Our Practice Areas

When Everything's On The Line

Being charged with a crime is terrifying - I've seen it firsthand too many times. The system can feel overwhelming, and honestly, it's designed to be intimidating. That's where we come in.

We've defended clients facing everything from DUIs and theft charges to serious assault and drug trafficking allegations. Each case gets our full attention because we know what's at stake - your freedom, your reputation, your future.

What We Actually Do

• Challenge every piece of evidence the Crown throws at you
• Negotiate bail conditions that don't destroy your life
• Build your defense from day one - not the night before trial
• Fight for dismissals, acquittals, or reduced charges
• Keep you informed - no lawyer-speak, just straight talk

Real Talk About Recent Wins

Had a client last year facing aggravated assault charges - Crown wanted 4 years. We dug into the evidence, found inconsistencies in witness statements, challenged the police investigation. Result? Charges reduced to simple assault, conditional discharge. He walked out with no criminal record.

Another case involved a young guy caught with what looked bad - possession for trafficking. We proved lack of intent, showed the circumstances didn't fit the Crown's narrative. Got it knocked down to simple possession with a small fine.

When Someone's Wronged You

Civil litigation isn't just about lawsuits - it's about making things right when someone's caused you harm, broken a contract, or refused to pay what they owe. Sometimes the threat of litigation is enough. Other times, we've gotta take it all the way to trial.

We handle disputes between businesses, between individuals, and everything in between. Contract breaches, property disputes, professional negligence, debt collection - if someone's cost you money or damaged your interests, we'll fight to get it back.

Our Approach

Here's the thing - not every dispute needs to go to court. We always look for the smartest solution first. Mediation? Arbitration? Direct negotiation? If it saves you time and money while getting results, we're all for it.

But when negotiation doesn't work and someone's being unreasonable, we don't hesitate to file. We've tried cases in BC Supreme Court and know how to present evidence that judges actually care about.

Recent Success Story

We represented a small business owner whose former partner basically cleaned out the company accounts and started a competing business using confidential info. The other side thought they'd get away with it because our client couldn't afford a long fight.

We went hard - emergency injunction to freeze assets, discovery that uncovered deleted emails, and a trial strategy that backed them into a corner. Settled three weeks before trial for full restitution plus damages. Our client got their business back on track.

Keeping Your Business Out Of Trouble

Running a business in BC means dealing with regulations, contracts, employees, and a whole lot of potential legal headaches. We work with companies from startups to established operations, helping them avoid problems before they start.

Think of us as your outside legal department - available when you need advice on a deal, reviewing contracts, handling corporate restructuring, or just making sure you're not about to step on a legal landmine.

What We Do For Business Clients

We're not about generating billable hours with unnecessary paperwork. Our corporate practice focuses on practical advice that actually helps your business run better and safer.

• Review and draft contracts that actually protect you
• Structure business transactions and partnerships
• Handle mergers, acquisitions, and sales
• Corporate governance and compliance
• Shareholder agreements and disputes
• Business incorporation and restructuring

How We Actually Help

One client came to us after signing a commercial lease that was bleeding them dry. The landlord was hitting them with fees that weren't in the original agreement. We reviewed the contract, found the loopholes, and renegotiated terms that saved them $40K annually.

Another situation involved two business partners who couldn't agree on anything anymore. Instead of letting it turn into expensive litigation, we mediated a buyout that let one partner exit cleanly while the other kept the business running. Both walked away satisfied.

When Family Matters Get Complicated

Family law cases are tough because they're personal. Whether you're going through a separation, fighting for custody of your kids, or dealing with support issues, emotions run high and the stakes feel impossible.

We've been doing this long enough to know that every family situation is unique. What worked for your friend's divorce might not work for yours. Our job is to understand your specific situation and fight for what matters most to you.

Custody & Parenting Arrangements

Nothing's more important than your kids. When parents can't agree on custody and parenting time, the court makes those decisions for you - and that's not ideal for anyone.

We push hard for negotiated solutions that actually work for your family. But when the other side's being unreasonable or there's concerns about your children's safety, we don't back down in court. We've successfully argued for primary custody, supervised access, and relocation cases.

Division Of Property & Support

BC's family property laws can be complicated, especially when there's businesses, investments, or pensions involved. We make sure you get your fair share and that support payments (child and spousal) are calculated properly.

Had a case recently where the other spouse was hiding income through their business. We brought in forensic accountants, dug through corporate records, and proved they were making way more than they claimed. Got our client significantly higher support payments.

Protecting Your Workplace Rights

Whether you're an employee dealing with wrongful dismissal, harassment, or unpaid wages - or an employer facing complaints, terminations, or labour disputes - employment law affects real people's livelihoods.

We represent both employees and employers because understanding both perspectives makes us better advocates. We know BC's Employment Standards Act inside and out, and we've handled cases at all levels including the BC Human Rights Tribunal.

For Employees

Got fired without proper notice? Facing discrimination or harassment at work? Not getting paid what you're owed? These situations are stressful and often unfair.

We've negotiated severance packages that are way better than the initial offer, filed human rights complaints that resulted in compensation and policy changes, and recovered unpaid wages and overtime for workers who were getting screwed by their employers.

For Employers

Terminating employees the wrong way can cost you big time. We help businesses handle dismissals properly, draft employment contracts and policies that actually protect you, and defend against wrongful dismissal claims.

We also advise on workplace investigations, accommodation issues, and restructuring. Better to get it right from the start than pay damages later.

Recent Case Example

Employee came to us after getting terminated - company claimed "just cause" to avoid paying severance. We reviewed the documentation and their case was weak. Took it to negotiation showing them exactly why they'd lose if we went to court. Settled for 8 months' salary plus benefits continuation. They wanted to pay nothing.

When You Need A Second Chance

Lost at trial? Think the judge got it wrong? Feel like your lawyer dropped the ball? Appeals and post-conviction applications give you another shot at justice, but they're technically complex and the rules are strict.

We handle appeals in both criminal and civil matters. The BC Court of Appeal is a different beast than trial courts - it's about legal errors, not rehashing evidence. You need lawyers who understand appellate procedure and can craft arguments that actually persuade appeal judges.

Criminal Appeals

Convicted of a crime you didn't commit? Sentence way too harsh? Trial lawyer made serious mistakes? We've successfully appealed convictions and sentences, getting verdicts overturned or reduced penalties.

Appeals aren't automatic - we need to identify legal errors like improper jury instructions, misapplication of law, unreasonable verdicts, or ineffective assistance from your trial counsel. If there's grounds to appeal, we'll pursue it aggressively.

Civil Appeals

Trial judge ruled against you and you think they got the law wrong? Civil appeals often involve contract interpretation, property disputes, or damage awards that don't reflect the evidence.

We review trial transcripts, identify errors in law or mixed fact and law, and present compelling written and oral arguments to the Court of Appeal.

Post-Conviction Relief

Beyond direct appeals, there's other options - sentence reviews, pardons, record suspensions, and applications based on fresh evidence. If you're dealing with consequences of an old conviction that's affecting your life now, let's talk about what's possible.