(Vancouver) - On March 31, the Trial Lawyers Association of BC (TLABC) will recognize the substantial efforts of a lawyer whose work in the province continues to be exemplary.

* Vancouver-based lawyer Dugald Christie will be presented with the 2006 TLABC Bar Award.

"Our nominations committee was very enthusiastic about this year's selections," said Carla Terzariol, TLABC's Executive Director and CEO. "Mr. Christie and Judge Godfrey are highly impressive. These law professionals stand as strong examples of how determined individuals can make positive and important contributions to the lives of BC citizens."

With respect to the Bar Award winner, TLABC President Gary Weatherill said: "In essence, Mr. Dugald Christie could very well have earned this award back in 1990, the year he founded the Western Canada Society to Access Justice. His long-term dedication to the cause of justice - particularly with regard to helping others access it - is a highly significant effort on behalf of citizens who would otherwise be without legal assistance."

"Mr. Christie's work is of fundamental importance," explained Mr. Weatherill. "This began with research efforts to further the cause of justice and has been followed by his ongoing work to establish pro bono clinics. Most recently, Mr. Christie has been the one leading the way in a legal battle to eliminate the PST on legal fees in BC."

TLABC was founded in 1980 by a small group of lawyers. Today, the association has the strength of nearly 1,000 members throughout British Columbia, in other parts of Canada and in the Unites States. Since 1982, TLABC has formally honoured members of the bar and bench through annual awards and recognition.

BRIEF BIO INFO FOR THIS YEAR'S TLABC HONOUREE, DUGALD CHRISTIE:

MR. DUGALD CHRISTIE
Mr. Dugald Christie has been selected as the recipient of TLABC's 2006 Bar Award. He is a Vancouver-based lawyer who earned his call to the bar in 1967. A barrister and solicitor, Mr. Christie is also the president of Western Canada Society to Access Justice, an organization he founded in 1990. At inception, the society's primary function was that of research, whereby senior litigation lawyers produced papers pertaining to court proceedings and legal access. For the past seven years, the society's key objective has been the development of pro bono clinics across Western Canada. To date, 61 clinics have been established between Campbell River and Winnipeg and more than 400 lawyers are aboard as volunteers. Mr. Christie's recent efforts include the lawsuit he launched, on behalf of BC citizens, to oppose the province's tax on legal services. It is a matter in which he and his counsel, Darrell W. Roberts QC, have been successful with in BC courts and one that is likely destined to be heard by the Supreme Court of Canada.