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  • 21 Sep 2026 11:30 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    The Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers (British Columbia) Society (FACL BC) is concerned about recent restrictions affecting access to Law School Admission Council (LSAC) services for individuals with Iranian citizenship or residency, including reports that Iranian-Canadian dual citizens residing in Canada have had their accounts restricted.

    Although these restrictions arise from changes to U.S. sanctions, their impact is directly felt in Canada. In periods of geopolitical conflict and rapidly changing sanctions regimes, apparent overcompliance by private institutions can have immediate consequences for individuals seeking access to education and professional opportunities in Canada.

    The restriction of services based on Iranian nationality, including for dual citizens living outside Iran, raises serious concerns about discrimination and equality of access to Canadian legal education. Canadian applicants should not face barriers to the legal profession because of their nationality or because a U.S.-based service provider applies foreign sanctions more broadly than required.

    FACL BC Director Nyusha Samiei, acting in her personal capacity, has raised these concerns with law schools in British Columbia and other legal institutions. Canadian law schools have begun considering accommodations for affected applicants. The University of Victoria’s Faculty of Law has publicly confirmed that it will waive the LSAT requirement for applicants unable to access LSAC services because of these restrictions. The University of British Columbia’s Peter A. Allard School of Law and Thompson Rivers University’s Faculty of Law have also acknowledged the issue and indicated that they are considering accommodations for the current admissions cycle. 

    FACL BC welcomes these steps and encourages Canadian law schools to ensure that affected applicants are not disadvantaged. Applicants whose LSAC accounts have been restricted should also contact LSAC directly, as some affected individuals residing outside Iran have been able to regain access after providing additional documentation.

    More broadly, this situation highlights the vulnerability created when access to Canadian legal education depends on a U.S.-based institution subject to foreign laws and sanctions. FACL BC encourages Canadian law schools to work together on immediate accommodations and longer-term safeguards, including consideration of Canadian-administered alternatives.

    FACL BC remains committed to equity and meaningful access to the legal profession in British Columbia and across Canada.

  • 10 Sep 2026 8:00 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    September 10, 2026

    An by-election is being held for Benchers of the Law Society of British Columbia in Vancouver County and District of Okanagan for a term beginning immediately upon electron and ends on December 31, 2027. Voting opened on Tuesday, September 8, 2026 and will close at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 15, 2026. More information about the election, including Candidate biographies and election statements can be found here.

    Given that part of the Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers (British Columbia) Society’s mandate is to promote equity and opportunity, we wrote to the Bencher candidates inviting them to respond to and provide their positions on questions regarding equity and diversity.

    Please find the responses we received here.

    We sincerely thank all candidates who took the time to provide their statements.

    The views expressed are those of the candidates and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of FACL BC.

  • 4 Sep 2026 11:39 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    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


  • 5 Aug 2026 8:00 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    We are pleased to share FACL BC's Annual Report 2025-2026 with all members. The Annual Report can be found here. 

    A special thank you to our board, advisors, volunteers, and members for their contributions. We have achieved many milestones this year as an organization and we hope you enjoy reflecting on the growth and development that we have made together.


  • 12 Jun 2026 8:53 AM | Anonymous

    The Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers (British Columbia) Society (FACL BC) has been granted leave to intervene in the judicial review proceeding of Irvine et al. v. University of British Columbia, Vancouver Registry, Court File No. S252602, currently before the Supreme Court of British Columbia (the Court).

    The petition, filed in April 2025 by a group of UBC faculty members and a graduate student, alleges that UBC has acted contrary to section 66 of the University Act, RSBC 1996, c 468, which requires universities to remain "non-sectarian and non-political in principle." Among other things, the petition challenges UBC's use of Indigenous land acknowledgments, its adoption of statements regarding the conflict in Israel and Palestine, as well as its equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) requirements in faculty hiring. 

    FACL BC's intervention is focused on the third issue, i.e., the challenge to EDI-related hiring practices, with particular attention to their application at UBC's Peter A. Allard School of Law. 

    FACL BC maintains that law schools play a critical role in shaping the future of the legal profession. Faculty diversity and the mentorship environment in which law students are trained have a direct impact on who enters the profession, and who rises to leadership positions within the bar and the judiciary in British Columbia.

    “FACL BC is committed to advancing equity, and fostering a diverse legal profession in BC. Our intervention seeks to assist the Court, by providing a perspective grounded in that mandate and informed by lived experiences of our members." - Jennine Punzalan, President, FACL BC.

    FACL BC is represented in this matter, by Chilwin Cheng from Ascendion Law on a pro-bono basis.For any questions, please contact president@faclbc.ca.

    Read our Notice of Application here. 

