL BC Newsletter

    September 2020 Edition


    Dear members,

    FACL BC would like to welcome you to a new year. To our student members, we hope you have a great first week back at school remotely. This upcoming year will be uncharted waters for all of us, but FACL BC is here to support you through a number of exciting initiatives and virtual events. 

    To hear about some of them, please click here to see a brief welcome video from our President, Abigail Cheung.



    1. FACL BC Spotlight Series

    We will be featuring a different Board member or FACL member in the community in each newsletter this year to enhance member engagement. If you’d like to nominate someone or be featured, email us at info@faclbc.ca with the name of the person being nominated as well as their email contact. We want to get to know you better!


    2. Upcoming Events


    Behind the Curtain: Working In-House - September 30, 2020

    • Moderated by May Au (Motorola Solutions, Inc.) and Steven Ngo (Visier, Inc.)
    • You do not need to be in-house or a member of FACL BC to attend
    • Event will be eligible for CPD credit

    Learn more: https://www.faclbc.ca/event-3971462

    3. 2020/2021 Board of Directors and Team

    Thank you to everyone who attended our Annual General Meeting held on July 30, 2020. We would like to take this moment to introduce our new Board of Directors and team:

    Executive
    President - Abigail Cheung
    Vice President (External) - Hasan Alam
    Vice President (Internal) - Oliver Leung
    Vice President (Marketing) - Steven Ngo
    ​Treasurer - Jessica Guo
    Advisory Director - Samson Chan

    Directors-at-Large
    Afifa Hashimi
    Alex Chang
    Audrey Jun
    Fiona Wong
    James Hsu
    Khalil Jessa
    Rasmeet Mohar
    Sara Pedlow 

    Secretary - Brian Cheng
    Gala Chair - Karen Chow
    National Representative - Chris Yan

    Area Representatives
    Ruby Dhand
    Sarah Sohn 

    Student Directors
    Lily Le
    Jacqueline Louie
    Sandy Lun 

    Executive Coordinators

    Crystal Szeto

    Daniel Szeto


    4. Content Suggestions and Feedback

    FACL BC is revamping its marketing and branding efforts entirely this year and we want to hear from you. If there is content that you’d like to see more from us in these newsletters, please email info@faclbc.ca and a member of our membership committee will be in touch.

    Any open feedback? We’d love to hear from you here.  


    FACL BC Membership Committee

    Follow us on our website and on social media @faclbc.

    Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn


  • 28 Jul 2020 12:24 PM | FACL BC (Administrator)


    FACL BC Newsletter 

    July 2020 Edition

    Upcoming Events


    1) FACL BC - 2020 Annual General Meeting 

    FACL BC’s Annual General Meeting (the “AGM”) will be held on Thursday, July 30, 2020 from 5:00 to 6:30pm via Zoom.

    The AGM is open to current FACL BC members only. If you are not a current FACL BC member, you can join or renew your membership through our website. If you have any questions regarding your membership status, please contact us at inquiries@faclbc.ca.  Please join us! 

    The agenda and previous meeting minutes for approval can be found here. The list of candidates and their nomination statements can be found here.

    Register here by July 29 at 5pm: https://faclbc.ca/event-3900443


    Event Updates 

    1) Legal Developments in the COVID-19 Era: Federal Employment Benefits, Tenant and Landlord Rights, and Human Rights

    On April 22, 2020, FACL BC hosted over 124 students and lawyers at our first online panel discussion event on developments arising out of the COVID-19 pandemic in the areas of Employment Insurance and other federal benefits, tenants’ and landlords’ rights and responsibilities, and human rights law. The Legal Developments in the COVID-19 event featured Laura Track (Community Legal Assistance Society), Emma Lazo (Tenant Resource and Advisory Centre), and Jim Wu (Forte Law) as guest speakers.



    2) Diversity on the Bench: A Webinar Discussion with the Honourable Attorney General David Eby

    Last November at our annual FACL Gala, the Honourable Minister Eby stressed the importance of creating greater diversity on the bench and invited visible minority lawyers to apply for judicial and administrative positions. Acting upon this invitation, FACL BC hosted our Diversity on the Bench event on Monday, May 11, 2020, with the Honourable Attorney General David Eby to discuss the importance of increasing visible minorities on the provincial Bench and tribunals and the process of applying for those positions. The Minister was joined by Charley Beresford of the Crown Agencies & Board Resourcing Office. Over 100 students and lawyers joined FACL BC, the Honourable Attorney General David Eby, and Charley Beresford during this event.



