Unlike some Canadian provinces, where legal aid is delivered by salaried staff lawyers with comprehensive benefits and pensions, British Columbia relies on a per-case compensation model. Our lawyers operate independently, often without the administrative infrastructure of larger firms, and frequently lack access to essential programs such as sick leave or parental leave.
Historically, legal aid lawyers in BC faced significant challenges, including lower compensation than private practitioners and a limited voice in systemic improvements. For years, committees were managed by Legal Aid BC with minimal focus on the professional and personal impact on lawyers. Despite increasing workloads and rising case complexity, funding was drastically reduced, creating a critical need for formal representation.
2002: A Period of Radical Change
The provincial government reduced legal aid funding by 40%, eliminated poverty law services, and curtailed family law coverage. This resulted in the closure of 44 out of 45 Legal Aid BC offices and the elimination of most staff lawyer positions.
2002–2018: Advocacy and Resilience
During this period, legal aid lawyers transitioned to private practices, paid at government-set "tariff rates" with strict service limits. These rates remained largely stagnant for nearly 20 years, even as the cost of living rose and societal issues—such as addiction, family violence, and refugee claims—became more complex. Despite these challenges, lawyers continued to advocate for a formal mechanism to influence policy and working conditions.
With no other options available, legal aid lawyers from across the province began a campaign to organize themselves and were successful in threatening a work stoppage in order to have their voices heard. They were also supported by the Canadian Bar Association BC Branch.
In 2018, formal discussions began with the provincial government. It was recognized that a dedicated organization representing legal aid lawyers would provide a vital, organized voice for the profession while offering the government and Legal Aid BC a clear partner for dialogue.
Led by Peter Leask, KC and David Griffiths, a dedicated group of volunteers successfully organized and recruited members. On August 24, 2018, the Association of Legal Aid Lawyers (A.L.L.) was formally incorporated.
A.L.L. was established to ensure that lawyers serving the most vulnerable citizens of British Columbia in criminal, family, child protection, and immigration law have an effective and formal voice within the justice system.
2019: A Landmark Agreement
Following a strong mandate for job action, A.L.L. entered negotiations with the government. Our team, led by Carol Baird Ellan, KC (former Chief Judge of the Provincial Court), successfully advocated for immediate improvements to legal aid funding.
On August 30, 2019, a historic agreement was signed, establishing key foundations for the legal aid bar:
This agreement was ratified by the members and Board of A.L.L., and Brent Bagnall was appointed as the Acting Executive Director.
Historically, legal aid lawyers in BC faced significant challenges, including lower compensation than private practitioners and a limited voice in systemic improvements. For years, committees were managed by Legal Aid BC with minimal focus on the professional and personal impact on lawyers. Despite increasing workloads and rising case complexity, funding was drastically reduced, creating a critical need for formal representation.
2002: A Period of Radical Change
The provincial government reduced legal aid funding by 40%, eliminated poverty law services, and curtailed family law coverage. This resulted in the closure of 44 out of 45 Legal Aid BC offices and the elimination of most staff lawyer positions.
2002–2018: Advocacy and Resilience
During this period, legal aid lawyers transitioned to private practices, paid at government-set "tariff rates" with strict service limits. These rates remained largely stagnant for nearly 20 years, even as the cost of living rose and societal issues—such as addiction, family violence, and refugee claims—became more complex. Despite these challenges, lawyers continued to advocate for a formal mechanism to influence policy and working conditions.
With no other options available, legal aid lawyers from across the province began a campaign to organize themselves and were successful in threatening a work stoppage in order to have their voices heard. They were also supported by the Canadian Bar Association BC Branch.
In 2018, formal discussions began with the provincial government. It was recognized that a dedicated organization representing legal aid lawyers would provide a vital, organized voice for the profession while offering the government and Legal Aid BC a clear partner for dialogue.
Led by Peter Leask, KC and David Griffiths, a dedicated group of volunteers successfully organized and recruited members. On August 24, 2018, the Association of Legal Aid Lawyers (A.L.L.) was formally incorporated.
A.L.L. was established to ensure that lawyers serving the most vulnerable citizens of British Columbia in criminal, family, child protection, and immigration law have an effective and formal voice within the justice system.
2019: A Landmark Agreement
Following a strong mandate for job action, A.L.L. entered negotiations with the government. Our team, led by Carol Baird Ellan, KC (former Chief Judge of the Provincial Court), successfully advocated for immediate improvements to legal aid funding.
On August 30, 2019, a historic agreement was signed, establishing key foundations for the legal aid bar:
- The recognition of A.L.L. as the exclusive bargaining agent for legal aid lawyers;
- A 35% increase in tariff rates;
- The introduction of a 25% Bargaining Incentive Bonus; and
- A formalized role for A.L.L. in ongoing legal aid policy discussions.
This agreement was ratified by the members and Board of A.L.L., and Brent Bagnall was appointed as the Acting Executive Director.