The Government of British Columbia is appointing three new Provincial Court judges to support continued access to justice.

The three judges to be appointed are:

• Judge David Simpkin, effective Dec. 1, 2022;
• Judge Lynett Jung, effective Dec. 1, 2022; and
• Judge Tim Hinkson, effective Nov. 18, 2022.

David Simpkin:

David Simpkin completed a graduate diploma in law from Bournemouth University in the U.K. and earned a legal practice course certificate from the College of Law, York in 1995. In 2000, he completed the Canadian transfer examinations and was called to the B.C. bar in 2001. Simpkin had a varied practice that included civil litigation criminal defence and child protection matters. Recently, he served as Crown counsel in Surrey for 15 years.

Lynett Jung:

Lynett Jung graduated from Queen’s University law school in 1992 and was called to the B.C. bar in 1993. Shortly after, Jung had a general practice that included ICBC defence, family and civil litigation work. In 1997, she became Crown counsel, working in the Fraser Region until 2017 when she was appointed deputy director, Legal Resources, Learning and Development at the BC Prosecution Service. Jung has been a leader in professional development and education for Crown counsel throughout her career.

Tim Hinkson:

Tim Hinkson graduated from the University of British Columbia law school in 2005. He was called to the bar in 2006 and had a diverse practice, including working with the BC Prosecution service early in his career. He also practised as criminal defence counsel. Most recently, he served as a civil litigator, primarily focusing on the defence of professionals in negligence and related claims, and defending general insurance matters and motor vehicle actions. Hinkson is an active volunteer in the legal profession and a mentor to many younger lawyers.

The Province is committed to promoting fair access to justice for all residents of B.C. These appointment decisions consider multiple factors, including the needs of the court, the diversity of the bench and the candidates’ areas of expertise.

Quick Facts:

• The process to appoint judges involves the following steps:
  • Interested lawyers apply, and the Judicial Council of B.C. reviews the candidates.
  • The council is a statutory body made up of the chief judge, an associate chief judge, other judges, lawyers and members from outside the legal profession.
  • The council recommends potential judges to the attorney general.
  • Appointments are made through a cabinet order-in-council.
• Although judicial officers may be assigned to a judicial region, many travel regularly throughout the province to meet changing demands.

Learn More:

For information about the judicial appointment process, visit: www.provincialcourt.bc.ca