There are limits to the assistance that Life in Law can provide. For example, we cannot deal with legal ethical issues typically dealt with by Benchers or legal practice advice that can be given by practice advisory committees.
Life in Law sessions are not designed to give substantive legal advice. They are not counselling sessions and participants should seek independent medical assistance for mental health and/or other health related issues.
If you are a Canadian lawyer, paralegal, law student, judge, or one of their family members and require support related to practice advice, legal or ethical issues, addiction, mental and/or physical health, you should reach out to one of the support services listed below.
If you need immediate, emergency help, please call 911.
1.800.Suicide
1-800-784-2433
- 310 MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT
- P: 310.6789 (no need to dial area code)
The Canada Suicide Prevention Service
1-833-456-4566
- Text 45645
- www.crisisservicescanada.ca
If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, the Canada Suicide Prevention Service is available 24/7 for voice and 4pm to 12am ET for text.
Benchers
- P: 604.443.5797 (no need to dial area code)
- F: 604.646.5902
- E: practiceadvice@isbc.org
- www.lawsociety.bc.ca
Benchers sit on discipline hearing panels and credentials hearing panels; advising members on Law Society activities, matters of professional responsibility, and acting as a liaison with local and county bar associations and members of the public.
Equity Ombudsperson - The Law Society of BC
Can assist with resolving concerns about discrimination and discriminatory harassment.
Lawyers Assistance Program Of British Columbia
- P: 1.888.685.2171
- P: 604.685.2717
- Law Assistance Program of British Columbia
- Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
This program provides confidential outreach, education, support, and referrals to lawyers and other members of the legal community relating to alcohol and drugs, anxiety and depression, career and work issues, codependence, family issues, health and medical issues, legal and financing issues, gambling, relationship issues, and stress.
Lifeworks Canada - The Law Society of BC
Personal counselling and referral services relating to Life’s questions, issues and concerns, handling stress, maintaining relationships, challenges at work, parenting and childcare, managing money, caring for an older relative, health issues. Confidential and available at no cost to the individual BC lawyers and articled students and their immediate families.
Practice Advice - The Law Society of BC
- P: 604.443.5797
- F: 604.646.5902
- E: practiceadvice@isbc.org
- www.lawsociety.bc.ca
Law Society practice advisors help lawyers with practice and ethical advice relating to Law Society Rules, Code of Professional Conduct for British Columbia, practice management, practice and ethics advice, client identification and verification, client relationships, lawyer relationships, help with directing enquiries to the Ethics Committee, and scams and fraud alerts. All communications between practice advisors and lawyers are strictly confidential except in cases of trust fund shortages.
Trans Care BC
- Toll-free (BC): 1.866.999.1514
- Outside BC or unable to call a toll-free number: 604.675.3647
- E: transcareteam@phsa.ca
- http://www.phsa.ca/our-services/programs-services/trans-care-bc
Trans Care BC supports the delivery of equitable and accessible care, surgical planning, and peer and community support for trans people across the province.