  • 24 Feb 2026 9:00 AM | Anonymous

    FACL BC Program Manager (2026-2027)

    The application period for this role ended on March 14. Our hiring team is currently reviewing all submissions.

    Hours: 15 to 30 hours per week estimated (no guaranteed minimum hours)

    Rate: $30 - $40 per hour

    Duration: 1 year (potential for renewal)

    Location: Vancouver, BC (remote, with some in-person attendance at meetings and events)

    Who We Are:

    We are the Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers (British Columbia) Society (FACL BC), the largest equity-seeking legal organization in Western Canada. Our mission is to promote equity, justice, and opportunity for the pan-Asian legal community and the broader community.

    At FACL BC, we believe in showing up - for each other, for the legal profession, and for our communities. Now in our 15th year, we are proud of how far we have come and even more excited about what lies ahead. What began as a small group of passionate advocates has grown into a dynamic network of 850+ members, united by a shared commitment to equity, justice, and opportunity.

    We are led by a passionate, volunteer Board of 22 members who care deeply about driving meaningful change. With the support of 10 active committees and more than 50 events each year, including an annual gala attended by 780+ guests, we move quickly, think big, and get things done.

    As we continue to grow, we are entering our next chapter. We are looking for someone to provide administrative assistance, review our current practices and deliver structured recommendations, processes, and systems to support organizational maturity and long-term growth. If you love helping non-profit organizations strengthen their foundations and scale thoughtfully, you will feel right at home here.

    We care deeply about supporting pan Asian-Canadian legal professionals at every stage - from equipping students and junior lawyers to succeed, to fostering meaningful connection among senior lawyers. More than ever, we believe that progress happens when we unite.

    We are proud to lead award-winning initiatives, including a podcast, a documentary, an annual published journal, and the largest equity-group mentorship pairing program in Western Canada. In recognition of our impact, FACL BC received two prestigious equity, diversity, and inclusion awards in 2024. We are grateful to the Law Foundation of BC for their generous funding, which has made this position possible.

    The Role at High Level:

    As our Program Manager, you will provide hands-on administrative, logistical, and coordination services to our Board to help us turn ideas into action and ensure we can run programs, events, and initiatives smoothly. You’ll work closely with the President, Board, and committees to manage schedules, track priorities, coordinate meetings, and oversee the logistics for our many FACL BC events - from large-scale galas to smaller workshops and community programs. If you have a love for event planning and a knack for making complex details feel effortless, this role will give you plenty of opportunities to shine. This is a role for someone who enjoys rolling up their sleeves - equally comfortable handling small, detail-driven tasks and stepping up to support larger organizational priorities.

    With your services, we will build out our processes, systems and ways of working. We are fast, open, and dynamic, and you’ll be working alongside passionate, like-minded go-getters who care deeply about impact and aren’t afraid to try new approaches. If you’re startup-minded, love solving problems, and are excited by the opportunity to help us build something meaningful while growing alongside it, this opportunity offers the chance to make your mark in a values-driven organization where purpose meets impact.

    What You'll Be Expected to Do:

    • Provide administrative support by preparing materials for Board and Executive Committee meetings, attending all meetings, and ensuring follow-up on action items.
    • Assist with coordinating and executing FACL BC events - from large galas to smaller programs - managing vendors, timelines, sponsorships, logistics, and on-site execution.
    • Support the Treasurer with financial oversight and administration, including budget tracking, record maintenance, financial documentation, and contributing to organizational funding activities
    • Maintain and assist with operational systems, documentation, workflows, website, and membership management, spotting gaps and implementing solutions to make FACL BC run more efficiently.
    • Assist with fundraising initiatives and manage grant applications to support FACL BC’s administration, programs and organizational growth.
    • Support membership engagement, communications, and outreach initiatives, which includes managing FACL BC’s social media platforms and publishing the Annual Report.
    • Support event logistics which includes executing programing objectives and coordinating event timelines. .
    • Provide administrative support to the Board and Executive team, including tracking action items and ensuring timely follow-up to support effective operations.
    • Provide administrative support for the President, which includes monitoring correspondence by ensuring emails are reviewed, prioritized, and responded to promptly, with clear next steps and follow-up actions taken as needed.

    What You Bring to The Table:

    • 3+ years of administrative experience combined with program or events management - preferably in the non-profit sector.
    • Experience working directly with board members in an administrative or coordinator capacity.
    • Experience supporting executive-level communications (e.g., board decks, internal announcements, or membership updates).
    • Proven ability to manage and execute projects from start to finish.
    • Exceptional administrative, organizational and operational skills.
    • Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to take initiative, identify operational gaps and implement practical solutions.
    • Strong computer literacy, including familiarity with Zoom, Google Drive, and Google Workspace, and website/membership management (i.e. Wild Apricot) is preferred.
    • Executive presence with excellent judgment, discretion, and a bias for action.
    • Generally available to provide support during standard business hours and flexibility with assisting in the evening and weekends as needed, although as a contractor you will determine when you perform your work.

