The bencher election has real implications for the rule of law in BC.
I have been practicing law in Prince George since 2002. I am running as a candidate for the Cariboo County in the law society’s bencher election scheduled this month.
Benchers are lawyers who govern the regulation of lawyers in the province. Lawyers in BC are self-governing and have been for over 100 years. This model has served the public well and ensures a balance of power between the judicial and legislative branches of our constitutional democracy and has kept us all relatively free.
Last year, the current government issued an “Intentions Paper,” declaring their intention to take over the regulation and discipline of lawyers. The details of what it will look like are not clear. Given lawyers regularly and necessarily oppose the government on behalf of the public and individuals, the government’s plan threatens the rights and freedoms of all British Columbians and the rule of law more generally.
Imagine the opposing party in a lawsuit you were involved in assumed power over what your lawyer could, or couldn’t, do or say. You would likely seek a new lawyer.
While the general public is unable to vote in a bencher election, this critical issue has important public interest implications and a debate about it needs to be brought into the public square.
Benjamin Levine
Prince George
