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Find Lawyers in Vancouver, British Columbia for Administrative and Public Law
Practice Area Overview
The subject matter within the scope of administrative and public law is broad and diverse. Generally, “public law” refers to the areas of law that govern relationships between individuals and their governments, as well as those relationships between individuals that are of importance to society as a whole. It is an umbrella term encompassing such areas as constitutional law, competition law, professional discipline, aboriginal law, energy law, municipal law, health law, human rights law, immigration law, labour law, environmental law, information and privacy law, securities law, competition law, public inquiries, inquests, and professional regulation.
All of these fields have an administrative law component. “Administrative law” refers to the area of law that regulates the procedures and powers of administrative agencies, boards, and tribunals which exercise delegated authority in the various spheres of public law.
Administrative and public law lawyers help clients navigate the complex web of legal institutions that regulate their personal and business activities. As a starting point, this includes helping clients understand how their activities are regulated, as well as how to navigate the bureaucracy created by statutes and regulations and how to comply with legislation as well as agency, board, and tribunal policies. This may involve compliance advice, obtaining a permit or license, representing clients at regulatory hearings, and providing strategic advice to achieve business objectives.
At the enforcement stage, administrative and public lawyers represent clients being investigated by public authorities, and defend clients in hearings involving allegations of non-compliance before adjudicative tribunals as well as in courts, inquests and inquiries. Lawyers also assist clients challenging decisions or actions taken by governments, agencies, and tribunals. Where a client is dissatisfied with an expert tribunal’s decision, administrative and public lawyers may assist clients in appeals and judicial reviews of the administrative body’s decision.
Some lawyers practicing administrative and public law have general experience navigating the legal institutions by which governments impose rules, provide policy and strategic advice, or represent clients in hearings and in courts. Others have very specialized expertise in specific regulated spheres.
Tariq Ahmed is a member of the Litigation and Dispute Resolution group. He frequently assists clients with matters related to energy regulation and construction disputes. In addition to representing clients before the courts, and in arbitrations and mediations, Tariq has assisted with matters before regulatory tribunals including the British Columbia Utilities Commission, the Alberta Utilities Commission, and the National Energy Board. Primarily advising clients in the energy and resources se...
Keith advises private sector, public sector and government clients on Aboriginal law and regulatory matters. He has appeared as counsel before numerous regulatory tribunals and all levels of Superior and Appellate Courts (both Federal and Provincial), including the Supreme Court of Canada. He has acted for clients in a number of natural resource industries including hydro-electric generation and transmission, oil and gas, mining, aquaculture, forestry, transportation and independent power pro...
Laura is a litigator practicing in all areas of civil and commercial litigation. Laura has appeared as both trial and appellate counsel, including before all levels of court in British Columbia, the Alberta Court of Queen’s Bench, and the Supreme Court of Canada, as well as before various arbitration and administrative tribunals. Laura advises and represents clients in a broad range of industries. She acts for clients in the gaming industry, the banking and securities industries and in ...
George is a seasoned litigator with 40 years’ experience before all levels of the Canadian courts and various administrative tribunals. He provides clients with strategic advice designed to resolve corporate/commercial, securities and real estate disputes. George also provides governance and risk management leadership in his capacity as general counsel to several family owned enterprises and community associations. George’s practice incorporates mediation and arbitration as key el...
William is a senior partner at Harper Grey, the chair of our professional regulation group and co-chair of our health law group. William represents clients in both civil and regulatory matters. His primary areas of practice include professional regulation and discipline, civil sexual assault litigation, civil and billing fraud, credentials proceedings, human rights and discrimination in a professional context, privacy, professional ethics, and fitness to practice. He acts both for professiona...
Geoff Cowper, KC is a leading general litigator and a leader of the Firm's Litigation & Dispute Resolution group. Geoff has served as counsel in leading private and public cases in Canada and internationally. These have included leading decisions with national and international dimensions respecting commercial law, public law and human rights.
