Husband and wife legal team gets King’s Counsel designation

By Mata Press Service

The husband-and-wife law team of Joven Narwal and Cheryl D’Sa is among 26 lawyers recognized this year with the King’s counsel (KC) designation for exceptional contributions to the legal profession in British Columbia.

The couple, principals at the Vancouver -based Narwal Litigation LLP, were recognized by their peers for extraordinary merit and broader contributions to the legal profession, said a BC Government statement.

“The King’s counsel designation serves as a testament to the exceptional dedication and contributions these lawyers have made to our legal landscape,” said Niki Sharma, BC’s Attorney General.

“It signifies an elevated standing among peers and clients, showcasing their unwavering commitment to unparalleled service and expertise. I’m honoured to recognize this esteemed group for their invaluable impact on our community, and on the B.C. justice system.”

This year’s appointees include lawyers in private practice, government and academia who have distinguished themselves by their counsel, teaching contributions, publications, advocacy and volunteerism.

““We are both deeply honored to receive this recognition from the Attorney General,” said Joven.

His late father, Pritpal Narwal, a lawyer in India came to Canada in 1976. At that time, there was no accreditation process to have his Indian law degree recognized in Canada, and he became an entrepreneur and later one of the first Punjabi-origin Notary Publics in BC.

“It is especially meaningful because the announcement was made on my late fathers, birthday…he passed away earlier this year. He always took great interest in my career and my wife’s career, and we have always been grateful for his support. I credit everything I have and anything I might achieve to the loving support of my father, and my mother, Jasbier Kaur Narwal who passed away nearly 20 years ago,” said Joven.

According to the government statement Joven Narwal is a prominent trial and appellate lawyer known for handling high-stakes cases, specializing in criminal and securities litigation, professional regulation and complex civil matters with criminal aspects.

As a partner at his firm, and an adjunct professor at UBC Allard School of Law, Narwal is immersed in legal academia and practice.

He actively contributes to advisory committees to promote inclusive policies and, notably, he was the first IBPOC president of the Vancouver Bar Association (VBA). Through his work with the VBA, he championed raising funds for Access Pro Bono and the Lawyers’ Assistance Program.

The BC Government said Cheryl D’Sa is a civil litigator and mediator who is recognized for her expertise in personal injury cases, often being asked to speak or lecture on the topic.

D’Sa is engaged extensively with the Canadian Bar Association B.C. (CBABC) branch and was the first female IBPOC president of the Vancouver Bar Association. She currently chairs the Law Society of B.C.'s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee and is a member of the Mental Health Task Force.

D’Sa is passionate about offering formal mentorship to female and IBPOC lawyers, and she won the CBABC Debra Van Ginkel, QC Mentoring Award that recognizes her significant contributions as a mentor.