Awarded by the CBABC president, this medal recognizes one or more of the following: legal academic proficiency; outstanding works of legal scholarship; significant contribution to the profession; or noteworthy contribution to Canadian public life.

Arthur Close, QC is the recipient of the President’s Medal. Mr. Close served as Counsel, Commissioner, Vice-Chair and finally Chair of the Law Reform Commission of BC between 1973-1997, during which time he authored a number of reports that were implemented through legislation. Following the abolishment of the Law Reform Commission, Arthur, along with other members of the legal community, founded the British Columbia Law Institute (BCLI) where he subsequently became Executive Director. In 2003 Arthur spearheaded the creation of the Canadian Center for Elder Law Studies (a division of BCLI), which is the only body in Canada devoted exclusively to legal research and law reform in the area of elder law. His commitment to law reform is evident in his more than 50 published works. His legal best seller Gender-free Legal Writing: Managing the Personal Pronouns published in 1998 continues to be a staple in every legal library. Frits Verhoeven, President of the Canadian Bar Association, BC Branch, commented, "More than anyone else in this Province, over the course of his long career spanning 37 years from 1970 until his retirement this year, Arthur L. Close, QC has dedicated himself to the cause of law reform, and to the goal of improving the law - a core value of the Canadian Bar Association. As President of the BC Branch of the Canadian Bar Association, I take great pride in recognizing Arthur’s many contributions by awarding him the President's Medal for the BC Branch for 2007."