    Bonus Points:

    • You self-identify as a member of the pan Asian-Canadian community.
    • You bring experience or enthusiasm for developing fundraising initiatives and writing grant applications to support organizational growth.
    • You have experience in advocacy, diversity, and inclusion initiatives and familiarity with the legal profession or professional associations.

    Our Approach to Remote Work:

    This is a remote-first role, as FACL BC does not maintain a physical office. We believe in flexibility and autonomy, but also in the power of connection - especially as we work to advance equity, justice, and opportunity. This role will participate in quarterly in-person board meetings (approximately 2 hours each) and select events, which may take place during the day or evening. Frequency will depend on organizational needs and key initiatives.

    What We Bring to The Table:

    Impact: This is a first-of-its-kind opportunity at FACL BC - you’ll have the opportunity to shape the organization, make meaningful contributions, and directly support programs that advance equity, justice, and opportunity for pan Asian-Canadian legal professionals and the wider community.

    Culture: Work with a passionate, collaborative team that values inclusivity, creativity, and meaningful engagement. We work hard, but we also celebrate our wins, share laughs, and support each other along the way.

    Growth: Your engagement with the organization may expand over time based on your initiative and interests. Your ideas and energy can help define the relationship and the organization’s next chapter.

    Innovation: We encourage creative thinking and problem-solving. If you see a way to make a process better, a program stronger, or a connection more impactful, we want to hear it.

    Remote-First: This is a remote-first opportunity, offering flexibility to work from home while staying connected to the team and community. You’ll also participate in select in-person events, including quarterly board meetings and key programs.

    Excited to make a difference? This is your chance to help define a brand-new opportunity, drive initiatives, and grow alongside a values-driven, mission-focused organization.

    Next Steps:

    If all of the above excites you, we’d love to hear from you! Please submit your resume and a cover letter to the attention of Jennine Punzalan at president@faclbc.ca. In your cover letter, feel free to share what draws you to this opportunity - we are excited to get to know who you are, not just what you can do.

    Please include "Program Manager Application – FACL BC" in the subject line. Applications will be accepted until March 14, 2026, and will be reviewed on a rolling basis - we would love for the successful individual to start and join as soon as possible.

    If we think you might be a great fit, someone from our team will reach out to schedule a conversation.

    FACL BC is an equal opportunity organization, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds. We thank all applicants for their interest, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

    Please find a PDF of the job posting here.

  • 9 Feb 2026 9:00 AM | Anonymous

    The Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers (British Columbia) Society (FACL BC) proudly congratulates its members and supporters who were appointed King’s Counsel (KC) in British Columbia, as announced on January 21, 2026. The King’s Counsel designation recognizes lawyers of exceptional merit who have demonstrated professional excellence, integrity, and sustained contributions to the legal profession and the public.

    On this occasion, FACL BC wishes to highlight some of these distinguished individuals, each of whom has supported FACL BC or has been actively involved in advancing its mission to promote equity, mentorship, and leadership within the legal profession. Their appointments reflect not only individual accomplishment, but also the broader impact of Asian Canadian lawyers in shaping a more inclusive and principled bar in British Columbia and across Canada.

    Candace Cho, KC is the co-founder and principal of Onyx Law Group, a Vancouver-based boutique firm specializing in estate, trust, and family litigation. A graduate of the University of British Columbia, Ms. Cho is known for her work on complex and high-conflict disputes at both trial and appellate levels. She is a published author, a frequent continuing legal education presenter, and a member of the editorial board of Verdict magazine. Ms. Cho is a co-founder of FACL BC, a former director of the organization, and a longstanding advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion within the profession. She has also led and supported numerous pro bono, mentorship, and community initiatives in Canada and abroad.

    Hilton Sue, KC is a partner at Oyen Wiggs Green & Mutala LLP and has practised exclusively in intellectual property law since 1997. A graduate of the University of British Columbia’s Peter A. Allard School of Law, he advises clients on patents, trademarks, technology licensing, and the commercialization of intellectual property. Mr. Sue is a registered patent and trademark agent in Canada and the United States and a Certified Licensing Professional. He has held leadership roles with national and international intellectual property organizations and has been consistently recognized by Best Lawyers in Canada and LEXPERT for over a decade. Through his practice and professional service, Mr. Sue has contributed to the development of intellectual property law and policy in Canada and internationally.

