ELC Associates Program

Launched in September 2007, the Associates Program connects lawyers across the province by engaging them in continuing legal-education type activities and bi-monthly teleconferences. ELC Associates share knowledge and collaborate on key environmental and resource development issues throughout the province. Topics of discussion to date include the potential for climate change litigation; the Tsilhqot’in Nation decision on aboriginal rights and title; run-of-the-river hydro projects and independent power production; and the use of class action litigation for environmental issues. Many thanks to our first two rounds of ELC Associates, many of whom will continue to be involved in the Associates Program as ELC Fellows. From Cohort 1: William J. Andrews, Alyssa Bradley, Wally Braul, Jo-anna Cowen, Stacey M Edzerza Fox, Mark Haddock, Jennifer Millbank, Richard Overstall, John Rich, Stuart Rush QC, and Krista Robertson. Cohort 2 Associates included Mitchell Couling, Michelle Ellison, Robin Gage, Jennifer Griffith, Judah Harrison, Sean Nixon, and Linda Nowlan.

ELC Associates (Cohort 1) Meeting Sept 18-19, 2008 Vancouver, BC (L to R: Chris Tollefson (ELC Executive Director), Jennifer Millbank, John Rich, Krista Robertson, Stacey Edzerza Fox, Jo-anna Cowen, Stuart Rush QC, Deborah Curran (ELC Program Director), Mark Haddock and Calvin Sandborn (ELC Legal Director). Missing: Bill Andrews, Alyssa Bradley and Wally Braul.)

Associates Program Teleconferences Cohort 2 Backgrounders
Water Sustainability (Nov23.09) Approaching Judicial Review(Feb15.10) New Developments in Protecting Species at Risk (Apr26.10) The Precautionary Principle in Canada (Jun14.10)	Reliance on Registered Professionals (Nov 29.10) Consultation and Accommodation (Apr18.11) Charter challenge for environmental health (Jun13.11)

Cohort 1 Backgrounders
Reflections on Public Interest Environmental Lawyering (Oct29.07) Climate Change (Dec3.07) Tsilhquot'in Nation v. BC (Feb7.08) Environmental Class Actions (Jun9.08)	Reliance on Registered Professionals (Nov24.08) Pacific Salmon Treaty (Feb9.09) Green Development (Apr27.09) Community Enforcement of Environmental Laws (Jun15.09)

ELC Associates Program FAQ
What is the Environmental Law Centre Associates Program?
The Environmental Law Centre (ELC) Associates Program commenced in the Fall of 2007 at the University of Victoria ELC with funding from the Law Foundation of BC. The purpose of this program is to enhance the capacity of the public interest environmental law Bar in BC, while enriching learning opportunities for ELC students, through a unique collaboration between the Bar and the ELC Clinic. In August 2011, we will recruit 10 Associates to comprise the third cohort of our Associates Program from 2009-2011. Funding is in place to support the recruitment of a total of three cohorts of ELC Associates from 2007 to 2013.
Who can be an Environmental Law Centre Associate?
Any lawyer practicing in BC with an interest in public interest environmental law. Each cohort of ELC Associates will be selected based on a variety of factors including demonstrated interest and/or expertise in public interest environmental law; mentor role potential; geographic distribution; and diversity/length of experience.
What are the expectations of Environmental Law Centre Associates?
ELC Associates may provide mentoring and advice, as appropriate, to Clinic students working on cases or projects within their area of expertise and/or in their geographic region. With approval of the ELC Board, Associates may also be able to secure student assistance for public interest environmental cases. Associates will stay abreast of developments in public interest environmental law through bi-monthly teleconferences hosted by the ELC, and through networking with other Associates. These teleconferences are approved Continuing Professional Development Credits by The Law Society of BC.
What are the benefits of participating in the Program?
Benefits include: Staying current with emerging environmental law practice issues; Networking with other lawyers engaged in public interest environmental law; Receiving advice from knowledgeable colleagues; Obtaining student assistance on ongoing public interest environmental cases or files; Working with highly motivated students that share similar practice-area interests; and Building the capacity of the public interest environmental bar in BC.
What do former Associates say about the Program? I have gone back to the CLE materials and teleconference backgrounders for information when faced with a client issue. They are a helpful starting point in my practice. The background materials for the teleconferences were concise, to the point, and directed the discussion very well. Even for areas in which I have no knowledge, the teleconferences were excellent. It was really helpful to hear from the other lawyers because they are leaders in their fields. A huge benefit of the Program is becoming acquainted with lawyers who have addressed similar issues and who are willing to have me call them for moral support and legal assistance. They often suggest alternative strategies and novel legal arguments. The networking opportunities were my favourite part. It was very valuable to have an opportunity to talk with like-minded people. It makes the possibility of doing environment work when it comes up in my work more likely because I have other lawyers I can consult with and bounce ideas off of. I was able to get outside of my usual files and get a better appreciation for these other intellectually fascinating issues that I have no acquaintance with. I found it useful as a professional to observe and take mental notes on the issues presented.