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FACL BC understands that navigating through the NCA process can be confusing, lonely, and overwhelming, and is excited to present a panel discussion to help provide insight to NCA students as they navigate exams. The Panel will consist of NCA students who recently completed their required exams and an NCA tutor, and the topics will focus  on exam selection and studying. Mark your calendars for Thursday, October 24, 2024 from 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm and connect with us on Zoom for an insightful session with your fellow peers.

Registration is open to FACL BC members. To become a member, please visit faclbc.ca/join. 

Disclaimer: FACL does not endorse any tutoring services. This online discussion is to assist with navigating through the NCA process, provide advice, and build a supportive community among all participants! 

Panelist Profile Descriptions:

Vanessa Santaguida 

Vanessa is the founder of NCA Mentor™️, has a rich educational background with an LLB obtained with first-class honors from the University of Sussex in England. Recognizing a lack of support for Internationally trained law students and lawyers (ITLs) in the NCA market upon her return, Vanessa's passion for teaching and empowering legal professionals led her to establish NCA Mentor™️. With an Undergraduate and master’s degrees in business, a Bachelor of Education, and a teaching certificate from the Ontario College of Teachers, Vanessa brings over a decade of teaching experience to her role. 

Jessica Pham 

Jessica is proud to say that she is full Vietnamese and the first in her family to pursue a career in law. She has both her legal administrative assistant and paralegal certificate and is in her 10^th year of working in the legal field. She was encouraged by her employers to continue her education and completed a law degree at the University of Leicester in England. While doing NCA exams, Jessica worked full-time at a prestigious civil litigation firm that primarily focused on defence work. At present, Jessica has secured split articles with Richard Fowler, K.C. and Marilyn Sandford, K.C. and will start later this month.

Monica Gangar

Monica is a first-generation law student. She completed her BA in Criminology at SFU. She went on to do a LLB at the University of Sussex in England. While doing the NCA exams, she worked at a corporate law firm in Surrey and also ran a Poverty Law Clinic with a non-profit organization. She is currently articling with Portside Law doing family law and child protection work. She is in PLTC at the moment. 

Moderated by Tina Ye, FACL BC NCA/LLM Committee Chair

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By attending this event, you agree to abide by the FACL BC Event Code of Conduct.

If you have any questions about the Code of Conduct, please email info@faclbc.ca.

Register Here for Zoom

Join us for an engaging inaugural seminar and reception, hosted by Gurminder Sandhu, KC at the offices of Hamilton Duncan Law Corporation in Surrey. This exclusive event is tailored for lawyers and law students, offering valuable insights into insurance law as presented by Gurminder. After the seminar, Hamilton Duncan will host a post-seminar reception, providing an excellent opportunity to network with other lawyers and students.  We extend our sincere thanks to Hamilton Duncan for graciously offering FACL BC their space.

Transportation & Parking Information

Hamilton Duncan’s offices are located at 13401 108 Ave #1450, Surrey, BC V3T 5T3. The offices are adjacent to the Skytrain (Gateway Skytrain station), are easily accessible from Highways 1 and 1A and offer underground parking.

Agenda:

5:30 pm to 7:00 pm: Seminar on Introduction to Insurance Law, including Q&A Session and Closing Remarks

7:00 pm to 8:30 pm: Networking reception and Tour of Hamilton Duncan's office

Registration:

Secure your spot by registering in advance. Complimentary drinks and small bites will be provided courtesy of Hamilton Duncan. Only 40 in-person spots are available for this exclusive event.

Alternatively, a Zoom link will be provided to those who register for virtual attendance. Please register by clicking the link above. 

Meet our Host

As King’s Counsel, a current Bencher of the Law Society, a former member of the Canadian Bar Association’s Provincial Council and a member of the BC Federal Judicial Advisory Committee, Gurminder Sandhu, KC has a reputation that speaks for itself. In nearly 25 years as litigation counsel, he has had experience in all manner of litigation matters, from claims involving personal injuries to human rights issues to real estate disputes to commercial matters and beyond.

Final Notes

While this event is complimentary, we kindly request that you inform us of any changes to your RSVP as a courtesy to both Hamilton Duncan Law Corporation, our host, and other potential attendees. Timely notification of any changes ensures efficient planning and helps us maintain the quality of our events.

Please note that unexplained absences or repeated no-shows to FACL BC events may affect your ability to attend future complimentary events.

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By attending this event, you agree to abide by the FACL BC Event Code of Conduct.

If you have any questions about the Code of Conduct, please email info@faclbc.ca.

Welcome to the first-ever in-person Write-On membership event! I'm Janice Jua Fujikawa, your new host as Jenny Huang steps into her role as President. This event is designed to help legal professionals explore their heritage, identity, and professional lives through guided writing and reflection. Whether you’re an experienced journaler or trying it for the first time, this session will offer a supportive space for personal growth, setting goals, and connecting with like-minded individuals.

Our guest speaker, Steven Ngo—one of Canada’s Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers and Senior In-House Counsel at Rivian—will lead us through thoughtful writing prompts, quiet reflection, and group discussions to foster personal development.

Event Details:
Join us in person on October 26, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM at Milano Espresso Lounge (36 Powell St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1E7) for an inspiring session of reflective journaling.

What to Bring:
A journal, or any writing materials (pen, paper, or laptop). Grab a coffee or tea and immerse yourself in this relaxing and empowering experience.

Moderators:

• Janice Jua Fujikawa, FACL BC Membership Vice-Chair, Owen Bird Law Corporation

• Steven Ngo, FACL BC Past President (2022–2023), Senior In-House Counsel at Rivian

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  By attending this event, you agree to abide by the FACL BC Event Code of Conduct.

  If you have any questions about the Code of Conduct, please email info@faclbc.ca.