    3) How to Navigate Through Uncertainty in the Legal Profession

    With the recent upheaval of our lives due to COVID-19, the impacts are being felt not only on a personal level but also on a professional level and within the legal profession. On May 14, 2020, FACL BC hosted 41 law students and lawyers at our online panel discussion event. The panelists shared their experience going through events of change and uncertainty in the past as well as how they were able to navigate through these events. Panelists included Enoch H. Chang (Fasken), Sena Byun (Telus), and David Namkung (Leaders International).



    4) The Impact of COVID-19 on Law Students and Recent Graduates: What You Need To Know

    The COVID-19 pandemic has affected us all, and law students and recent graduates may face unique challenges during this uncertain time.  On May 19, 2020, FACL BC hosted 148 students and lawyers at our online webinar event.  The webinar addressed career concerns (including pass/fail grades, the impact of the pandemic on student jobs and recruitment, networking advice, and job search strategies), mental health, and what law schools in B.C. are doing to support students.  Panelists included Laura Pringle (Law Careers Officers, University of Victoria Faculty of Law), Laura Millman (Director of Professional Resources, McCarthy Tétrault LLP), and Anna Kline (Counsellor and Manager, Student Wellbeing, Peter A. Allard School of Law at UBC).



    5) 2020 FACL BC Extraordinary General Meeting and Post-EGM Social and Info Session

    On June 12, 2020, FACL BC held our 2020 Extraordinary General Meeting and Post-EGM Social/Info Session.  Participants of the Post-EGM Social/Info Session had an eventful evening connecting with each other and the FACL BC Board to discuss the board nomination process and opportunities with FACL BC.



    6) A Community Discussion: The Rise in Anti-Asian Discrimination in B.C.

    Anti-Asian hate crimes and discrimination have significantly increased across Canada. A recent Angus Reid Poll showed that a majority of Chinese Canadians surveyed had been targets of anti-Asian racism. In light of this, FACL BC hosted 92 participants in a community discussion webinar on the alarming rise in anti-Asian racism on June 30, 2020.

    This webinar featured panelists including Kasari Govender (Human Rights Commissioner of B.C.), Bowinn Ma (NDP MLA for North Vancouver-Lonsdale), and Kevin Huang (Executive Director, Hua Foundation) to discuss how and why this disturbing trend is manifesting, and the actions the provincial government, independent bodies, and community stakeholders are taking to combat it.



    7) Fridays with FACL

    Throughout May and June FACL BC hosted numerous discussion sessions on Fridays to provide a forum to those in our community to discuss a variety of topics:

    Session 1. Friday, May 1 - Xenophobia: Lessons from the past with Judge Maryka Omatsu (Ont Court of Justice; FACL — Founder)


    Session 2. Friday, May 8 - Anxiety/Mental Health: Navigating through change and breaking the stigma with Winston Sayson Q.C. (Crown Counsel / Trial Prosecutor at BC Public Service)

    '

    Session 3. Friday, May 22 - Economy/Business: What is on the horizon? The economic impact of COVID-19 with Yin Liang (Regional Sales Manager at BMO Wealth Management) and Daniel Lau (Managing Director at LM Asset Management)


    Session 4. Friday, May 29 - Legal Tech: The future of our practice with Jeremy Hessing-Lewis (Founder of Small Law) and Matthew Peters (National Innovation Leader, Partner at McCarthy Tétrault)


    Session 5. Friday, June 26 - Career: Career Planning + Advancement Amidst COVID-19 with Jayne Rossworn (Acting Director, Career Services at Peter A. Allard School of Law) and Mark Fenwick (VP, Corporate Services at Impact Recruitment)



    Job and Volunteering Opportunities 

    1) QMUNITY - Board Position


    QMUNITY is a leading provincial resource centre offering community services and programs that celebrate, support and enhance the diverse cultures of queer communities. We offer our resources in a welcoming, accessible, and safe space that is relevant to the communities we serve. Our services and programs support healthy and active living, provide leadership, increase awareness, advocate where needed, and promote arts and culture.

