Notice to all lawyers

Call for Applications for Appointment as a JP Adjudicator

Application deadline: March 28, 2025 

The Judicial Council of B.C. is looking for lawyers with a minimum of 5 years active practice as a member of the Law Society of British Columbia who are interested in part-time adjudication work as a JP Adjudicator of the Provincial Court. This judicial work will be performed at the Richmond and Robson Square court locations. 

• Richmond currently sits one Friday a month 9:00 am to 5:00 pm 

• Robson Square currently sits Wednesday evenings 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm as needed (these dates and times may be subject to change in the future.)

Duties and responsibilities will include holding one-hour simplified trials for civil cases with a monetary value of $5,001 to $10,000 and providing a decision immediately or within 30 days. 

Small Claims from $5,001 to $35,000 

Qualifications

A law degree with a minimum of five years as an active practicing member of the Law Society of British Columbia. Experience in civil law litigation is essential. Experience in mediation or other forms of decision-making on a professional level are assets but not essential. Demonstrated ability to deal effectively and professionally with people of diverse backgrounds in adversarial and stressful situations. See Appendix A below for a list of abilities and skills. Professional references and a criminal record check are required. 

Process

Short-listed applicants will be required to attend an interview with the Judicial Council at the Office of the Chief Judge in Vancouver. If approved by the Council, candidates will be eligible to be recommended to the Lieutenant Governor in Council for appointment as a JP Adjudicator at any time within a three year period following the interview, though no such appointment can be assured. Please note that reasons are not provided, nor are applicants notified of the outcome of their applications.

Appointments will be on a part time basis pursuant to the Provincial Court Act. Payment will be on a per diem basis as fixed for Judicial Justices by the Judicial Compensation Commission in accordance with the Judicial Compensation Act (currently $1,148.25 per day).

There are no minimum number of working days guaranteed.

To apply, please fill in an application and submit your application to the Provincial Court by fax or mail.

Fax

(604) 660-1108 

Mailing address 

Provincial Court of British Columbia, Attention Judicial Council
Suite 337 - 800 Hornby Street 
Vancouver, BC, Canada V6Z 2C5 

Please submit your application by March 28, 2025 

APPENDIX A 

Applicants will be assessed against the following core abilities and skills 

Knowledge and skills 

• sound knowledge of the law and its application

• sound knowledge of procedure and appropriate application

• sensitivity to and understanding of changes in social values and the diversity of people, cultures and communities that make up British Columbia and Canada

• sensitivity to and understanding of Indigenous justice issues and the history, experience and circumstances of Indigenous people 

• receptiveness to new ideas that are constructive to the public good

• excellence in chosen area of the law

• experience in mediation or alternative dispute resolution

• technological competence

Decision making

• sound judgment 

• independence and courage

• appropriate exercise of discretion

• honesty

• decisiveness and confidence

• objectivity, impartiality and fairness

Professionalism and temperament

• maintains personal independence, civility, integrity and commitment to ethics at all times

• demonstrates personal discipline and responsibility

• demonstrates an open mind and self-awareness

• promotes the highest standards of behaviour in court

• encourages and facilitates teamwork

• accepts and implements change

• commitment to continuing education and high standards, conscientiousness

• capacity to handle stress and isolation of judicial role

• patience, tolerance and diplomacy

Efficiency

• actively organizes time and manages cases to promote a timely and just conclusion

• able to work at speed and under pressure

Communication and authority

• ability to establish and maintain the authority of the court

• communicates effectively and in plain language, including verbally and in writing

• explains the procedure and any decisions reached clearly and succinctly to everyone involved, including self-represented litigants

• inspires respect and confidence

Other criteria

• superb legal reputation and professional record review(s), including from applicable Law Society(ies)

• respect in the community

• commitment to public service

• good health