You are cordially invited to the FACL BC Complimentary Annual Conference. We are proud to announce that this year’s conference will be held in-person (with virtual streaming available). 

Join us in exploring the theme of “Champions”, whether it is championing causes within the community, breaking barriers, or empowering oneself in our personal and professional lives. 

We are excited to welcome the Honourable Judge Gurmail Gill of the British Columbia Provincial Court for a moderated discussion on his journey to the Bench. Termed the “Renaissance Man”, Judge Gill was the first judge of South Asian descent appointed to the British Columbia Provincial Court. Judge Gill is also a 5th degree Black Belt in Karate-Do, a martial art instructor, a licensed pilot, and an avid astronomer and astro-photographer.

This discussion will be moderated by FACL BC President, Fiona Wong.

Following the chat with Judge Gill, tune in to our very own Advocacy and Mentorship Committees on their programming in discovering the spirit of championship, from learning advocacy skills and affecting social change, to gaining valuable insights on personal and professional victories. Attendees are welcome to select their program of choice (see description below).  

Conference attendees are eligible to earn CPD credits with the Law Society of British Columbia. 

Register

Registration: Complimentary, thanks to our Conference Sponsors Jenkins Marzban Logan LLP and Thompson Rivers University. Online registration required. 

Registration for in-person attendance is limited to 50 people, and virtual attendance is unlimited. Gala ticket holders will also need to RSVP through the registration link so FACL BC can arrange lunch.

When: Friday, 17 Nov 2023, 11:30am - 2:30pm PST

Where: In-person and virtual 

Location: TD Tower, 700 W Georgia St, Vancouver BC. We thank TD Bank Group for providing their venue space.

Complimentary lunch will be provided by FACL BC and will be available on a first-come-first-serve basis..

Agenda

11:30 AM - 12:00 PM: Registration, lunch provided. 

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Fireside Chat with Honourable Judge Gurmail Gill, moderated by FACL BC President Fiona Wong. 

1:15 PM - 2:15 PM: Concurrent Workshops by Advocacy and Mentorship Committees

Program

Presented by: FACL BC’s Advocacy Committee 

Beyond Boundaries: Building Community Champions, a transformative seminar inspired by FACL BC’s Leadership Academy's ethos. 

This breakout session will feature Mark Leung, General Counsel at GSL Group, who will address the theme of transcending racial boundaries and becoming champions for change. Attendees will gain valuable advocacy skills and learn how to position themselves as champions for social change by not only addressing racial disparities but also forging connections and understanding with non-racialized communities. Mark will share his expertise and experiences, providing attendees with the knowledge, skills and inspiration to advocate effectively for themselves and their community. 

--

Presented by: FACL BC’s Mentorship Committee 

Mentorship Session: Who’s Your Champion? 

For many of us, especially for first-generation lawyers, it can be challenging to feel like we belong or have the support of others in this profession. In this discussion, our panelists will share their experiences, insights and advice to help each of us champion for ourselves and find mentors who will be our champion within the legal profession and workplace. This panel will feature Anna Fung, K.C., Deputy Commissioner of British Columbia Utilities Commission; Chilwin Cheng, Principal at Ascendion Law; and Ruby Dhand, Professor at Thompson Rivers University.