Law Courts Inn
800 Smithe St 5th Flr # 5 V6Z2E1 Vancouver, BC, Canada

Three senior members of architect Arthur Erickson’s Robson Square/Law Courts design team speak out in support of saving the Law Courts Inn Restaurant Architects Rainer Fassler, Nick Milkovich and Alan Bell spent a combined total of 100 years working with Vancouver visionary Arthur Erickson. Here’s an excerpt of their letter to the Inn’s landlords, the Ministry of Citizens’ Services and the Attorney General, outlining why it’s so important the Inn remain open: The publicness... and openness of the Courthouse is the most outstanding and innovative aspect of its design. From the beginning of the planning process, a public food service facility was deemed to be an essential component of the Courthouse. It was also seen as an important complement to the Great Hall, as an amenity that supports the very essence of this wonderful civic space, and a significant draw to outsiders. Elimination of the public restaurant at the north end of the Courthouse would represent an erosion of the powerful concepts of publicness and openness, central to the Courthouse and the 3-block complex and a disrespect to the 1972-5 NDP government that courageously sponsored the creation of the internationally recognized public building complex. Consequently, we urge you to respect the principles of publicness and openness that are central to the Courthouse and the 3-block complex as a whole. Specifically, we ask you to refrain from permanently alienating this unique location from public use and enjoyment, by preserving and improving the public restaurant facility at the north end of the Courthouse. Read the full text of the architects’ letter here https://lawcourtsinn.com/save-the-inn/ and share this post to help save the Law Courts Inn. See more

The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada has this to say about the unique structure of the Law Courts Inn Restaurant and its special place in Arthur Erickson’s continuing plan for the complex: Its linear, modern, and naturally lit interior is a signature of Erickson’s design ethos. Other important features include the proportions of the space, elevated ceiling heights, floor to ceiling windows, use of material specifically exposed concrete, structural bays that delineate... the space, angled clerestory windows, and the juxtaposition of the order of the interior space and the organic nature of the exterior garden, complete with a linear reflecting pond only accessible from this space. These are all trademarks of Erickson’s work. Read the full text of the Institute’s letter to the Inn’s landlords here https://lawcourtsinn.com/save-the-inn/ and share this post to help save the Law Courts Inn.

The strong team @LawCourtsInnVan continues to work hard for its visitors, don’t let landlords shut them down. Please RT and visit https://lawcourtsinn.com/save-the-inn/ #SavetheLawCourtsInn #vanpoli #bcpoli

The Law Courts Inn Restaurant is a sustainable business, with a strong team working to make visitors’ experiences special. Our landlord is cancelling our lease and shutting us down without consultation. Please share this post and visit https://lawcourtsinn.com/save-the-inn/ #savethelawcourtsinn #banquets #corporatedining #conference #eventplanner #insidevancouver #vancouverlawyers #vanpoli #bcpoli #robsonsquare

Do you have a great memory from a visit to the Law Courts Inn Restaurant on the fifth floor of Vancouver’s Supreme Court Building? Please reach out and tell us about it. We’re 40-years-old and still thriving, but our landlord is cancelling our lease to make way for office space. Help save this truly special public venue, visit https://lawcourtsinn.com/save-the-inn/ and share.

Celebrated architect Arthur Erickson designed the Law Courts Inn Restaurant to offer the public access into an extraordinary and otherwise inaccessible part of Vancouver’s landmark courthouse complex. The Inn’s landlords, the BC Ministry of Citizens’ Services, now want to turn this unique space in one of Canada’s most significant public buildings into government offices, which is a big expense to taxpayers in a time when empty office space is all around, even in the courthouse complex! The public deserves full access to this entire space! Remind the Ministry they need to be responsible stewards. Visit https://lawcourtsinn.com/save-the-inn/ and share this post.

