THE Canadian Bar Association, BC Branch honoured three distinguished lawyers on May 4 with its CBABC Branch Awards.

Anita Atwal of Anita Atwal Law received the Equality and Diversity Award that celebrates CBABC members who have succeeded in advancing equality in the legal profession or generally in British Columbia.

Atwal was instrumental in the creation of the South Asian Legal Clinic in BC, which provides pro bono culturally sensitive support for those in the South Asian community facing access to justice issues. As past president and current director of the South Asian Bar Association of BC she has forged a path for South Asian women to excel in the legal profession.

Among all of this, she somehow finds the time to mentor aspiring lawyers at the Access Pro Bono Everyone Legal Clinic, act as a special advisor in Equity and Inclusion at Simon Fraser University.

The Harry Rankin, QC Pro Bono Award that recognizes a CBABC member for their pro bono service and was established in memory of Rankin’s immense support of access to justice went to Monique Pongracic-Speier KC (Ethos Law Group LLP).

The 2024 President’s Medal that recognizes an individual for their significant contribution to the profession during the CBABC President’s term was presented to Connor Bildfell (McCarthy Tétrault).

“All of these outstanding individuals have demonstrated a deep commitment to advancing equality and access to justice for all. These three impressive lawyers come from different experiences and areas of practice but are united in their selflessness and community activism,” said Scott Morishita, CBABC President.

The Canadian Bar Association is the professional organization representing over 38,000 lawyers, judges and law students across Canada with 8,000 members in British Columbia.

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