Bradford F. Smith, K.C., a distinguished sole practitioner based in Kamloops, has been appointed as a Judge of the Supreme Court of British Columbia in Kamloops.
This appointment follows the decision of Justice S.D. Dley (Kamloops), who chose to become a supernumerary judge effective November 1, 2021.
Justice Minister and Attorney General of Canada David Lametti extended his well wishes to Justice Smith, expressing confidence in his ability to serve the people of British Columbia effectively as a member of the Supreme Court. He stated, “I am confident he will serve British Columbians well as a member of the Supreme Court of British Columbia.”
Justice Smith, originally from South Africa, immigrated to Canada at the age of 20. Before pursuing a career in law, he worked as an insurance adjuster. He attended Osgoode Hall Law School, where he obtained his Bachelor of Laws in 1999.
Later, he completed a Master of Laws in Criminal Law and Procedure in 2009. During his time at Osgoode, he demonstrated leadership as a student at the law school’s community legal aid clinic and was part of the inaugural Innocence Project cohort. In 2000, he was called to the BC bar.
Following his articles with Ian Donaldson, K.C., in Vancouver, Justice Smith served as a federal prosecutor for 13 years. His work involved prosecuting clandestine synthetic drug labs, complex drug conspiracies, and organized criminal groups.
In 2013, he left the Crown to establish his own defense practice. Since 2015, he has been based in Kamloops, where he has successfully defended clients in a wide range of cases, including those involving first-degree murder. He has also acted as amicus curiae in two murder cases. In recognition of his contributions to the legal profession, he was appointed as King’s Counsel in 2019.
Justice Smith’s dedication to the legal community is evident through his volunteer work. He has been involved with the Organizing Committee of the Kamloops Inns of Court Program and has contributed to Thompson Rivers University, Faculty of Law. He has also served on the Boards of the Association of Legal Aid Lawyers and the Overlander Ski Club.
Justice Smith and his wife, Sandra, are proud parents of two wonderful teenage sons.