    Serving on the Board is an exciting, challenging and rewarding opportunity to contribute to BC’s queer communities. As a Director, you work with other Directors and the Executive Director to ensure QMUNITY continues to move forward on various major projects, develop strategies to raise operational and capital funds, and reach out into the queer community to secure continued support.

    We are looking for someone who can bring a legal lens to our discussions and who would be willing to share their skills with the board. We have a diverse board already and are looking to continue to expand our representation of all peoples to the best of our ability.  QMUNITY is aiming to fill this position with a person who identifies as a racial minority in an effort to diversify the voices of its Board.

    Anyone interested can contact Anthony Azar at aazar@tractionondemand.com. Anthony is a current Director of QMUNITY and the Director, Talent Acquisition at Traction on Demand.


    2) Ascendancy Law Corporation - Articling Student or 1-2 year call lawyer


    Ascendancy Law Corporation is looking for an articling student-at-law, or a 1-2 year call lawyer for our growing general solicitors’ practice.  Our area of practice spans corporate, commercial, real estate, wills and estate, and family law.  In litigation, our firm supports barristers with our expertise and experience in solicitor’s transactions across our area of practice.  We serve a broad spectrum of clientele from large corporations to individuals with very personal needs.  You will have a broad range of experience and learning opportunities at our firm. Please learn more about us at www.ascendancylawcorp.com.  If you are interested in applying for a position with us, please send us your cover letter and C.V. by email to office@ascendlaw.ca.


    3) Lesperance Mendes Lawyers - Litigation Lawyer


    LESPERANCE MENDES is a commercial litigation firm situated across from the Smithe Street Courthouse in downtown Vancouver.  Our practice areas include construction law, environmental law, strata law, employment law, intellectual property and commercial litigation.

    We are looking for a two to five year call to join our growing practice.  The successful applicant will have initiative, creativity and strong analytical skills to join our ten lawyer team.  We offer competitive salary and benefits in an environment that emphasizes complex work, professional development and training.  All resumes are held in confidence.

    Please contact: kmw@lmlaw.ca


    Follow us on social media @faclbc

    Sincerely,

    FACL BC Membership Committee

  • 20 Apr 2020 11:29 AM | FACL BC (Administrator)


    FACL BC Newsletter 

    April 2020 Edition

    Message from FACL BC President, Samson Chan

    Dear members and partners,

    COVID-19 has changed our lives - the way we interact, work, play, learn and live. We are all going through uncertain times right now - the economy, job market, xenophobia, public health measures, and so on.

    But you are not alone. We at FACL BC recognize your needs during these times and we continue to plan and create virtual initiatives to address such needs. This is what community is all about. Specifically, as you will see in our newsletter and social media postings, we have the following virtual events set up for the upcoming weeks, on topics that you will certainly resonate with and find invaluable:

    1) Legal Developments in the COVID-19 Era: Federal Employment Benefits, Tenant and Landlord Rights, and Human Rights (April 22)

    The COVID-19 pandemic has led to changes in not only how British Columbians live their lives, but also the legal landscape that governs us.

    FACL BC invites you to participate in an informational online panel discussion on Wednesday, April 22, 2020 at 5:00 - 6:15 PM to learn more about developments arising out of this pandemic in the areas of Employment Insurance and other federal benefits, tenants’ and landlords’ rights and responsibilities, and human rights law.

    This event will feature a panel discussion with our three panellists: Laura Track (Community Legal Assistance Society), Emma Lazo (Tenant Resource and Advisory Centre) and Jim Wu (Forte Law) followed by an interactive question and answer session. This event will be moderated by Hasan Alam (Staff Lawyer - BCGEU; FACL BC Advocacy Committee Chair).

    *Pre-registration is required*

    Register here: https://faclbc.ca/event-3816869

    2) How to Navigate Through Uncertainty in the Legal Profession (May 14)

    With the recent upheaval of our lives due to COVID-19, the impacts are being felt not only on a personal level but also on a professional level and within the legal profession. Join us for a panel discussion on how to navigate through uncertainty in the legal profession on Thursday, May 14, 2020, at 5:00 PM.

