The CBABC Georges A Goyer, QC Memorial Award for Distinguished Service was created to recognize exceptional contributions to the legal profession, to jurisprudence or to the law in BC. The award was established in 1992 in memory of Georges A. Goyer, QC, a respected member of the BC Branch who passed away after a courageous battle with cancer.

Paul Beckmann, QC received the Georges A. Goyer, QC Memorial Award for Distinguished Service, at the annual Bench and Bar Dinner on November 21, 2002.

Mr. Beckmann, a partner at McCarthy Tétrault, was nominated for the honour by Sholto Hebenton, QC, Winton Derby, QC and Peter D. Fairey. His nomination was supported by numerous respected members of the legal community who lauded his ‘outstanding contributions,’ ‘marvellous efforts,’ ‘unimpeachable good character,’ and ‘limitless capacity for service to the profession.’

Mr. Beckmann’s nominators, while recognizing the breadth of his contributions, in particular cited his role in bar admission education. “What stands out in our minds, is Mr. Beckmann’s role in the work 15 years ago that elevated the then rudimentary system of bar admission courses into the internationally recognized professional legal training program that now operates in BC.” Continuing Legal Education Society Executive Director Jack Huberman, QC, calls Mr. Beckmann the ‘father’ of the modern era of bar admission education in BC.

CBABC President David Paul, who chaired the selection committee, said “Mr. Beckmann is universally admired and respected, and this was an instance where long overdue recognition has been given to a lawyer whose generosity and influence have left a substantial mark both within the profession and within his community.”