CLEBC is pleased to award Michèle Ross the 2026 Leaders in Learning Award. Michèle is a senior paralegal at Heinrichs Richards LLP. She completed her paralegal education at Capilano University in 2003 and has devoted her 30-plus-year career exclusively to family law.
Michèle has been a “designated paralegal” since 2012, when the Law Society of BC approved rules changes allowing BC paralegals to perform additional duties under a lawyer’s supervision.
Michèle has extensive experience at all levels of the court system. She manages all aspects of the process on family files, whether it be through litigation or a collaborative process. She works closely with clients to strategize and implement solutions. Michèle also plays an active role in resolving disputes at mediation, both as a support to counsel and in her capacity as a designated paralegal with authority to represent clients at family law mediations.
Michèle Ross with CLEBC Board Chair Megan Volk at the 40th annual Bench & Bar Dinner.
In June 2021, Michèle was one of two paralegals appointed to the British Columbia Supreme Court Civil & Family Rules Committee, and she was appointed in 2025 to the Supreme Court Early Resolution Model Advisory Committee. Michèle is also appointed by the provincial government as a Bencher for the Law Society of BC. In this capacity, she is currently the chair of the Discipline Committee, vice-chair of the Discipline Processes Task Force, and on the Executive Committee.
Michèle is a Commissioner for taking Affidavits under the Evidence Act to administer oaths and affirmations and take affidavits and declarations. She is also a Certified Legal Coach (CLC), having completed training through the Legal Coaches Association.
Michèle was a member of the Law Society’s Licensed Paralegal Task Force in 2019 and 2020, which task force recommended the creation of the Innovation Sandbox. She was also a member of the Innovation Sandbox Advisory Group and is a strong supporter of the Innovation Sandbox initiative, as well as an approved participant. This approval permits her to perform family law services without direct supervision, including providing legal advice, processing desk order divorces, drafting court documents, negotiating, and conducting legal research. As well, Michèle is one of the very few designated paralegals who represent clients in court.
After the enactment of the Legal Professions Act in 2024, Michèle was appointed by the Ministry of Attorney General to the Regulated Paralegal Working Group (RPWG). The RPWG was established to make recommendations to the Attorney General on what legal services a regulated paralegal should be able to provide to British Columbians.
Michèle has been a guest presenter at Capilano University and has volunteered and presented for the CLEBC and TLABC on many occasions. Her efforts for CLEBC go back to 2003 and include co-authoring the Family Law Deskbook and creating and presenting materials for the Family Law Basics for Paralegals and Legal Support Staff course. She is also one of the authors of the “Paralegal Perspective” column, which appears in TLABC’s publication, The Verdict.
Michèle’s efforts and dedication have vastly improved the quality of legal resources for paralegals in this province. CLEBC is delighted to present her with this award.