THE Canadian Bar Association, BC Branch, on Thursday announced Aleem Bharmal, QC, as President for the 2022-23 term.

The association notes that Bharmal steps into this position of leadership during a time marked by transformation and modernization, both within the legal profession and justice system.

Bharmal currently practices law at the Community Legal Services Association (CLAS) Human Rights Clinic, where he has practiced for almost 20 years and served as executive director for 12 years.

The association says Bharmal brings with him a passion for equity along with a proven track record of committed persistence in matters of justice, fairness and fighting discrimination.

“As we deal with the aftereffects of the pandemic, there is a valuable opportunity to advance both our courts and legislation to improve access to justice for all communities and citizens in BC. Within the justice system, the disparity between two sides when the vulnerable party is trying to seek justice is stark. The number of procedural hurdles that can be raised in our justice system, and the resulting level of time, persistence and energy expended to seek redress is significant,” says Bharmal.

“Looking ahead, the legal profession anticipates significant change to the regulation of lawyers, which will have a major impact on our members. As the voice of lawyers in BC our lawyers are on the front line working with our clients. Now is the perfect moment to maintain CBABC’s focus on the issues that matter most, both on a critical level for our members and to greater society as a whole,” adds Bharmal.

“Aleem’s experience and perspective provides us with an opportunity to advance changes to make legal services more accessible,” says Kerry L Simmons, QC, CBABC Executive Director.

Bharmal was recognized with the CBABC President’s Medal in 2016 and has served the CBA Board of Directors as Chair of the National Equity Committee, CBABC Board of Directors as Chair of the Access to Justice Committee, and Equality and Diversity Committee, among more. He was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 2019.

CBABC says that it is confident that Bharmal, as a successful human rights lawyer, mentor and advocate, will bring a strong voice to members.

Bharmal says: “CBABC delivers a powerful collective voice to advocate on the issues that matter, and I am incredibly happy, humbled and honoured to be leading it as of next term as President”.