As a young criminal lawyer, Kyla Lee will bring a new perspective to the Law Society Benchers.

Kyla Lee is a criminal defence lawyer practising primarily in the area of impaired driving. She is well-known for her knowledge of the Immediate Roadside Prohibition laws, and advancing new arguments in administrative law proceedings. Kyla has appeared in all levels of court in British Columbia and at the Supreme Court of Canada. Kyla has also testified as an expert witness to the House of Commons Justice Committee and at the Senate of Canada. She is regularly sought out by media for her insightful commentary on criminal justice and political issues. Kyla volunteers as a guest lecturer at the UBC Indigenous Community Legal Clinic and as a CBA Mentor. Kyla is of Métis heritage and maintains a keen interest in Indigenous issues, including Indigenous overrepresentation in the justice system and underrepresentation in the bar and on the bench.

I get knocked down but I get up again. You are never gonna keep me down.” – Chumbawumba, Tubthumping

Being a criminal defence lawyer means that Kyla sees people from all walks of life. Kyla also understands why otherwise good people can be caught up in unprofessional or unacceptable conduct. This perspective will assist Kyla Lee, as a Bencher, in both advising other lawyers who seek her advice and in considering disciplinary issues, including rule changes.

As a relatively young member of the bar, Kyla intends to contribute a unique perspective by bringing her experiences as a young lawyer to the Bencher meetings. It is important that these perspectives be well-represented among the Benchers. She hopes to help the Law Society create clearer guidelines for lawyers to assist in promoting gender equality and to prevent disciplinary issues regarding sexism by making acceptable conduct more clear, and unacceptable conduct well-defined. As an Indigenous person, Kyla hopes to take part in initiatives that will increase the visibility of Indigenous people in the legal community.

Kyla is a strong defender of the independence of the bar, and supports the need for self-regulation among lawyers.