For 30 years, Craig Dennis, Q.C. has represented clients in significant litigation matters at the trial and appellate levels. Craig is a partner at Dennis James Aitken LLP. His practice has a business focus with an emphasis on the effective resolution of complex commercial disputes. His litigation expertise includes the defense of class actions, professional liability, shareholder and related corporate disputes, product liability, land-related disputes, as well as administrative and constitut...
Jennifer is a partner at Roper Greyell where she advises employers in all areas of labour, employment, and human rights law. Jennifer provides strategic advice regarding the management of workplace legal issues in both unionized and non-unionized environments. Jennifer’s clients include school boards, post-secondary institutions, municipalities, health authorities, retailers, and other private corporations. Clients can draw from Jennifer’s depth of experience. She has managed case...
Tim is a partner in Farris’ litigation group in Vancouver. He practices as general counsel and acts in many areas of law, including complex commercial disputes, Aboriginal and regulatory law, and constitutional test cases. Tim is an experienced advocate who regularly appears in lengthy trials and public inquiries and before appellate courts, including the Supreme Court of Canada. Tim’s focus is on achieving results for his clients, whether through litigation or through negotiation...
Brian Duong maintains a generalist practice in civil and administrative litigation. His experience involves a broad range of matters including complex contract and shareholder disputes, property issues, franchise litigation, gaming law, constitutional claims, and freedom of information requests. Brian regularly appears as litigation counsel before all levels of court in British Columbia, and has represented clients in chambers applications, trials, appeals, judicial reviews, mediations, arbit...
Matthew Ghikas is the leader of Fasken’s Global Energy Group in the BC Region. He is a leading energy and regulatory litigator based in Vancouver, with particular expertise in the energy, utility and natural resources industries. Matt represents clients in proceedings before regulators in BC, Alberta and Manitoba, in litigation before the courts in British Columbia and Alberta, and in arbitrations and mediations. He has experience and qualifications in domestic and international arbitra...
Bridget Gilbride is a litigator in Vancouver specializing in Indigenous, environmental and public law. Bridget assists large energy and mining companies seeking major project approvals ranging from advice and representation in environmental assessments, permitting and consultation processes, to representing them in regulatory hearings, judicial reviews, injunctions and other litigation. Bridget has appeared before all levels of court in British Columbia and the Federal Court, and has appeared...
James Goulden is a senior member of our litigation group. His practice is focused on trial and arbitration work in commercial and administrative disputes. James is also a member of our special situations team that deals with public company disputes, such as proxy fights and takeover bids. Mr. Goulden has appeared before all levels of court in British Columbia, as well as the Federal Court and various administrative tribunals. He has acted as counsel in a broad range of commercial cases involv...
Angus Gunn is a barrister who concentrates on the resolution of commercial disputes. His practice emphasizes (a) civil appellate litigation matters; (b) appointments as counsel and arbitrator in international and domestic commercial arbitration proceedings; and (c) counsel in judicial review and other administrative law matters. He blends a traditional litigation practice with extensive experience in alternative dispute resolution. He is a member of the Law Society of British Columbia and the...
Paul Heisler is counsel at the firm and practices in the areas of employment law, constitutional litigation, and commercial litigation. Paul has extensive experience representing clients in disputes relating to wrongful dismissal, privacy law, workers’ compensation, post-employment competition, human rights, public law, labour relations, shareholder rights, and commercial matters. Paul also regularly provides legal and strategic advice to both employers and senior employees in the publi...
Ludmila is an experienced litigator. For 25 years, she has acted for clients in corporate, commercial, regulatory and public law matters dealing with shareholder and other corporate disputes, contractual issues, real property (including property tax), energy regulation, anti-money laundering issues and many others. She has represented clients before all trial and appellate courts in British Columbia as well as the Federal Court and the Supreme Court of Canada. Ludmila also often argues cases ...
