Regulator expects to roll out final questionnaire to lawyers in 2026
The Law Society of British Columbia has announced it has commenced the second phase of its demographic data project and launched a web consultation on its draft questionnaire, which will remain open until Oct. 8.
The law society noted in its news release that participating in the survey, which intends to cover practising lawyers, is voluntary.
However, the law society stressed that it welcomes input from the broader community of legal professionals and the public on any aspect of the draft questionnaire, including the clarity of instructions, wording of questions, options for responses, order of options, or explanations offered.
The law society said it would analyze the data gathered in the second phase, revise its draft, and finalize the demographic data questionnaire.
In its news release, the law society added that it expects to roll out the final survey to practising lawyers in 2026 and then include non-practising lawyers and articling students.
Background
According to the consultation page, in the first phase, the law society collected data online and in person from five focus groups with legal professionals and two groups with benchers and senior leaders.
The law society showed the participants two sample questions for every demographic characteristic and asked them which version they preferred and how they suggested improving the wording.
The focus group participants suggested:
- providing more transparent information on why the law society was collecting data, how it would use the data, and how it would report results
- expanding demographic data collection beyond gender, sexual orientation, Indigenous identity, racial identity, and disability
- simplifying confusing questions, including by combining two gender-related questions on identity and alignment with sex assigned at birth
- using a consistent structure and clearer formatting
- improving the information boxes
- making the questions and response options more precise
- continuing the demographic data collection after the end of the annual practice declaration (APD) process for practising lawyers
The law society considered participants’ insights and chose and refined the draft questionnaire’s questions.
The law society noted that it added categories for immigration status, first language, religion, socio-economic background, and first-generation lawyer status, as well as an open-ended question inviting any other feedback on the demographic data collection process.
The law society expressed gratitude to all focus group participants for their time and insights.
