It is a tremendous honour to serve as President of FACL BC for 2026–2027.

This is a particularly meaningful year to begin this role. FACL BC is celebrating its 15th anniversary, marking fifteen years since a small group of committed individuals came together with a vision for a stronger community and collective voice for pan-Asian Canadian legal professionals in BC. Over the past fifteen years, FACL BC has grown exponentially, evolving from a small organization into a respected and award-winning leader within our legal profession.

As I begin this term, I have been thinking not only about how far FACL BC has come, but also about what we want it to look like fifteen years and more from now.

Our challenge is not simply to continue growing. It is to grow thoughtfully and sustainably, while preserving the things that have made FACL BC special. We have inherited an incredible foundation built through the dedication of our founders, past directors, volunteers, sponsors, and members. We are the beneficiaries of that work, and with that comes a responsibility to be good stewards of the organization and to leave it stronger for those who come after us.

FACL BC is more than its events and programs, and as we look to build on FACL BC’s growth and momentum, I want FACL BC to continue to be the organization it has always been: a place where every member feels that they belong. At its heart, FACL BC is a community. That community is built by the people who volunteer their time, the members who show up and participate, the mentors who give their guidance, the sponsors who invest in our work, and everyone who helps create a stronger and more connected community.

The future of FACL BC belongs to all of us, and there are many ways that you can help shape FACL BC’s next chapter. Join a committee. Attend an event. Mentor a student or junior lawyer. Bring someone new into our community. Share an idea. Volunteer your time. Or simply reach out and tell us what you would like to see from FACL BC.

I am incredibly proud of what this organization has accomplished over the past fifteen years, grateful to those who have built the foundation on which we stand, and excited about what we can accomplish together. Thank you for the trust you have placed in me. I look forward to serving you and to building FACL BC’s next chapter together.

Lily Y. Zhang

President, FACL BC

2026–2027