Claire Hunter, K.C. is an experienced litigator with a broad civil litigation, public and administrative law and appellate practice. She appears regularly as counsel at both the trial and appellate level, including all levels of court in British Columbia and the Supreme Court of Canada, and before arbitration tribunals and administrative boards. She has experience working on complex commercial matters, including conducting internal investigations and conducting trials and appeals in high prof...
Robyn combines an extensive civil litigation practice with relevant experience in employment law. She has advised and represented clients in a variety of sectors with complex corporate and commercial litigation issues, including professional regulatory matters, contractual disputes, shareholder disputes, negligence, breaches of trust and fiduciary duties, and civil fraud. Robyn’s employment law work has included acting on behalf of employers and employees with respect to wrongful dismis...
Randy J. Kaardal, K.C. is a senior litigator handling a wide range of commercial litigation for clients in the financial, mining, forestry, and manufacturing sectors. He has conducted hearings before all levels of Court in Canada, including the Supreme Court of British Columbia, the British Columbia Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court of Canada. He also regularly appears before various administrative tribunals including the B.C. Securities Commission, the Federal and Provincial Human Rights...
Jeff Langlois practices civil litigation and Aboriginal law in JFK’s Vancouver office, focusing on constitutional litigation, Crown consultation and environmental law. In his Aboriginal law practice, Jeff strives to support his clients’ efforts to protect and advance their Aboriginal and Treaty rights and expand First Nations’ self-determination over their lands and waters. Jeff advances his clients’ interests in a broad range of contexts, including through the courts,...
Geoff takes a direct, methodical and highly effective approach. He draws on his knowledge of a client’s business and workforce to offer straightforward, practical advice, and in order to create trust, is always pragmatic and realistic about what they can achieve. Geoff is highly productive, taking an organized, systematic and disciplined approach to preparation. He communicates clearly and drives hard to find solutions that are feasible and solid, and which clients can depend on. Geoff ...
Rob Lonergan is a recognized environmental law lawyer practicing in Fasken’s Vancouver office. Environmental assessment and environmental, energy and transportation regulation and litigation are Rob’s specialties. He also has experience in Indigenous litigation. He acts principally for energy companies, public utilities and resource oil and gas companies, marine terminal operators, commercial carriers (rail, truck and marine), and mining companies.
Gavin is a partner at Roper Greyell, practicing in most areas of workplace law. Over his professional career, Gavin has always enjoyed building lasting client relationships, with a focus on being a trusted advisor for workplace decision-making. He likes clients to know that he is on their team, and in their corner. Gavin believes lawyers should always tailor their approach to the needs of the particular client, as the first step to giving useful advice and finding solutions. “I won&rsqu...
Robert's practice includes general civil litigation before the British Columbia Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal, the Federal Court of Canada, and the Supreme Court of Canada - representing all levels of government and major industries in the fields of corporate, commercial, mass torts, class actions, transportation infrastructure, construction, insurance, land use planning, environmental, highways, pipelines, railway, recreation, maritime, first nations, and administrative law. He has broa...
Andrew Nathanson, KC is Co-Leader of the firm’s White Collar Defence and Investigations group. His practice focuses on complex commercial litigation and white collar crime. Andrew is sought after by corporations, directors and investors for his expertise in shareholders' disputes, oppression claims, proxy contests, and commercial disputes. Many of Andrew's commercial cases involve multi-jurisdictional disputes. Andrew was co-counsel for Lions Gate Entertainment, successfully defeating t...
Brent Olthuis is an experienced litigator with a broad practice. He represents individual and corporate clients in civil and commercial matters and also regularly acts for regulated professions and their member professionals, as well as for other public bodies. He has acted as external counsel to the Auditor General of Canada in respect of the 2015 audit of the Senate and for the Attorney General of British Columbia in constitutional proceedings. He presently acts for the City of Richmond in ...
