The Student and Young Lawyers Committee facilitates networking and mentorship opportunities to newly called lawyers and students and acts as a resource for students seeking to connect with SABABC. Working with the students and our student membership to increase SABABC’s profile, the Committee is informed of resources for law students in securing articles and organizes one of more annual social events geared toward SABABC’s student membership.

SABABC recognizes the high cost of obtaining a law degree and the desire to assist in breaking down barriers to entry into law school. Each year, SABABC grants scholarships and bursaries to law students of South Asian ancestry or law students with a demonstrated interest in the South Asian community who are currently enrolled in first or second year at a British Columbia law school.

The Scholarship Committee is responsible for ensuring that the availability of its scholarships and bursaries is made known to the law schools and applicable organizations each year. Following receipt of the applications, the Committee assesses each applicant based on community involvement and academic merit, in addition to reviewing an original short essay for scholarship applicants and a demonstration of financial need for bursary applicants. Once the Committee has made its selection based on merit and the quality of applications received, it then makes a recommendation to the directors and upon receipt of board approval it advises the applicants.

The Policy and Advocacy Committee provides advice to the Board and serves as a forum for SABABC members interested in public interest related issues that affect the South Asian community and considers how SABABC may take a public position on such issues. The Committee advances SABABC’s mandate with respect to social responsibility and additionally operates as a point of contact for public inquiries.

The CPD and Events Committee prepares an annual calendar of events to arrange social events in both Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, including coordinating all aspects of the annual SABABC Fall Conference. The Committee also considers other professional development opportunities for members, including the identification of key areas that impact South Asian Lawyers and make efforts to disseminate information for the benefit of members. The Committee also coordinates relationships with other organizations wanting to connect with SABABC for the benefit of networking. The Social Committee is planning the return of the Annual Gala.

The Membership and Outreach Committee maintains and updates the membership list and maintains SABABC’s social and other media platforms. The Committee is responsible for ensuring proper payment, active membership accounts, and to make efforts to increase membership. The Committee is also responsible for social media posts, website posts, and general engagement with membership.