448 THE ADVOCATE
VOL. 80 PART 3 MAY 2022
into the wide-ranging life experiences of his students and how they perceive
the issues confronting the courts.
Considering what a fierce advocate and fine colleague Bruce was to his
fellow lawyers, it was perhaps not surprising that his appointment as a master
of the court in Vancouver in 2019 was met with relief from opposing
counsel and a measure of grief from his colleagues. Bruce approached his
new role in his characteristically respectful, humble and diligent way. He
describes his work as a master as a life-changing privilege. Perhaps his earlier
work with computers gave him a leg up during the COVID-19 pandemic
shift to everything online. Whatever the reason, he has been described as,
and shown himself to be, a “master master” and a credit to the court in that
role.
Having already lost him to the other side when he was appointed as a
master, his colleagues at the bar can celebrate his appointment as a justice
of the court with genuine good cheer. The diversity of his life experiences
and the perspective he gained as a master who sat during this period of seismic
change to daily court operations ensure that the court has gained an
adaptable colleague who will throw himself into the new challenges ahead
with a firm focus on the work itself, deep compassion for those who come
before him, an extensive grounding in the law and a track record of always
giving his best.
The Honourable Judge Derek Mah
On July 15, 2021, Derek Mah was appointed as a
judge of the B.C. Provincial Court. Although he told
the Chief Judge that he would sit wherever he was
most needed, he was delighted to be assigned to sit in
Richmond.
Derek grew up in Richmond. He was always grateful
for the sacrifices his parents Ben and Barbara
made to send him to St. George’s School in Vancouver, and he had many
hours to reflect during his daily commute on how he would one day give
even more back.