Mark Oulton is senior litigation counsel practicing general commercial and administrative litigation with a focus on forestry related matters. For over 20 years, Mark has appeared regularly as counsel before the Forest Appeals Commission, all levels of the British Columbia Courts and the Supreme Court of Canada. He also has an active commercial arbitration and mediation practice, representing clients in all manner of disputes. Mark’s focus is on solving his clients’ problems, whet...
Matt Pierce is a partner with a broad litigation and dispute resolution practice. Matt advises and represents clients across a wide range of civil and commercial disputes including complex contract disputes, shareholder disputes, construction and real estate disputes, corporate and securities law matters, employment law matters, class actions, insolvency matters, regulatory matters, and judicial review of administrative action. Matt appears regularly before the British Columbia Supreme Court ...
Rebecca Robb is counsel at Hunter Litigation Chambers. She has a wide-ranging litigation practice, including commercial and corporate law, administrative and regulatory law and criminal law. She has appeared as counsel before all levels of Courts of British Columbia, the Federal Court of Appeal and various administrative tribunals, including the Law Society of BC Tribunal, the Forest Appeals Commission and the BC Farm Industry Review Board. Rebecca has been recognized as a “Rising Star&...
Tom is a founding partner* at Roper Greyell where he advises employers on all aspects of employment law and labour relations and represents clients in employment related litigation. A tireless advocate for the highest standards of employment and labour practices, Tom’s expertise is sought after by clients, organizations, educators and colleagues. During his career, spanning almost five decades, Tom has shared his extensive experience and technical understanding of the law with young law...
Rod practices in the area of corporate and commercial litigation, administrative and constitutional law, and employment law. He has appeared before all levels of court in British Columbia, the Supreme Court of Canada, and at numerous tribunals. Rod also advises post-secondary institutions on a wide range of administrative and governance issues. Rod’s legal positions are solidly grounded in reason and he is widely recognized as being an intelligent and tough litigator. Clients consistent...
William Smart is a senior litigator who has over 40 years of experience primarily in the areas of criminal, administrative and regulatory law. This includes representing clients under investigation or charged pursuant to various federal and provincial Acts such as the Income Tax Act, Canada Labour Code, Fisheries Act, Customs Act, Excise Act, Workers Compensation Act, Mines Act, Securities Act, Police Act, Gaming Enforcement Act and Elections Act, as well as representing lawyers, teachers, an...
Don Sorochan practiced law from 1972 - 2017 with Miller Thomson LLP and its predecessor firm Swinton & Company. Upon retirement from Miller Thomson, he continues his practice through Donald J. Sorochan Law Corporation. Don Sorochan’s practice encompasses the areas of securities, criminal defence work, commercial and construction litigation, aviation law, administrative law, and criminal prosecution for both the federal and provincial governments. Don’s advocacy work has result...
Rod Urquhart focuses on dispute resolution in business litigation in a variety of areas. His areas of practice include commercial, real estate, employment and workplace disputes, estates, insurance, administrative, personal injury and construction litigation. He has represented clients in all levels of court in British Columbia as well as in Federal Court of Canada. In addition to his courtroom experience, Rod has represented clients before various administrative tribunals, in relation to bus...
Lindsay (she/her) is a partner at Moore Edgar Lyster LLP where she practices human rights, labour, administrative, constitutional and professional regulatory law. She acts for public and private sector unions, professional regulators and individuals on a wide variety of matters. Lindsay has extensive experience appearing in judicial reviews and appeals involving complex human rights, administrative law and freedom of expression issues. She has appeared as counsel at all levels of court, inclu...
Kevin Westell is a founding partner at Pender Litigation. In addition to his criminal and regulatory defence work, he is often retained to act as Crown Counsel, counsel for witnesses in criminal proceedings and as amicus curiae (counsel for the Court). He has represented clients across Canada facing all levels of seriousness and at all levels of court in British Columbia. Mr. Westell was elected a Law Society of British Columbia (LSBC) Bencher for Vancouver County on November 16, 2020 and beg...
