VANCOUVER, Aug. 1 /CNW/ – The Law Society of BC wishes to convey its deep sadness over the loss of lawyer Dugald Christie, whose commitment to pro bono work profoundly affected access to justice for the people who could least afford it.
Law Society President Robert McDiarmid, QC, who has known Mr. Christie for many years, says, “Dugald fought tirelessly for the rights of the poor to have access to legal representation. He was a fearless advocate who loved pushing the envelope in the interest of his cause, and who was a remarkable lawyer. Dugald exemplified many of the fine things about our profession. His death is a deep loss to the legal community, and our condolences go out to his family and friends.”
Mr. Christie founded and worked to build The Western Canada Society to Access Justice, which was instrumental in establishing 60 clinics offering free legal services throughout BC.
Dugald Christie, 65, was struck and killed last night while cycling on a highway in Ontario. He was doing what he had spent much of his legal career doing: helping those most in need. Mr. Christie was on a cross-Canada cycling trip to raise awareness for equal access to legal assistance.
The Law Society of BC was founded in 1869 and is the governing body of
the legal profession in BC. Under the provisions of the Legal Profession Act,
the Law Society is responsible for the licensing, professional conduct and
discipline of the more than 11,000 lawyers in BC.
