THE Canadian Bar Association, BC Branch (CBABC) honoured five distinguished lawyers last Saturday with the annual CBABC Bar Awards.

Sonali Sharma (Athena Law) received the Innovation Award that recognizes innovation in rethinking the model of legal services, in challenging societal, institutional or historical barriers, and in serving the bar.

Sharma runs a practice that truly embodies the concept of innovation. A sole practitioner at her own firm, Athena Law, she is an advocate for maintaining an inclusive and trauma-informed practice. She provides a unique approach to offering “unbundled” legal services in English, Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu, using her practice as a way to make legal services more financially and linguistically accessible.

The Harry Rankin, QC Pro Bono Award — in memory of Harry Rankin, QC’s immense support of access to justice for the poor that acknowledges commitment to pro bono service — went to Michael Feder, KC (McCarthy Tétrault LLP).

The Equality and Diversity Award that celebrates CBABC members who have succeeded in advancing equality in the legal profession or generally in British Columbia went to Jim Wu (Forte Law).

The Community Supporter Award — that honours a CBABC member who has demonstrated outstanding dedication and service by contributing the critical behind-the-scenes work for community-building — went to Angela Price-Stephens (Martin Estate and Injury Law).

The 2023 President’s Medal — that recognizes one or more of the following: legal academic proficiency, outstanding works of legal scholarship, significant contribution to the profession during the CBABC President’s term – went to Louisa Winn, KC (BC Prosecution Service).

“This is a special opportunity for us to congratulate those who go above and beyond every day to contribute to the cause of justice. Our theme this year was ‘remarkable deserves recognition’, and I truly believe each recipient is more than worthy of this honour. We are lucky to have these individuals not only as colleagues, but as members of our association,” said Aleem Bharmal, KC, CBABC President.