    The panel will feature those who have gone through something in the past (whether it was the 2008 economic crash, unexpected job loss or personal life change) and discuss how they were able to navigate through this uncertainty in their work and personal lives.

    The panel will include Enoch H. Chang (Fasken), Sena Byun (TELUS) and David Namkung (Leaders International). This event will be moderated by Steven Ngo (Visier; FACL BC Director/Secretary).

    Register here: https://faclbc.ca/event-3814922

    3) Fridays with FACL (May 1, 8, 22 and 29)

    One of the ways FACL BC wants to be of service to our members is by providing a weekly forum to those in our community to speak on a variety of topics relevant to this period of COVID-19. We will do this through a weekly 30 min session hosted by a member from our executive committee which will take place every Friday from 12:30 - 1:00 PM starting May 1, 2020. We know that you are inundated with information and events at this time so we plan to keep this crisp and focused. Each week will cover a different topic and feature a special guest related to the topic.

    • Session 1. Friday, May 1 - Xenophobia: Lessons from the past with Judge Maryka Omatsu (Ont Court of Justice; FACL — Founder) 
    • Session 2. Friday, May 8 - Anxiety/Mental Health: Navigating through change and breaking the stigma with Winston Sayson Q.C. (Crown Counsel / Trial Prosecutor at BC Public Service)  
    • Session 3. Friday, May 22 - Economy/Business: What is on the horizon? The economic impact of COVID-19 with Yin Liang (Regional Sales Manager at BMO Wealth Management) and Daniel Lau (Managing Director at LM Asset Management)
    • Session 4. Friday, May 29 - Legal Tech: The future of our practice with Jeremy Hessing-Lewis (Founder of Small Law) and Matthew Peters (National Innovation Leader, Partner at McCarthy Tétrault)

    Register here: http://bit.ly/faclbcfridays

    We are proactive in tackling these difficult times. Instead of feeling disappointed in cancelling our physical events planned months ago, we adapt quickly to leverage technology and creativity to address your imminent needs, on topics that may be reluctantly discussed on other platforms. Similarly, you should take advantage of the available resources like ours to stay informed and educated, and be prepared for what's coming. So, sign up and join us.

    We are in this together.

    Samson Chan

    President, FACL BC

    Event Updates 

    1) Mentorship Roundtable and Mixer

    On February 20, 2020, over 75 students and lawyers attended our Mentorship Roundtable and Mixer event to learn more about different legal practice areas held at McCarthy Tétrault. Throughout the evening, attendees rotated through 3 informal conversation groups led by lawyers practicing in each chosen legal practice area.

     

    2) Career Development Night in Victoria

    On February 27, 2020, FACL BC held our first career development night in Victoria with practitioners from different practice areas of law at Crease Harman LLP.  Guest speakers included Pinder Cheema, QC (Law Society of BC Bencher), David Aujla (Crease Harman LLP), and Laylee Rohani (Cook Roberts LLP) who discussed their practice and tips on practice management.


    3) TRU Law Equity Panel

    On March 6, 2020, FACL BC x Beyond the A took part in a panel event at the TRU Faculty of Law. The panel discussed topics regarding “Equity” in the legal profession, which touched on topics such as race, sex, age in the interview processes and throughout one’s career. Panelists included Steven Ngo (Visier; FACL BC), Adrienne Smith (Adrienne Smith Law), Hisako Takahashi (MJB Law), Jessica Vliegenthart (Fulton & Company LLP) and Kim Carter (Parents Legal Centre). The event hosted over 100 TRU students, faculty members and more. We are so proud to have held our first collaboration event with TRU Law and are looking forward to many more to come!