Lara is a Partner with Harper Grey practising in the areas of professional regulation and health law. She is the Assistant Chair of our Professional Regulation Group. She has acted as counsel for physicians, dentists, psychologists, and many other regulated health professionals. Lara articled with Harper Grey and joined the firm upon her Call to the Bar in 1996. She was in-house counsel with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia for two years from 2009 to 2011, before rej...
Tom is a commercial litigator, with particular experience in complex commercial disputes, environmental matters and real estate litigation. Tom has appeared before all levels of Court in British Columbia as lead and co-counsel, and conducted numerous arbitrations and mediations. Tom has particular experience in the following areas: real estate litigation, including closing disputes, challenges to certificates of pending litigation and landlord and tenant matters; environmental matters and con...
Aubin Calvert’s practice is focused on administrative and constitutional law. She received her a JD from the Peter A. Allard School of Law in 2016, where she now teaches conflict of laws as an adjunct professor. Aubin served as a law clerk to Chief Justice Richard Wagner of the Supreme Court of Canada before starting as an associate at Hunter Litigation Chambers in 2018. She is the regional session coordinator for the Supreme Court Advocacy Institute and a frequent contributor to contin...
Michelle practices civil litigation, dispute resolution, and regulatory law, with a focus on environmental and public utility matters. In Michelle’s regulatory law practice, she has experience in provincial and federal regulatory regimes, environmental assessments and compliance, and defence of regulatory penalty matters. She also has a particular interest in, and experience advising clients on, provincial and federal lobbying matters. In her civil litigation practice, Michelle regularl...
Caitlin W. Ehman is developing a general civil litigation practice. She has appeared in Small Claims Court, the British Columbia Supreme Court, and the British Columbia Court of Appeal, and has acted as counsel in a broad variety of matters relating to labour and employment, contractual disputes, and personal injury. Caitlin received her JD from the University of Victoria in 2017. During law school, she participated in the Law Centre clinical program, competed in the Wilson Moot, and worked a...
Nicole C. Gilewicz is developing a diverse practice in criminal, civil and administrative litigation with a focus on forestry. Nicole was born and raised in Saskatchewan and obtained her juris doctor from the University of British Columbia. During law school, Nicole worked extensively with the UBC Innocence Project and interned with the Provincial Court of British Columbia. Before joining Hunter Litigation Chambers, Nicole articled at an international law firm in Vancouver and clerked at the ...
Jaime is an associate at Roper Greyell, practicing in all areas of employment and labour law with a focus on human rights, litigation, and privacy law. A strong advocate for his clients, Jaime has appeared before judges, arbitrators and adjudicators at all levels of court in British Columbia. Jaime thoroughly enjoys the humanistic aspect of workplace law, stemming from a lifelong interest in psychology, philosophy and human behaviour. Clients appreciate Jaime’s knowledge of various indu...
Julia is an Associate in Fasken’s Litigation and Dispute Resolution Group. Her practice focuses on commercial disputes, white collar and regulatory defence matters, and appeals. Prior to joining Fasken, Julia practised at a boutique criminal, regulatory and constitutional law firm in Toronto. She has appeared at all levels of court in Ontario. Julia served as a law clerk to Justice Brown at the Supreme Court of Canada and judges of the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal. She also worked as a ...
Julia Roos maintains a general civil litigation practice with a focus on commercial and administrative law. She has appeared before all levels of court in British Columbia. Julia received her JD in 2015 from Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, BC. During law school, she participated in competitive moots and was managing editor of the Canadian Journal of Comparative and Contemporary Law. Julia summered and articled at the firm before clerking for the Honourable Justice Robert Barnes at the...
Will is a partner in the Environmental & Regulatory Group of the Vancouver office. His practice focuses on environmental, public utility, and regulatory law. Will has assisted proponents of mining, energy and infrastructure projects navigate the environmental assessment process. He also assists clients develop and implement environmental compliance programs in regulated areas. He has worked on due diligence with respect to potential environmental liabilities in major corporate transaction...
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