  
  

Ahead of the 13th Annual Gala, join us at our complimentary conference and hear from our panel speakers on their unique perspectives on navigating the legal profession as pan-Asian Canadian legal professionals, individually and collectively, highlighting both progress and ongoing challenges in achieving true inclusion.

In connection with the theme of the 13th Annual Gala, “Unity in Diversity”, the conference will entail an insightful and interactive discussion on how equity, diversity, and inclusion are not separate concepts but are deeply interconnected and mutually reinforcing. By understanding their intersections and hearing the insights and experiences shared by the speakers, we hope to identify challenges, create comprehensive strategies, and empower the attendees to drive positive change in their workplaces, communities, and beyond.

The conference will be held in person at Vancouver Centre II, Skyview Lounge, 29th Floor, 733 Seymour Street, Vancouver, BC, V6B 0S6. The conference venue is just a five minute walk to the Gala venue! 

Complimentary canapés and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided. 

The agenda for the conference is as follows: 

• Event check-in: 3:15 pm to 3:30 pm

• Welcome and introductions: 3:30 pm to 3:40 pm 

• Moderated panel discussion: 3:40 to 4:40 pm

• Q&A session: 4:40 pm to 5:00 pm

• Concluding remarks and thank you: 5:00 pm to 5:10 pm

• Informal audience/panelists engagement: 5:10 pm to 5:30 pm

We are pleased to announce the following panel speakers for the conference: 

• Kwang Lim, Vancouver Managing Partner, Bennett Jones

• Dimple Kainth, Founder and CEO of Satya Law and Sayva Consulting

• Barbara Wang, Manager, Student Programs & EDI, Blakes Vancouver

• Brian Cheng, Shareholder, Owen Bird Law Corporation

The conference will be moderated by Sebastian Chern, FACL BC VP External. 

We are grateful for the sponsors of the conference, Dentons Canada LLP, Owen Bird Law Corporation, and the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association.

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By attending this event, you agree to abide by the FACL BC Event Code of Conduct.
If you have any questions about the Code of Conduct, please email info@faclbc.ca.

FACL BC is thrilled to announce our 13th Annual Gala, taking place on Friday, November 15, 2024, at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, beginning at 5:30 pm. Join us for an unforgettable evening of recognition and celebration of our community’s achievements, shared values, and strength found in our diversity.

The theme for this year’s Gala is “Unity in Diversity”. This theme emphasizes that our differences make us stronger and highlights the importance of working together across various backgrounds to build a more inclusive and equitable legal community.

Following the tremendous success of last year sold out Gala, we anticipate sponsorships and tickets to be in high demand. Be sure to mark your calendars and secure your seat at the Gala:

• On sale now: Sponsorships available for purchase by contacting gala@faclbc.ca

• September 9: single ticket sale starts for FACL BC members

• September 12: single ticket sale starts for the general public

• October 1: limited student ticket sale starts for students

Sponsoring and/or attending the Gala is one way to support the pan-Asian Canadian legal community. We look forwarding to hosting you at our most anticipated event of the year. 

We will continue to update the information on this website as details of the event are confirmed. 

Purchase Your Ticket

Please inquire with your firm, organization, or law school prior to purchasing a single or student ticket. Many employers and law schools are generous sponsors of the FACL BC Gala, so you may be able to secure a seat through them rather than purchasing an individual ticket.

A limited number of tickets will be available. 

Single or student ticket holders will be assigned seating at a table of 10 closer to the date of the Gala. If you would like to request to sit together with one or more other attendee(s) at the Gala, please complete this form. Only one attendee in the group needs to complete the form after all attendees in the group have purchased their tickets. Please read the instructions on the form carefully before completing the form.

Please submit seating requests by October 20, 2024. We will do our best to accommodate seating requests but are unable to guarantee these requests. 

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By attending this event, you agree to abide by the FACL BC Event Code of Conduct.

If you have any questions about the Code of Conduct, please email info@faclbc.ca.

Register for Zoom here 

Join us for an engaging Lunch and Learn seminar on Builders Liens and Construction Law Delay Claims, hosted by Marc MacEwing, Mark Braidwood, and Ouran Li of Clyde & Co Canada LLP. Marc, Mark and Ouran will discuss builders liens and delay claims which commonly arise during the course of a construction project. A case study which covers several issues discussed during the presentation will follow. Whilst this exclusive event is tailored for lawyers, law students are welcome to join.

We thank Clyde & Co for graciously offering to host FACL BC for this event.

This seminar is eligible for 1 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credits, providing you with an opportunity to enhance your professional skills and stay updated on crucial legal topics. Don't miss this unique opportunity to expand your knowledge, connect with industry experts, and enjoy a productive lunch and learn experience.

Meet our Presenters

Since 1982, Marc MacEwing has practiced extensively in the area of construction law, focusing on builders liens, tendering disputes, the preparation and analysis of contract documents and construction–related litigation.

With a focus on dispute resolution, including claims for delays, Mark Braidwood represents all parties involved in construction, including owners, developers, construction managers, contractors, sub-contractors, and design professionals in multiple jurisdictions.

Ouran Li defends construction parties and site participants against allegations of deficient work and property damage. He also defends professional consultants, including architects and engineers, against allegations of professional errors or omissions.

Final Notes

While this event is complimentary, we kindly request that you inform us of any changes to your RSVP as a courtesy to Clyde & Co as our host and also to others who may wish to have attended the event. Timely notification of any changes ensures efficient planning and helps us maintain the quality of our events. Please note that unexplained absences or repeated no-shows to FACL BC events may affect your ability to attend future complimentary events.

___________________________________________________

By attending this event, you agree to abide by the FACL BC Event Code of Conduct.

If you have any questions about the Code of Conduct, please email info@faclbc.ca.