Leslie Muir has been appointed master of the Supreme Court of British Columbia and will take her seat in Vancouver, effective May 7, 2012.

A master presides in civil chambers and registrar hearings and makes decisions about pre-trial motions and procedural orders. Section 11 of the Supreme Court Act allows the lieutenant-governor, on the recommendation of the attorney general, who consults with the chief justice, to appoint one or more masters of the court.

Muir is counsel at Holmes & King in Vancouver. She received a law degree at the University of British Columbia and has been practising in this province for almost 30 years. Her career has focused on civil litigation, including commercial litigation, family law and divorce. She has experience in probate, foreclosure and bankruptcy law. Muir was selected for inclusion in the 2011 Best Lawyers in Canada list in the area of legal malpractice law.

The process for the appointment of a master involves several steps. Applications are solicited and reviewed by an ad hoc committee consisting of the deputy attorney general, chief justice of the Supreme Court of British Columbia, president of the Law Society of British Columbia and the president of the Canadian Bar Association, B.C. branch (or their delegates).

The ad hoc committee then provides a short list of recommendations to the attorney general. The chief justice is consulted before the attorney general makes a recommendation to cabinet. The final appointment is made through a cabinet order-in-council.

Contact:

Dave Townsend
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Justice
250 387-4962
250 889-5945 (cell)