The Government of British Columbia has announced the appointment of Parveen Nijjar and Paul Pearson as judges to the Provincial Court, effective July 25, 2024.
This move aims to support consistent and timely access to justice in the province, it said.
Parveen Nijjar brings over 15 years of legal experience, beginning her career in international development with the United Nations in Uzbekistan, focusing on policy and legislation.
Returning to Canada, she articled at a law firm specializing in child protection, family, and criminal law. Nijjar’s career trajectory includes six years in child protection and family mediation, leading to her role as director’s counsel. In 2018, she joined the Legal Services Branch at the Ministry of the Attorney General, where she quickly rose to deputy supervisor.
Nijjar, fluent in Punjabi and proficient in Russian and Hindi, is actively involved in her community, contributing to various organizations through fundraising and supporting low-income families.
Paul Pearson, a seasoned criminal lawyer with nearly 25 years of experience, spent the first two decades of his career as a partner at a notable criminal defence firm before transitioning to Crown counsel in Victoria.
Pearson has managed numerous complex cases, taught at Crown conferences, and mentored new counsel. His contributions include developing a cross-examination training series for Crown counsel, earning him the Crown Leadership Award.
As an adjunct professor at the University of Victoria’s law faculty, Pearson taught criminal procedure and ethics, receiving the inaugural adjunct professor award of excellence for his course. His involvement with the Canadian Bar Association and the Victoria Bar Association further highlights his dedication to the legal community.