Law Courts Inn Restaurant threatened with closure Our landlord, the BC Ministry of Citizens’ Services is refusing to renew the lease for our downtown restaurant and event space. The non-profit Lawyers Inn Society has been operating the Inn for 40 years. The government plans to turn it into offices. There would be a big cost to taxpayers to convert the restaurant to office space, and there is already empty office space in the courthouse complex, as well as in surrounding build...ings. The BC Government hasn’t explained why they are rushing now to close down the restaurant when there are lots of other options. The decision not to renew the lease was made by the Ministry without any consultation with interested stakeholders, and the Ministry won’t even return calls or emails, despite a strong show of public support. For more information, visit https://lawcourtsinn.com/save-the-inn/ and please share this post to help spread the word.

The Law Courts Inn is facing imminent closure; our landlord is cancelling our lease. We need your support to safeguard an extraordinary Vancouver gathering place. Please share this post and visit https://lawcourtsinn.com/save-the-inn/. #savethelawcourtsinn #banquets #vancouverweddings #corporatedining #conference #eventplanner #insidevancouver #vancouverlawyers #vanpoli #bcpoli #robsonsquare #vancouverviews

Safeguard this important part of Arthur Erickson’s vision Famed Vancouver architect Arthur Erickson said the Law Courts Inn, and its spectacular view, was his favourite part of the Courthouse complex. He strongly believed the city’s court house, and indeed the whole justice system should be wide open to the public -- Erickson, so the citizen would accept their justice system as part of their cultural identity.and used also for concerts, talks and marvelous parties in other words, demystified as the arbiter of justice. He saw the restaurant as a key part of realizing this dream. Help save this unique public venue, visit https://lawcourtsinn.com/save-the-inn/ and share.

The Law Courts Inn is in danger of being closed. Landlords are cancelling our lease to develop office space. The public should not lose access to this beautiful, versatile venue. Join the organizations and individuals who have already written to the government to voice their concern. We need your support, share this post and visit https://lawcourtsinn.com/save-the-inn/. #savethelawcourtsinn #banquets #vancouverweddings #corporatedining #conference #eventplanner #insidevancouver #vancouverlawyers #vanpoli #bcpoli #robsonsquare

The Law Courts Inn serves lunch Monday to Friday from 11:30 to 2:30, but it plays host to a huge variety of functions all across the calendar weddings, special socials, fundraisers, corporate events, executive lunches and cocktail parties to name a just a few. This is a really special venue, right in the heart of downtown Vancouver, and it needs to stay publicly accessible. Landlords are cancelling our lease and threatening to put in government office space. Say no! Visit https://lawcourtsinn.com/save-the-inn/ to find out how you can help. Please share this post. #savethelawcourtsinn #banquets #vancouverweddings #corporatedining #conference #vancouverviews #eventplanner #insidevancouver #vancouverlawyers #vanpoli #bcpoli #robsonsquare

https://www.vancouverisawesome.com//restaurant-law-courts-

https://biv.com//20/08/iconic-law-courts-inn-faces-closure

Keep the Celebrations Going! The Law Courts Inn is a terrific setting for all kinds of gatherings right in the heart of downtown Vancouver, and it’s been that way for over 40 years. But, its future is in jeopardy because landlords won’t renew our lease. Share this post and visit https://lawcourtsinn.com/save-the-inn/ to find out how you can help keep this unique venue open to the public. #savethelawcourtsinn #banquets #vancouverweddings #corporatedining #conference #vancouverviews #eventplanner #insidevancouver #vancouverlawyers #vanpoli #bcpoli #robsonsquare

Honourable tradition at risk, as landlords threaten closure A plaque at the entrance to the Law Courts Inn, quotes William Shakespeare: And do as adversaries do in law, strive mightily, but eat and drink as friends. This encapsulates the spirit of our venue and represents a long-standing tradition which has brought much good will to local legal proceedings. Help us continue this important tradition, share this post, visit https://lawcourtsinn.com/save-the-inn/ and add your voice to those fighting to keep the Inn open.

