Summary

• A new associate judge has been appointed to the Supreme Court of British Columbia, adding to the court’s capacity to provide timely and fair access to justice throughout the province
• Michael Shirreff’s appointment is effective on Thursday, July 23, 2026
• Shirreff brings to the associate judge’s role more than 20 years of legal experience

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The Government of British Columbia has appointed Michael Shirreff as an associate judge to the Supreme Court of British Columbia, effective Thursday, July 23, 2026, to help ensure timely and efficient access to justice throughout the province.

Strengthening the justice system

Michael Shirreff will sit in Vancouver, and will travel and use video-conferencing technology to support other regions as necessary.

Shirreff brings more than 20 years of experience in civil, commercial and regulatory litigation. A partner at Sugden, McFee & Roos LLP, Shirreff was called to the B.C. bar in 2004 and has appeared before all levels of court in the province, as well as administrative tribunals. In addition to a litigation practice, Shirreff has served as independent counsel to regulatory bodies and held leadership roles with professional organizations, including the Canadian Bar Association BC Branch and the Trial Lawyers Association of British Columbia.  

This appointment supports the B.C. government’s ongoing commitment to ensuring the Supreme Court has the resources needed to meet the demands of the justice system and serve the people of the province effectively.

Quick Facts:

• Associate B.C. Supreme Court judges are judicial officers who preside over civil and family chambers and registrar hearings and handle a wide range of pre-trial and procedural matters in civil and family cases, helping ensure that trials run smoothly and occur in a timely manner.
• The Supreme Court has resident associate judges in six courthouse locations, and they preside by video-conferencing or travel to hearings in the court’s other locations.
• The appointment process for B.C. Supreme Court associate judges generally includes an open application process, review by an ad hoc committee and consultation with the chief justice before the attorney general makes a recommendation to cabinet for final appointment through order-in-council. 

Learn More:

• Read about the Supreme Court of British Columbia: https://www.bccourts.ca/supreme_court/