The B.C. government is appointing three new provincial court judges to ensure the court has the resources that it needs to continue to provide access to justice.

Effective dates for the appointments are Feb. 24, 2016, for Judge Eugene Jamieson, Jan. 14, 2016, for Judge Wilson Lee and Jan. 11, 2016, for Judge N. Philip Seagram.

During Jamieson's 27 years in the legal profession, he has practised in all levels of B.C. courts. After graduating in law from the University of Manitoba, Jamieson earned a master’s degree from the University of British Columbia (UBC). His career has included research, teaching and private practice. Since 2002, Jamieson has been legal officer for the Office of the Chief Judge, Provincial Court of B.C.

Lee’s legal career encompasses 24 years of experience with criminal, family and civil litigation, as well as real estate, personal injury and builders’ lien litigation. After receiving his law degree from UBC, he worked with a number of small- to medium-sized law firms and, since 2001, has been a lawyer with the Family Maintenance Enforcement Program in both the provincial court and B.C. Supreme Court.

Seagram has practised criminal law in Vancouver, the Fraser Region, Penticton and Nelson since his graduation from the University of Victoria faculty of law. In addition to his career as Crown counsel, he has worked in private practice and been a member of the Mental Health Review Board. An active volunteer in his community, Seagram has been involved as a coach, referee and fundraiser for youth hockey, soccer and gymnastics clubs.

Because of the diversity, experience and knowledge of its judges, British Columbia’s judicial system is recognized as one of the best in the world. The judges will be assigned to locations determined by the chief judge to meet the needs of the court.

Quick Facts:

• In 2015, 15 judges have been appointed to address recent retirements and vacancies.
• British Columbia has about 150 provincial court judges who serve more than 80 court locations.
• Although judges are located in a judicial region, many travel regularly throughout the province to meet changing demands.
• How judges are appointed:
  • Interested lawyers apply and the B.C. Judicial Council – made up of a chief judge, provincial court judges, lawyers and lay people – reviews the candidates.
  • The council recommends potential judges to B.C.’s Attorney General, with the final appointments made through an order-in-council.

Learn More:

Information about the judicial appointment process: www.provincialcourt.bc.ca/about-the-court/judicial-officers/judges-court