Kamaljit Kaur Lehal, K.C.: Honored for Legacy and Leadership

• Kamaljit Kaur Lehal, K.C., was honored with the 2026 Cecilia I. Johnstone Award by the Canadian Bar Association Women Lawyers Forum.
• Her advocacy led to the federal government's "FV" practice, which expedites family violence immigration files to protect vulnerable women.
• She secured a $29.1-million settlement for the Ending Violence Association of BC, expanding trauma-informed legal services across British Columbia.
• Ms. Lehal has mentored generations of racialized women lawyers and helped launch the South Asian Legal Clinic of BC.
• She has served over 30 consecutive years on the Options Community Services board, becoming its first woman of colour chair from 2019 to 2024 and leading affordable housing campaigns.

Her extensive career is marked by a consistent record of legal advocacy that has profoundly influenced policy, particularly in safeguarding vulnerable populations.

The Canadian Bar Association Women Lawyers Forum (CBA WLF) recently inaugurated its National Conference with a reception dedicated to fostering community, mentorship, and professional connections. During this significant gathering, Kamaljit Kaur Lehal, K.C., was presented with the esteemed 2026 Cecilia I. Johnstone Award, recognizing her profound impact on the legal profession.

This distinguished award was established to honor the memory of the late Justice Cecilia Johnstone. It specifically aims to celebrate a woman lawyer who not only demonstrates exceptional professional excellence but also commits her career to the advancement, mentorship, and promotion of other women within the legal field. Ms. Lehal's receipt of this accolade underscores her remarkable contributions and leadership.

For more than 35 years, Kamaljit Kaur Lehal, K.C., has stood out as a leading practitioner and a pioneering force within British Columbia's legal community. Her extensive career is marked by a consistent record of legal advocacy that has profoundly influenced policy, particularly in safeguarding vulnerable populations. She has adeptly represented clients across all levels of the judiciary, including a notable role as co-counsel for the Canadian Council for Refugees before the Supreme Court of Canada.

A pivotal achievement in her career stems from her unwavering advocacy for immigrant and refugee women who are fleeing domestic violence. Her dedicated efforts directly led to the federal government's implementation of the "FV" practice. This critical initiative is designed to flag and expedite family violence immigration files across Canada, ensuring that women can be swiftly removed from unsafe situations and provided with essential protection.

Furthermore, Ms. Lehal played a crucial role in a high-profile constitutional battle, representing the Ending Violence Association of BC. Her strategic legal work in this case was instrumental in securing a substantial $29.1-million settlement. This landmark agreement has since facilitated the expansion of vital trauma-informed legal services throughout British Columbia, offering crucial support to those in need.

Beyond her direct legal triumphs, Ms. Lehal has committed significant energy to cultivating the next generation of legal professionals, with a particular focus on mentoring racialized women lawyers. Her dedication to community development is further evidenced by her involvement in the establishment of the South Asian Legal Clinic of BC and her leadership in spearheading SABA BC’s annual International Women’s Day programming, initiatives that empower and support diverse legal talent.

Her extensive public service also includes serving for over a decade as an Alternate Chair for the BC Review Board. Notably, she recently marked her 30th consecutive year on the Board of Directors for Options Community Services. During her tenure as Chair from 2019 to 2024, she made history as the first woman of colour to chair the board and successfully led capital campaigns to construct affordable housing in Surrey, addressing critical community needs.

Her profound influence is perhaps best encapsulated by her colleague and nominator, Anita Atwal, K.C., who observed, "She is the person who answers the phone at 10 PM when you are doubting your career, and reminds you exactly who you are." Throughout these numerous professional and community commitments, Kamaljit Kaur Lehal, K.C., has also adeptly managed her own firm, Lehal Law, while raising four children, exemplifying remarkable dedication and balance.

Source: Original reporting via CBA Women Lawyers Forum release.