V. Victoria Shroff, K.C.

Animal Law Lawyer, Shroff & Associates; Adj. Law Professor (erst.), University of British Columbia; Animal Law Instructor, Capilano University

V. Victoria Shroff, KC, is recognized as BC's longest-serving animal law lawyer and is notably the only animal law practitioner in Canada appointed King's Counsel (KC) in recognition of her exceptional contributions to the legal profession and animal law—a rare honor held by about 7% of BC lawyers. Practicing for over 25 years at Shroff Animal Law (Shroff & Associates), Vancouver's longest running animal law firm, she leads in both the practice and teaching of animal law. Shroff has been an adjunct professor at UBC's Allard School of Law since 2016 (https://historyproject.allard.ubc.ca/law-history-project/profile/victoria-shroff) and also teaches at Capilano University, where she developed Canada's first paralegal course in animal law. Her diverse animal law caseload includes companion animals, wildlife, "death row" dogs, fur farming and horse cases, zoo issues and she has handled "pet custody"/ownership cases for over 25 years. Shroff provided input to the BC government and helped shape BC's groundbreaking family law reforms recognizing companion animals as more than bare property in custody disputes (https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2024PREM0001-000036| CBC https://youtu.be/_LXxaSZM48g?si=_Ttzj_Br1Q58SFxp) Shroff is author of a leading textbook, Canadian Animal Law (LexisNexis 2025, https://store.lexisnexis.com/en-ca/products/canadian-animal-law-2nd-edition.html), described as the "go to" animal law book, with a foreword by Catherine Fraser, AOE, CJ, former Chief Justice of Alberta. Voted one of Canada's Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers, Shroff spearheaded Canada's first pro bono animal law clinic, represented animals at all levels of court, including the Supreme Court of Canada and is founding-chair of the national Canadian Animal Law Study Group. She is appointed to the CBA's Truth and Reconciliation committee, is a member of Global Animal Law, and an Associate Fellow of the UK's Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics. Shroff is the chair of CLE BC's animal law course. As a dedicated practioner-educator, Shroff created the 'Paws of Empathy' animal law program for elementary schools (https://vancouversun.com/video/3b708a96-afe0-11ec-ac37-1e804014e975/animal-lawyer-takes-pups-to-school-for-class-on-empathy-vancouver-sun). Her trailblazing work has earned her multiple honours, including the SEEDS and Hitachi Excellence awards, YWCA Women of Distinction finalist recognitions, and a commendation from the Premier of BC, the CBA, and UBC. A mentor, global lecturer, TEDx speaker (https://youtu.be/Atb0SyUN3HA?si=9L0iLiS3UA-l5HOh), and frequent media contributor, Shroff continues to make significant strides in advancing animal law and policy in Canada.