Don’t Forget to Recognize, Reflect, and Celebrate

The purpose of this article is to recite some recent achievements of women and others who may face gender-based discrimination in our profession, to pause, reflect, and celebrate those successes. Think of it as a palate cleanser among some heavier articles that may leave the reader feeling disheartened or uncertain.

In the last two years, Canada and British Columbia have seen important milestones achieved in the legal profession. These high-level appointments and “firsts” reflect needed shifts in our profession toward improved gender parity and representation. They also create opportunities for reflection, inspiration, and well-deserved celebration.

In early 2024, Justice Mary T. Moreau joined the Supreme Court of Canada, officially creating a 5-4 majority of women, a first since the Court was established in 1875. Not only does Justice Moreau’s appointment shatter a near 150-year gender barrier, the lived experiences of the five women on the bench will better reflect the diverse experiences of our nation, including the societal, relational, economic, and workplace realities that women face, such as caregiving burdens, systemic discrimination, and gender-based violence.

In May of 2024, the Honourable Anne W. MacKenzie, KC, retired from the Court of Appeal for British Columbia, concluding a massive 34-year judicial career and creating a fantastic opportunity for reflection on her achievements. For one, she secured her own historic first in 2010, when she became the first woman appointed as Associate Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of British Columbia. I strongly recommend learning more about MacKenzie’s contributions to the legal profession.

In August of 2024, Lee Nevens, KC (they/them), began their term as President of the Canadian Bar Association, BC Branch (CBABC), making history as the first transgender lawyer elected as CBABC President, and the first non-binary Branch President in all of the Canadian Bar Association. Nevens has also served as the chair of the CBA’s National Trans and Gender Diversity Advisory Group where they led nationwide efforts to formalize gender-diverse protections. Seeing trans and non-binary lawyers in leadership positions inspires and lifts up those who directly see themselves in Nevens and all who experience gender-based discrimination, including women. These roles should not be limited to cis men and are positions where all are welcome and represented.

In January of 2025, Gigi Chen-Kuo commenced her appointment as Chief Executive Officer of the Law Society of British Columbia, a milestone as the first racialized woman in this role. Chen-Kuo brought more than 30 years of legal, executive, and public sector experience to the regulatory body. Of further note, in 2021, she became the first person of Asian heritage to lead TransLink when she stepped up as its Interim CEO. Way to go Chen-Kuo!

In May of 2025, family law mediator Karen Tse was appointed to the King’s Counsel at just 38 years old, making her one of the youngest women lawyers in B.C. history to receive the honour. Of further note, she was also the first Asian woman to serve as vice president and president of the Kootenay Bar Association. Women and gender-diverse folks are achieving incredible professional successes at every age and stage of their careers. Let’s give them, and Tse, a hand.

In September of 2025, Bianca Kratt, KC, a partner at Borden Ladner Gervais LLP and a proud member of the Huron-Wendat First Nation, made history when she commenced her term as the first Indigenous president of the Canadian Bar Association. Celebrating the successes of women must include celebrating achievements connected to intersecting aspects of their identities, including Indigenous, racialized, or cultural aspects. Each of us is a complex being, with gender representing one note in our song. It is inspiring to see Indigenous women and gender-diverse folks in positions of leadership in our legal community and beyond.

The foregoing is a snapshot of select achievements, but there are countless successes to celebrate. Whether those successes are professional in the form of an appointment, award, or heartfelt “well done” from a mentor, or personal, such as completing a half marathon, getting your little one to bed at a reasonable hour following an uneventful bath (as a person pregnant with her first, the pride associated with this achievement has been repeatedly impressed upon me), or hosting a large meal with friends and family, there are wins all around us. Remember with gratitude those wins on harder days. And where possible, recognize them with others.