My extensive family law and conflict resolution experience allows me to be flexible and creative in facilitating settlements. I have strong practical skills and use a common-sense approach to help parties reach solutions which are workable for them and their families. I am able to mediate complex legal issues. I work well with clients on their own and with those who have their lawyers present. I am available to travel outside of Vancouver for mediations. I conduct virtual and distance mediations using online formats.
I am a family lawyer and mediator. I was called to the BC bar in 1990 and my practice specializes in divorce & family law. I have appeared in the BC Supreme Court Family and Civil divisions and in the BC Provincial Court, Family, Small Claims and Criminal divisions.
I was accredited as a Family Law Mediator by the Law Society of BC in 1996. In 1999, I was part of a small group of family lawyers and mental health professionals who founded the Collaborative Divorce Association of Vancouver, offering an alternative family law resolution process in addition to mediation. I was the co-chair of the Association in 2001-2 and trained other lawyers, divorce coaches and financial experts in the collaborative team approach. While continuing to practice law and mediation part-time, I instructed the Law Society of BC's Professional Legal Training Course (the BC Bar admission course for articling students) from 2004 to 2014.
In 2015, I established Hillcrest Law & Mediation and I was certified by the Law Society of BC as a Family Law Mediator under the (2013) Family Law Act. I am a passionate advocate for dispute resolution in a dignified, respectful, cost-effective and practical manner.
In addition to mediation, I practice Collaborative Family Law - www.collaborativedivorce.com. I also provide legal consultation and locum services, BC bar exam tutoring and I create legal presentations for the Canadian Bar Association, the Law Foundation of BC and the Legal Services Society of BC.
For fun I perform in local theatre productions, including an annual fundraiser, The Lawyer Show, which supports two Vancouver community theatres. I also enjoy travelling, walking and cycling.
British Columbia, East and West Kootenay, Fraser Valley, Greater Vancouver, Interior North/Northern BC, Interior South/Okanagan, Northern Vancouver Island, Southern Vancouver Island, Sunshine Coast
I provide mediation services on a sliding scale basis depending on financial circumstances. A fee is charged for mediation facilities rental, if required. Travel expenses will be charged for mediations scheduled outside of the lower mainland area of Vancouver.