    Follow us on social media @faclbc

    Sincerely,

    FACL BC Membership Committee

  • 11 Feb 2020 12:07 PM | FACL BC (Administrator)



    FACL BC Newsletter 

    February 2020 Edition

    Event Updates 

    FACL BC 8th Annual Gala

    The Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers (British Columbia) Society (“FACL BC”) was thrilled to host 350 distinguished guests at our 8th Annual Gala on November 8, 2019. The Honorable David Eby, Q.C. gave a brief speech emphasizing the importance of judicial diversity. The Honorable Madam Justice Palbinder Kaur Shergill delivered an inspiring speech filled with her personal and professional stories. The recipient of the 2019 Lawyer of Distinction Award was Winston Sayson, Q.C., the first Chinese-Filipino Canadian appointed as Queen’s Counsel in British Columbia. The recipient of the 2019 Student Scholarship was Ms. Samrah Mian. We are thankful for every one of our generous sponsors and look forward to hosting you again in November 2020.


    FACL BC Weekend Dim-Sum

    In 2007, the original plans for FACL started over dim sum. To pay homage to FACL’s origin story (and because connecting over great food is a reason in itself to get together), on November 24, 2019, FACL BC held its 2019 Dim Sum Social at Sun Sui Wah. To no surprise, the sold-out event was a great success and brought together over 50 attendees, including senior counsel, FACL BC board members, lawyers and students. 

    Thanks to everyone who attended!


    FACL In-House Counsel Roundtable Discussion Series

    On Thursday, February 6, FACL BC held its inaugural roundtable discussion series at Avigilon (Vancouver) for in-house counsel to connect and talk about key topics and issues relevant to their practice. It was a very successful event and will be the first of many for years to come. If you currently work in-house and want to be part of this in the future, please email May Au or Steven Ngo to join. 

    For members who are not working in-house, FACL BC will be organizing an event in the summer/fall 2020 which will be open to all lawyers and students.


    Upcoming Events 

    3rd Mentorship Roundtable and Mixer

    Want to learn more about different legal practice areas and how to determine the right fit for you? There is no better way than speaking with lawyers immersed in those areas to gain some insight into their respective practices. This event is often well-attended by law students, junior lawyers, and anyone else looking to explore their options. On registration, you will be asked to select 3 practice areas of interest. During the event, you will then be rotating through 3 informal conversation groups led by lawyers practicing in each of your chosen areas. Come with your questions, as this will be a great opportunity to feed your curiosity. 

    Date: February 20, 2020

    When: 5:15 - 7:40pm

    Where: McCarthy Tétrault (745 Thurlow St Suite 2400, Vancouver, BC V6E 0C5)

     

    TRU Panel

    On March 6, 2020, FACL BC x Beyond the A is hosting a panel event at the Faculty of Law at TRU. The topic of the event will be “Equity” in the legal profession, discussing various topics such as race, sex, age in the interview processes and throughout one’s career. Currently, we have our very own Steven Ngo, Corporate Counsel at Visier, as a confirmed panellist, along with Adrienne Smith, a Human Rights lawyer. We will have two more panelists who are TRU Alumni and working in the Kamloops area sitting on the panel to provide a diverse and rich discussion. The event will be hosting around 100 TRU students, faculty members and more. We are so excited to have our first collaboration event with TRU Law and are looking forward to thoughts and ideas to be shared, and connections to be made! 

    Date: March 6, 2020

    Where: Thompson Rivers University (835 University Dr, Kamloops, BC V2C 0C8)


    Anxiety and Mental Health in the Legal Profession

    On March 18, 2020, FACL BC is hosting a panel of lawyers at different stages of their careers in private practice, in-house and government to talk about anxiety and mental health, their personal experiences and how you can apply these lessons in your career. Afterwards, we will leave some time for Q&A and informal discussions.

    This event is hosted in collaboration with Beyond the A and is kindly supported by Fasken. Food/refreshments will be provided. 

    Date: March 18, 2020

    When: 5:15 - 7:30pm

    Where: Fasken (550 Burrard St Suite 2900, Vancouver, BC V6C 0A3)

    RSVP: https://www.faclbc.ca/event-3728337


    General Announcements

    Mentorship Pairing

    Our mentorship program is underway and spots are filling up fast. There are less than 20 pairing opportunities remaining. If you are a law or articling student interested in finding a mentor this year, we encourage you to sign up by filling out our 2019-2020 Mentee Application Form. Please note that all mentees must be FACL BC members. Please sign up at: https://faclbc.ca/mentorship.


