Amanda Johl Presents at the 2024 SABABC Fall Conference

Written By Abby Pang

The South Asian Bar Association of British Columbia held its 2024 Fall Conference on November 28, 2024, at the Surrey Civic Hotel, followed by a post-conference networking mixer at Skye Avenue Kitchen + Lounge.

The conference served as the association’s premier professional development and networking event, drawing lawyers, students, and paralegals from across BC.

The program included a keynote speech by Judge Gurmail Gill, the first South Asian appointed to the BC Provincial Court, and panel discussions featuring Benchers of the Law Society of BC, alternative careers in law, representation of South Asian women in law, and the intersections of family, criminal, and child protection law.

Parallel breakout sessions covered civil sexual assault, criminal law perspectives, and immigration law.

Attendees had opportunities to engage in substantive discussions and network during the post-conference mixer. The event was designed to offer both professional insight and community connection for members and non-members alike.

Amanda Johl of Illuma Family Law presented on important topics in family law.

SABABC 2024 Fall Conference

Abby Pang

Abby is a family lawyer and loving mother of two children. She is an advocate for healthy families and children. She has turned her energy towards supporting families, by providing guidance and helping families navigate through the legal system, while empowering them to have a voice throughout the process.

Abby Pang’s journey began in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. Subsequently, her family moved to the east side of Vancouver, before moving to Richmond, where she spent most of her childhood. Her father was a refugee who came to Canada in 1970, and from him she learned the meaning of grit.

In her youth, Abby experienced a breakdown in her family unit which resulted in divorce. She understands that marital breakdowns and divorces can be complicated, but also devastating. She also understands there are alternative options and ways to mitigate the damaging effects of the process.

Abby earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of British Columbia, studying psychology and family studies. She earned a law degree from Manchester Metropolitan University, exchange program through the Hong Kong University. In 2008, she returned to British Columbia to work in a large law office while completing her National Certificate of Accreditation. She then completed her articles in a boutique law firm in Vancouver. She was called to the British Columbia bar in 2012.

Abby has appeared in Provincial Court, Supreme Court and Court of Appeal. She deals with personal injury claims, sexual assault (civil) claims, and family law matters. In addition to her court experience, Abby takes a “family first” approach and is resolution-focused. She is registered through the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals.

As a lawyer, Abby Pang’s community involvement included volunteer work with the Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers and the Canadian Bar Association Women Lawyers’ Forum. As well, she had the opportunity to assist at Rise Women’s Legal Center and Battered Women’s Support Services through volunteering with Amici Curiae Friends of Court.

Abby is the recipient of A Woman of Worth Leader of the Year Award 2023 for her outstanding achievements in strengthening her community/organization through innovative approaches to resolving challenges and inspiring meaningful change. She has been recognized nationally as a nominee of the YWCA Women of Distinction Awards 2023, which honours extraordinary women leaders and businesses. She is a nominee of the RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneurs Awards 2025, which recognizes the strides of Canada’s most accomplished, influential and impactful women. Abby has also been named in the 2026 edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada™ for being one of the top lawyers in Family Law.

In her personal time, Abby enjoys snowboarding, bike riding, coaching her daughter’s baseball team and spending time with her family.

https://www.illumalaw.com
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