A William Shakespeare quote posted at the entrance to the Law Courts Inn, encapsulates one of the key tenets of our venue, And do as adversaries do in law, strive mightily, but eat and drink as friends. Many important relationships have been forged at our tables. Help us continue this collegial tradition. Share this post and visit https://lawcourtsinn.com/save-the-inn/ #savethelawcourtsinn #banquets #corporatedining #conference #eventplanner #insidevancouver #vancouverlawyers #vanpoli #bcpoli #robsonsquare @ Law Courts Inn

This is my favourite place, Arthur Erickson The Law Courts Inn is part of a downtown Courthouse complex designed by venerated Canadian architect and urban planner Arthur Erickson. He talked about the structure, The dome of the old courthouse that you see here reflected in the pool always strikes me as slightly Byzantine Erickson said. This was sighted to give you just that view. The old, seen through the new. This is my favourite place. Tall buildings eventually will be all around this and that’s what it needs. Then it will look like the centre of a walled city. Help save this unique public venue, visit https://lawcourtsinn.com/save-the-inn/ and share.

Do you have a great memory from the Law Courts Inn? An important connection made over lunch or a special moment spent overlooking the reflecting pool? Share your recollections and find out how you can help save this unique Vancouver venue. Our landlords are refusing to renew our lease. https://lawcourtsinn.com/save-the-inn/ #savethelawcourtsinn #banquets #vancouverweddings #corporatedining #conference #vancouverviews #eventplanner #insidevancouver #vancouverlawyers #vanpoli #bcpoli #robsonsquare

The Law Courts Inn was founded by directors of the Vancouver Bar Association. They wanted to bring the local legal profession together on a daily basis by establishing a dining and social club for lawyers and judges, modeled after the Inns of Court in London, England. Vancouver’s Inn has been open to the broader public for 40 years. Do you have a great memory from the Law Courts Inn -- an important connection made over lunch or a special moment spent overlooking the reflecting pool? Share your recollections and find out how you can help save this unique Vancouver venue. Our landlords are refusing to renew our lease. https://lawcourtsinn.com/save-the-inn/

Law Courts Inn landlords, Ministry of Citizens’ Services, not renewing lease, Vancouver institution may be forced to close How you can help: 1. Email the Law Courts Inn’s landlords to show your support for saving this valuable landmark. Ask them to negotiate a new lease to keep the restaurant and function space operating -- Minister Anne Kang, CC Jill Kot, Sunny Dhaliwal, and David Eby 2. Email your MLA (Find my MLA), Attorney General David Eby, and Premier John Horgan to a...sk them to step in and ensure the Law Courts Inn stays open. 3. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and share our posts with your contacts. Visit https://lawcourtsinn.com/save-the-inn/ for more information.

For more than 40 years, the Law Courts Inn Restaurant on the fifth floor of Vancouver’s Supreme Court Building has offered members of the public and the legal community in particular, a unique place to dine with an exclusive view of the glittering downtown cityscape. Now this hidden haven is in jeopardy. The Inn’s landlords are cancelling our lease. Don’t let an important gathering place be taken over for office space, help us #savethelawcourtsinn by sharing this post. Visit https://lawcourtsinn.com/save-the-inn/ to find out more. #banquets #vancouverweddings #corporatedining #conference #vancouverviews #eventplanner #insidevancouver #vancouverlawyers #vanpoli #bcpoli #robsonsquare

Dear Friends of the Law Courts Inn, I am writing you to make you aware that after 40 years of serving our community, the Law Courts Inn restaurant may be in peril and closing to the public and legal profession as of September, 2020. The Ministry of Citizens Services, without consultation or input from the users of the space, has decided not to renew the lease of the Law Courts Inn to the Lawyers Inn Society, which has operated the restaurant and public space in the Vancouver ...Courthouse for 40 years. Instead the provincial government has decided to turn this masterpiece of Vancouver’s most famous architect, Arthur Erickson, into a another office! I have attached 2 letters which will give you some more idea in regards to our position and the government’s curt response. I am afraid we have exhausted many of our options and we are currently hoping to generate public outcry for the loss of this beautiful space to the public and short sightedness of the decision to turn it into offices. I am asking for your support in opposing the closure. Please read the attached and make your views known to the Ministry of Citizens’ Services, copying [email protected]: Sunny Dhaliwal Assistant Deputy Minister Ministry of Citizens’ Services [email protected] Salman Azam Assistant Deputy Minister Ministry of Attorney General [email protected], Anne Kang Minister of Citizens' Services [email protected] We sincerely hope we can preserve Arthur Erickson’s legacy, enact change, keep this amazing architectural masterpiece intact for the public and continue to host you in the future. Regards, Steve Chamli General Manager

