This month’s Spotlight shines on Gurminder Sandhu, KC of Kane Shannon Weiler LLP.
What are you currently working on (or have most recently worked on) with CLEBC?
My work with CLEBC began early in my career, focusing on drafting legal materials. In 2000, I co-authored “Security for Costs” for the Commercial Litigation for Support Staff Conference. I continued by co-authoring the “Defences” chapter for the 2002 British Columbia Motor Vehicle Accident Claims Practice Manual, followed by contributing to the “Part 7 Benefits: A General Overview” for the Part 7 Conference in 2003.
I recently took on significant speaker roles. In 2024, I served as co-chair for the Personal Injury Conference. In 2025, I returned as co-chair for the Personal Injury Conference and took on an additional co-chairing role for the Litigation Foundations: Perspectives of a Litigated Case Conference. Beyond chairing, I presented at both the Civil Litigation Basics for Paralegals and Legal Support Staff and the Insurance Law Conference, where I co-authored the paper “Intersection of Artificial Intelligence & Insurance Law.”
In 2026, I chaired the Art of Interviewing conference, where I co-authored an article on “Fundamentals of a Client Interview.” Later in 2026, I am scheduled to return as co-chair for the 2026 Personal Injury Conference [on November 18] and the 2026 Legal Professionalism program [on November 17].
You are very active in the legal community on so many different fronts, including serving as an elected LSBC Bencher, serving as a member of both the Federal and Provincial Judicial Advisory Committees, and chairing and speaking at various conferences. What motivates you to give back to the profession?
My path to becoming a lawyer was shaped long before I entered UBC Law. Growing up, I watched my parents navigate building a life in a new country. I witnessed firsthand the work ethic required, but I also saw how easily families without resources could be marginalized by complex legal problems.
Those early perspectives became the quiet catalyst for my legal career. I recognized that the legal system is often where the most critical imbalances of power can be addressed, and I wanted to ensure that hardworking people had a capable, dedicated voice in their corner.
While building a practice focusing on civil litigation, family law, and insurance matters, I have never lost sight of the vulnerable populations in my community.
For over 25 years, I have dedicated time to pro bono initiatives, providing legal guidance through Access Pro Bono, Amici Curiae Friends of Court and the Salvation Army Legal Clinic.
My decision to become a litigator was never just about being a legal professional; it was about playing a part in making the legal system accessible and equitable for everyone.
What advice would you pass on to a newly called lawyer?
If I was sitting across the table from a newly called lawyer, my advice would focus on the essential realities of the job:
Never Forget the Person Behind the File
When you are managing dozens of cases, it is easy to view a file as just a legal puzzle or a procedural deadline to meet. Remember that for your client, their file represents one of the most stressful and financially precarious moments of their life.
The legal system is an intimidating maze for outsiders—especially for those with challenges. A lawyer’s job is not just to argue the law; it is to translate that maze and treat your client with the dignity and patience they deserve.
Make Access to Justice a Habit, Not an Afterthought
Do not wait until you are “established” to start giving back. There are people right now who will lose their homes, their families, or their livelihoods simply because they cannot afford an advocate. Carve out time for pro bono work—through organizations like AC Friends of Court or Access Pro Bono. Providing pro bono service will keep you grounded, remind you why you became a lawyer and make you a better advocate.
Your Reputation is Your Only Truly Non-Renewable Asset
The legal community is remarkably small. Advocate fiercely for your clients, but never sacrifice your integrity, your civility or your word to win a case. You can recover from a lost trial; you cannot recover from a lost reputation.
You Are Going to Make Mistakes—Don’t Hide Them
The transition from law school to practice is incredibly jarring. You will miss a nuance in a case, struggle with a difficult client, or feel overwhelmed by civil procedure. When you are out of your depth, reach out to senior lawyers. The profession relies on mentorship, and true competence isn’t knowing all the answers immediately—it is having the humility to ask for help before a small error becomes a major one.
Other than law, what are you passionate about?
My family and my community are my twin pillars. Litigation is a demanding career, and family and community is what keeps me grounded and gives me balance.
My greatest focus is simply being present for my family. Whether we are spending the weekend together, being involved in the kids’ activities, or just unwinding at the end of a long week, that time is my absolute priority.
I am also focused on being an active, engaged member of my community. I want to be invested in the people and the neighbourhoods around me. This means supporting local initiatives, volunteering my time, and staying connected to what is happening in my community.