Last fall, Provincial Court judges in the Interior region launched an initiative to improve lawyers’ professionalism and rebuild collegiality that had declined during the Covid pandemic. 

Some aspects of their project resemble the Inns of Court programs in Vancouver, Surrey, Kamloops, and Kelowna. Like them, the Interior “Judges and Juniors Program” brings lawyers together with judges for education sessions followed by discussion over a meal. But there’s a difference. The Interior program has a broader span than the city-based Inns of Court. It was designed to include lawyers in smaller locations whose needs may be overlooked when they can’t travel to events in a larger centre. 

The program’s primary focus is lawyers’ work in Provincial Court. Its approach is practical, with discussion topics including: 

• Etiquette and professionalism
• Health and wellness
• The top ten things I wish I had known as a lawyer, now that I’m judge
• A JCM, Court Clerk, Sheriff, Native Court Worker describe what they can offer and how to keep them happy

The Judges and Juniors Program is delivered in person and by video conference in several Interior locations. In Penticton, judges from Penticton and Kelowna have met in person with 20-25 lawyers, and some Kelowna lawyers have joined them remotely. In both Nelson and Cranbrook, groups of lawyers have met in person with local judges and participated remotely in the presentations and discussions led by judges in Penticton. After these learning sessions, the groups in each location chat informally over a meal. Lawyers can receive Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credits for attending.

In the new year, the program will expand to the North Okanagan and North Kootenay regions, and judges throughout the region will make presentations and lead the discussion.

Regional Administrative Judge Gregory Koturbash explained the judges’ thinking. “One of the things that makes this program special is its reach. In the Interior, geography can be a barrier. Lawyers in smaller towns don’t always have access to the same mentorship and networking opportunities as those in larger centres. This program ensures that everyone, regardless of where they practice, has a seat at the table.”

He added, “Our other goal was to rebuild the sense of community and collegiality that faded when the pandemic isolated us all. We wanted to create a space where judges and lawyers could connect, share experiences, and strengthen professionalism in a relaxed, respectful setting. We plan to  continue expanding across the region so every community can benefit from this renewed spirit of collaboration.”

Both junior and senior lawyers have attended, taking advantage of the opportunity to learn from judges and each other in a relaxed setting.  The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Lawyers have said they leave the sessions feeling more connected to their profession and more confident in their day-to-day courtroom work. Interior judges are also enthusiastic participants. 

“Our meetings aren’t lectures. They’re a conversation. Judges and lawyers speak candidly about the realities of practice, from courtroom etiquette to wellness and work-life balance, in an atmosphere that’s both supportive and light-hearted. The exchanges have been genuine and energizing for everyone involved.”    

Judge Lynett Jung 

Future eNews articles will share some of the information and advice offered in the Judges and Juniors programs.

Judges and lawyers join forces to train junior lawyers - Surrey Inns of Court