Bronwen Black is a litigator at Whitelaw Twining Law Corporation. In addition to her busy practice, she is a dedicated volunteer for a variety of organizations in her community. She sits on the Women Lawyer’s Forum Executive, volunteers with Access Pro Bono providing free legal services to those in need, and has coordinated several annual in-firm fundraising events for the United Way, Access Pro Bono, and other causes. While in law school, Bronwen was the proud recipient of a number of awards, but no award brought her more pride than receiving the University of Victoria’s Ann Roberts Humanitarian Award. Bronwen genuinely cares about people and about our Vancouver Bar community. She would be a proud and active VBA Member at Large!

Catherine is an associate at Fulton & Company Law Corporation practicing in the areas of realization and insolvency law. She comes with board experience having served two years on the national CBA Women Lawyer’s Forum Executive. In her spare time she DJs and is a party/event planner extraordinaire.

Catherine is very excited to run for a position on the VBA board. She believes strongly in the VBA’s mission and that a strong, inclusive legal community results in better client service, improved access to justice and fosters integrity within the profession.

I'm a senior associate in the litigation/dispute resolution group at Bennett Jones LLP.

The VBA means so much to me. I've benefitted from its programs, and enjoyed the sense of camaraderie it fosters. I've connected with so many of you through the OCI process, the Inns of Court program, and at VBA events. I'm running because I believe a strong VBA is critical to having a vibrant legal community in the city, and I'd like to help enrich the lives and practices of the Vancouver bar.

I'm passionate about bringing legal professionals together. While serving on the board of West Coast LEAF for eight years, I chaired/co-chaired the annual Equality Breakfast for five years. I've also been involved with the CBA in various roles, including currently as Chair of the CBA-BC Insurance Law Section. I endeavor to apply this experience to working with the VBA board.

The profession is changing, and further changes are being proposed. I'm committed to representing the best interests of all VBA members on proposed regulatory changes, with a focus on protecting the independence of the profession.

I hope I can count on your support!

Joey practices securities law with Blakes and is a board member of the Environmental Youth Alliance and the Vancouver Fringe Theatre Festival. He provides pro bono services to artists in Vancouver, and believes that an inclusive and convivial legal community is prerequisite to an accessible justice system.

Neal articled at Harper Grey and was called to the bar in 2020. He currently practices in the firm’s Workplace, Health, Professional Regulation and Commercial Litigation groups. Born and raised in Vancouver, Neal is aware of the diverse legal landscape in BC and is committed to the VBA’s mandate of increasing collegiality within the profession. He also feels strongly about connecting members from different firms and practice areas. Neal has been a member of the VBA since he was a student and since then he has regularly attended/enjoyed VBA events. Neal is excited to be running for the VBA Board of Directors and is committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive organization that reflects the broader legal community and promoting community engagement among its members.

I'm a 2014 call with a broad litigation, labour, and employment law practice. I've appeared before all levels of court in BC and Alberta, the Ontario Superior Court, the Federal Court, and various administrative tribunals. I also have extensive experience acting for clients in alternative dispute resolution processes.

Caroline is a lawyer at Peck and Company in Vancouver. Her practice focuses on criminal law. She often argues cases at both the trial and appellate level. Before joining Peck and Company, Caroline worked at a large civil law firm in Vancouver.

Caroline is running for the VBA so she can advocate for increased childcare benefits for its members. VBA members are currently left without sufficient childcare support. After removing its partnership with Kids & Company in 2021, the VBA did not implement a partnership to replace the program. Childcare is a fundamental need for many members and Caroline will work to ensure that working parents can access sufficient supports.

Are you tired of being apathetic on election day? Then you’re in luck! A five-star candidate has emerged and his name is Josh Veitch. This candidate believes in fiscal responsibility while also hosting five star events to promote collegiality amongst its members and to attract new ones. The budget won’t balance itself, so on November 17th cast your vote for the candidate who has your best interests at heart. Dream big and Veitch for the stars. Vote Josh Veitch.

Those seeking election to one of the six board of director’s positions must declare their candidacy by 11:59 p.m. on Friday November 3, 2023 using the registration form below. To successfully register candidates must:

• have a current VBA membership;
• be a member in good standing with the Law Society of British Columbia;
• purchase a ticket to, and be in attendance at, the Annual General Meeting on November 21, 2023;
• provide biographical statement of 200 words or less; and
• upload a professional photograph or campaign graphic.

Candidate’s image and statement will be publicly available on a dedicated page of this website beginning November 3^rd, a link to which will be broadcast through our email and social media.

Only current VBA members who are present at the AGM on November 21^st may vote. Ballots are collected before dinner and the six candidates with the most votes are declared at the end of the evening, and appointed to the Board for their two-year term.

Once registered, candidates may start campaigning. There are only four rules and a few guidelines.

1.     Candidates must be members in good standing with the LSBC and the VBA.
2.     Only one person per firm may stand for election.
3.     Candidates must submit their registrations before the November 3rd deadline.
4.     Current Board members are prohibited from endorsing candidates or assisting with their campaigns.

Traditionally, most of the campaigning is done at the AGM. But, many candidates choose to contact friends and colleagues to announce their candidacy and encourage them to attend the event and vote in their favour.

Campaign messaging should be respectful, professional, and focused on one’s own merits. Awareness of the VBA’s mandate and programs is an asset. Slates and coalitions are discouraged and, frankly, have proven ineffective in past years.

At the AGM candidates traditionally hand out campaign pins/stickers while vying for votes. Candidates are also encouraged to provide the VBA with a single PowerPoint slide that will be displayed throughout the evening. Placing any materials on chairs, tables, or walls is strongly discouraged.

Ultimately, candidates are expected to use their best judgment and conduct themselves in a reasonable manner fitting with the VBA’s mandate and traditions.

The six successful candidates will sit alongside nine other Directors for a two-year term, maintaining good standing with the VBA and LSBC throughout. All directors can expect to attend monthly meetings and contribute their time, talent, and enthusiasm to both major and minor projects throughout their term. The monthly meetings are catered and in order to offset these, and other costs incurred by the board, directors must pay yearly fee in addition to their membership dues.

For more than 130 years, members of the VBA board have had the privilege of being part of a collegial, meaningful, and positive organization. We encourage you to reach out to any past or current director to find out more and we look forward to seeing you on November 21st.