Lawyer friends with little ones: The Law Courts Inn's Santa Breakfast is this Sunday! You can still RSVP today.

Chef in the Hood. #chef #vancouver #food #events #vancouvervenue #deliciousfood #chefsinvancouver

Save the Date! LCI's Annual Breakfast with Santa Sunday, November 25, 2018 10:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m.... Join us at the Law Courts Inn for breakfast, entertainment, and a visit with the Honourable Christopher E. Hinkson, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of British Columbia (starring as Santa!). Your little ones will get to enjoy songs, stories and a visit with Santa while you enjoy a lovely breakfast buffet. Pricing includes a digital photo taken with Santa by our professional photographer. Perfect for Facebook, Instagram or holiday cards! Cost: $30 per adult and $15 per child Children 3 and under are free. Space is limited, so to reserve your seat(s), please email [email protected] by November 20, 2018. If you need to purchase or renew your membership, visit our website www.lawcourtsinn.com for the membership form and email it to [email protected].

Law Courts Inn Members & Friends from the Bench and Bar: SAVE THE DATE! The Law Courts Inn will be hosting our annual BREAKFAST WITH SANTA on Sunday, November 26, 2017, 10 a.m. 12:00 p.m. (scheduled earlier this year to allow you to feature your photo on your holiday greeting cards). Join us for breakfast, entertainment, and a visit with a very special Santa Claus (aka The Honourable Chief Justice of the BCSC). Further details about the event and ticketing to follow, but put it in your calendar now!

Thank you to the Vancouver Bar Association for hosting yesterday afternoon's Asia Pacific Judicial Colloquium reception at the Law Courts Inn, welcoming several distinguished and honourable guests with justices from the High Court of Australia, the Supreme Court of Singapore, the Supreme Court of New Zealand, the Hong Kong Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court of Canada, including the Rt. Honourable Beverley McLachlin, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada. #HomeoftheBenchandBar

Congratulations to our new executive and board, including incoming President Naz Mitha and Vice-President Angela Folino, elected at yesterday's AGM Luncheon. Lastly a big thank you to Chief Judge Crabtree of the Provincial Court of British Columbia for joining us to give us an update on his court and tell us about his support for the Law Courts Inn!

Dear Law Courts Inn Members & Guests, Please join us for AGM Luncheon this upcoming Wednesday, May 17, 2017 at 12:30 p.m. to welcome our new executive and board of directors, and to hear the Honourable Thomas J. Crabtree, Chief Judge of the Provincial Court, our keynote speaker. Further details are available on our website: https://lawcourtsinn.com/membership/ (Please scroll down to the Special Events section where you'll find a PDF notice of the AGM to download). Warm rega...rds, Sandy Kovacs President, Lawyers' Inn Society See more

Legal friends: please join us at the Law Courts Inn TOMORROW, Wednesday, April 26th, at 4:30 p.m. for FREE wine, and if you're so inclined, please bring along your green thumb to help us with a little gardening on the patio to help make it more beautiful for the summer season!

We are pleased to announce the launch of our NEW WEBSITE, with sincere thanks to the folks at Y5 Creative and Lynda Roberts for their time, skill, and effort! Please visit www.lawcourtsinn.com to check out our new look and learn more about how you can become a member, dining at the restaurant, or how to book your own private event (we host weddings and corporate functions) with us!

Please join us for our Lunching with Leaders series, Effective Mediation Advocacy, Wednesday, February 15th at 12:30 PM at the Law Courts Inn