    Lee Nevens, KC is senior counsel with the Department of Justice Canada, where they specialize in complex constitutional and civil litigation. A graduate of the University of British Columbia’s Peter A. Allard School of Law, Mx. Nevens served as President of the Canadian Bar Association, BC Branch from 2024 to 2025, advancing initiatives related to access to justice, judicial independence, and equity, diversity, and inclusion. A recognized leader on 2SLGBTQIA+ issues, Mx. Nevens has co-chaired anti-discrimination initiatives within the Department of Justice and is a dedicated mentor within the profession. Their honours include the Canadian Bar Association Touchstone Award, the Justice National EDI Award, the King Charles III Coronation Medal, and the Deputy Minister’s Award for leadership in complex litigation.

    FACL BC extends its sincere congratulations to all newly appointed King’s Counsel and thanks them for their past and ongoing contributions to the legal profession, to public service, and to the broader community in British Columbia.

  • 15 Oct 2025 5:00 PM | Anonymous

    The Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers (British Columbia) Society is thrilled to announce a brand new initiative and the first of its kind in Canada: the FACL BC Future Partners Program.

    The pilot program aims to empower senior associates between 6 to 8 years of call (classes of 2018-2020) at their firm in preparation for partnership. The program will demystify the partnership application process for those considering this career avenue and wanting to make an informed decision.

    In addition to a structured curriculum, the volunteer faculty will be matched with a participant of the program so that participants will receive individual support outside of the structured curriculum, on an as-needed basis.

    The program will be chaired by the FACL BC Advisory Committee, with Past President, Fiona Wong as the Program Coordinator. We thank the 17 partners for contributing their time to this important initiative, consisting of managing partners, King’s Counsel, and partners at national full service, mid-size, and boutique firms, as well as partners who have transitioned into other careers in government and corporate governance, and industry specialists in the financial and recruitment industries.

    More information on the curriculum, topics, application process, and full biographies of the volunteer faculty are available at faclbc.ca/partners.

    If you have any questions about the Future Partners Program, please contact info@faclbc.ca to the attention of Fiona Wong, Program Coordinator.

  • 10 Oct 2025 12:34 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    The Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers (British Columbia) Society (“FACL BC”) is deeply grateful to The Lawyer Coach (TLC) - Allison Wolf and Jennifer Yong - for their generous contribution of professional coaching to support the growth and success of our members.

    Allison and Jennifer have established four Annual Coaching Gifts for FACL BC members, each consisting of four hours of one-on-one professional coaching (valued at $1,600–$2,000 CAD). These gifts are a pro bono contribution by Allison and Jennifer to empower emerging and established leaders within the FACL BC community.

    The Annual Coaching Gifts will support the following recipients:
    Executive Committee – Awarded October 2025 

    • The President of FACL BC for 2025–2026 (automatic award)

    • One FACL BC Executive Member for 2025–2026 (selected through application)

    General Membership – Awarded January 2026

    • One junior lawyer who is a FACL BC member, preferably called to the BC Bar within the past three years, with priority given to applicants who identify as Filipino-Canadian (coaching provided by Allison - selected through application)

    • One junior lawyer who is a FACL BC member, preferably called to the BC Bar within the past three years (coaching provided by Jennifer - selected through application)  

    Applications for the general membership coaching gifts will open in January 2026.  

    These coaching opportunities will provide valuable mentorship, guidance, and professional development to our members as they navigate the legal profession and pursue leadership roles in our community.

    FACL BC extends its heartfelt thanks to Allison and Jennifer for their generosity, leadership, and ongoing commitment to uplifting and empowering Asian Canadian legal professionals. We are honoured to partner with them in supporting the next generation of lawyers and leaders.

    The final selection of recipients rests with the coaches, who may also exercise their discretion to expand the categories as needed.  

    To learn more about The Lawyer Coach, please visit: thelawyercoach.com

  • 30 Sep 2025 5:28 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    On this National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers (British Columbia) Society (FACL BC) affirms our commitment to reconciliation and our dedication to acting in solidarity with our Indigenous colleagues, clients, and community members.

    The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a day of reflection and remembrance. For some, September serves as a harrowing reminder of a time when Indigenous children were forcibly taken from their families and subjected to the atrocities of forced assimilation, genocide, and abuse.

    We encourage everyone to take the opportunity to learn more about Indigenous peoples across Canada and reflect on the actionable steps we can undertake to contribute to reconciliation actively. We recognize the importance of acknowledging our privilege and understanding the historical and present-day injustices that Indigenous communities endure. As settlers and legal professionals, we must use that privilege to address the systemic oppression faced by Indigenous communities.

    We encourage our members and communities to refer to the resources below to learn more about the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation:

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