BC Supreme Court Welcomes Amy Peck as Associate Judge
In a move that strengthens the judicial system in British Columbia, Amy Peck has been appointed as an associate judge to the Supreme Court of British Columbia. Her appointment, effective September 5, 2025, marks a significant step in enhancing access to justice across the province.
Based in Vancouver, Peck will utilize video conferencing and travel to serve communities throughout British Columbia. Her appointment reflects the court’s commitment to ensuring judicial resources meet the growing demands of the justice system.
A Distinguished Legal Career
Amy Peck brings nearly two decades of legal experience to her new role. Called to the BC Bar in 2005, she has built a reputation for her expertise in commercial litigation and professional liability. Her practice has included procedural applications, enforcement matters, and interpretations of key provincial legislation.
Peck’s career began in the construction litigation group at Borden Ladner Gervais. She later held in-house counsel roles at O2E Brands Inc. and Simplex Legal LLP, and managed the legal department for a major Crown tenure holder in BC’s forestry industry.
From 2017 to 2020, she served as a tribunal member at the Civil Resolution Tribunal, where she adjudicated small claims and strata property disputes. This experience provided her with a unique perspective as a decision-maker, further enhancing her judicial acumen.
Recognized for Judicial Excellence
Peck is widely regarded for her professionalism in high-conflict situations, particularly when dealing with self-represented litigants. Her strong record in litigation, adjudication, and commitment to access to justice has earned her recognition within the legal community.
Fluent in French, Peck holds an LLB from the University of British Columbia, where she was a Law Society Gold Medallist in 2003. She also earned a BA Honours in English from UBC in 2000. She is a member of the Law Society of BC and the Canadian Bar Association.
The Role of Associate Judges
Associate judges in the BC Supreme Court, previously known as masters, play a crucial role in the judicial process. Their responsibilities include presiding over civil chambers and registrar hearings, deciding pre-trial motions, and ensuring trials proceed efficiently.
By managing procedural matters, associate judges help streamline the court process, allowing trials to move forward without unnecessary delays. They also support other regions through technology and travel, ensuring access to justice is available province-wide.
A Thorough Appointment Process
The appointment of an associate judge follows a rigorous process. Candidates are selected through an open application process, reviewed by a committee that includes representatives from the Deputy Attorney General, the BC Supreme Court, the Law Society of BC, and the Canadian Bar Association’s BC branch.
After consultation with the chief justice, the attorney general recommends a candidate to the cabinet. The final appointment is made through an order-in-council, ensuring a transparent and merit-based selection process.
Significance of the Appointment
Amy Peck’s appointment underscores the BC government’s commitment to strengthening the Supreme Court’s capacity to serve the public effectively. Her diverse experience and proven professionalism are expected to contribute to timely and fair access to justice for all British Columbians.
As the judicial system continues to evolve, Peck’s expertise and dedication will be invaluable in addressing the complexities of modern litigation and ensuring the court remains a cornerstone of justice in the province.
Experience in In-House Legal Roles
Before her appointment, Peck gained valuable experience in in-house legal roles, which broadened her understanding of legal matters from a corporate perspective. She served as in-house counsel at O2E Brands Inc. and Simplex Legal LLP, where she handled a variety of legal issues, further enhancing her expertise in professional liability and commercial litigation.
Additionally, Peck managed the legal department for the largest Crown tenure holder in BC’s coastal forestry industry. This role required her to navigate complex legal challenges specific to the forestry sector, demonstrating her ability to adapt to diverse legal environments and industries.
Adjudication Experience at the Civil Resolution Tribunal
From 2017 to 2020, Peck served as a tribunal member at the Civil Resolution Tribunal (CRT), where she adjudicated small claims and strata property disputes. This role provided her with a unique perspective as a decision-maker, allowing her to develop a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by litigants and the importance of fair and efficient dispute resolution.
Her experience at the CRT further honed her ability to manage high-conflict situations, particularly involving self-represented litigants. This experience is expected to be highly beneficial in her new role as an associate judge, where she will frequently interact with individuals navigating the judicial system without legal representation.
Commitment to Access to Justice
Throughout her career, Peck has demonstrated a strong commitment to access to justice. Her work at the CRT and her advocacy within the legal community reflect her dedication to ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their background or resources, have fair access to the justice system.
As an associate judge, Peck will continue to play a key role in facilitating access to justice by efficiently managing pre-trial and procedural matters, reducing delays, and ensuring that the judicial process remains accessible and equitable for all British Columbians.
Fluency in French
Amy Peck’s fluency in French adds to her ability to serve the diverse population of British Columbia. This skill will enable her to communicate effectively with francophone litigants and ensure that language barriers do not hinder access to justice.
Her bilingualism aligns with the Supreme Court of British Columbia’s commitment to providing services that reflect the linguistic diversity of the province.
Education and Professional Affiliations
Peck’s academic achievements and professional affiliations underscore her qualifications for the role of associate judge. She holds an LLB from the University of British Columbia, where she was recognized as a Law Society Gold Medallist in 2003. She also earned a BA Honours in English from UBC in 2000.
She is an active member of the Law Society of BC and the Canadian Bar Association, demonstrating her ongoing commitment to professional development and the advancement of the legal profession.
Conclusion
Amy Peck’s appointment as an associate judge is a testament to her extensive legal experience, dedication to access to justice, and ability to navigate complex legal environments. Her background in in-house legal roles, adjudication at the Civil Resolution Tribunal, and commitment to equitable justice positions her as an exceptional addition to the judiciary. Her bilingualism further enhances her ability to serve British Columbia’s diverse population, ensuring that all individuals have fair access to the justice system.
With her strong academic foundation, professional affiliations, and hands-on experience in high-conflict dispute resolution, Peck is well-equipped to address the challenges of her new role. Her ability to manage pre-trial and procedural matters efficiently will contribute to reducing delays and ensuring the judicial process remains accessible and equitable for all British Columbians.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What qualifies Amy Peck for her role as an associate judge?
Amy Peck’s qualifications include her experience in in-house legal roles, adjudication at the Civil Resolution Tribunal, and her commitment to access to justice. She also brings bilingualism in English and French, enhancing her ability to serve diverse litigants.
-
Where did Amy Peck gain her adjudication experience?
Amy Peck served as a tribunal member at the Civil Resolution Tribunal (CRT) from 2017 to 2020, where she adjudicated small claims and strata property disputes, honing her skills in managing high-conflict situations.
-
How does Amy Peck’s fluency in French benefit her role?
Her fluency in French enables effective communication with francophone litigants, ensuring language barriers do not hinder access to justice. This aligns with the Supreme Court of British Columbia’s commitment to linguistic diversity.
-
What is Amy Peck’s educational background?
Amy Peck holds an LLB from the University of British Columbia, where she was a Law Society Gold Medallist in 2003, and a BA Honours in English from UBC in 2000.