    Sincerely,

    FACL BC Membership Committee

  • 6 Nov 2019 10:11 PM | FACL BC (Administrator)


    FACL BC Newsletter 

    November 2019 Edition

    Event Updates 

    FACL BC Presents: Balancing Family and Law

    On October 3, 2019, FACL BC held a panel sponsored and hosted by Miller Thomson LLP on “Balancing Family and The Law”. We had a lively and interactive discussion on a range of topics including maternity and paternity leave, the realities of managing a family and a legal practice, and how having a family impacts one’s legal career. The panelists, Julia Law, Timothy Law, Sara Pedlow, and Rahim Esmail, were candid with their experiences and offered valuable advice.


    FACL BC Presents: 2019 Canadian Election Panel

    The 2019 Canadian Federal Election has been eventful and intriguing to watch unfold. The FACL Advocacy Committee hosted a panel discussion on various topics revolving around the theme of what it means to be involved in politics as an ethnic minority, and what politics and policymaking mean to Asian-Canadians. Thanks to our informative and insightful speakers - Nav Sanghera, Policy Chair, Liberal Party of Canada in British Columbia and Wai Young, Candidate for the Conservative Party of Canada in Vancouver South and Member of Parliament for Vancouver South, 2011-2015, and our moderator, Jeff Hernaez.


    FACL BC In-House Counsel Social/Launch

    Our inaugural in-house counsel event on Thursday, October 24th was a tremendous success! We brought together over 28 in-house lawyers for our first-ever event for in-house counsel in BC. Thank you to all attendees and to our keynote speaker, Ms. Catherine Chow, Vice President Legal and General Counsel at Keg Restaurants Ltd.

    We hope to host more events in the future to bring together the FACL BC in-house community. If you are interested in adding your email to this mailing list, please let us know!



    Upcoming Events 

    FACL BC 8th Annual Gala

    Our 8th Annual Gala will be held from 5:30-9:00pm on November 8, 2019 to celebrate the collective accomplishments of the Asian Canadian legal community. Held at the Hotel Fairmont Waterfront, the gala will welcome over 300 lawyers, judges, legal professionals and community supporters including the Honourable David Eby, Q.C. This year’s gala theme is judicial diversity.

    We are privileged and excited to have the Honourable Madam Justice Palbinder Kaur Shergill as our keynote speaker. The gala will also honour the 2019 recipients of the FACL BC Lawyer of Distinction Award and the FACL BC Student Scholarship Award.

    More information about the gala can be found here: https://faclbc.ca/event-3531864


    Supportive Relationships Workshop Series: Exploring the Past of Indigenous & Pan-Asian Communities in BC

    The aim of this free workshop is to share Indigenous and Pan-Asian histories in BC, in terms of survival and solidarity in the face of colonial laws and policies, cooperation as well as racial divisions and overall, a deeper appreciation of past relations, values and common interests by exploring shared obstacles and triumphs and the strategies of oppression. 

    Date: Wednesday, November 20, 2019 
    Location: UBC Allard Hall Law School (closest parkade is the Rose Garden/Chan Center parkade) 
    Time: 5:00 to 8:00pm (snack/beverages available); presentation begins at 5:30pm.

    Panelists: Lily Chow, historian; Professor Nancy Sandy (Lakehead Law School, Ontario; former Chief, Williams Lake); Elder Howard Grant; Elder Larry Grant; Dr. Rosalyn Ing (Educator); Mr. George Ing (L.Col. Retired; Chinese Canadian War Museum). 
    Moderator: Professor Hoi Kong, Allard Law School

    RSVP at: http://www.allard.ubc.ca/events/indigenous-legal-studies-ils-research-series-exploring-past-indigenous-and-pan-asian


    Announcements

    We encourage all lawyer members to sign up to mentor our law and articling students. Your participation will determine how many mentees we can accommodate. Mentoring is both personally rewarding and the key to our mandate of promoting equity and opportunity for Asian Canadian lawyers.

    Mentors are invited to interact with mentees however works best for the pair, including by discussing files, observing court appearances, or talking about life in the legal profession. You set the schedule and the level of involvement.

    Past participants in the program report that it is invaluable. We encourage you to visit the link below to take part!

    https://faclbc.ca/mentorship

    Visit us at www.faclbc.ca


    Sincerely,

    FACL BC Membership Committee

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