Catherine practises family law and estate litigation in our Vancouver office. She has represented clients at all levels of B.C. courts. She recognizes, however, that court is not the best solution for all legal disputes. To that end, she is a keen proponent of mediation, 4-way and multi-party negotiation and other methods of alternative dispute resolution.

Catherine helps her clients find creative solutions not always possible through the courts, knowing that people often want to keep their matters out of the public forum. In her family practice, she drafts agreements that empower parties to achieve tailored outcomes and avoid the stress and expense of contentious litigation. She is a great believer in prenuptial and marriage agreements as protection against the possible consequences of future relationship breakdown; and she has drafted numerous separation agreements targeted at fair asset division and the protection of children’s interests. She has guided clients through high-stakes property division cases involving corporations, trusts and foreign assets; and she has a particular interest in the area of spousal support.

In her estates practice, Catherine has assisted clients in disputes about executors and personal representatives; the validity of wills; capacity and undue influence; spousal status in intestate estates; and committee applications. Again, she encourages out-of-court solutions where possible, but is an effective litigator when that’s what’s needed to advance her clients’ interests.

Before deciding to go to law school, Catherine worked for many years in the not-for-profit sector. She did fund raising and donor/alumni outreach for the University of Victoria, the Naniamo Hospital Foundation and the Parkinson’s Disease Association. She has a long history as a volunteer with nonprofit organizations including Access Pro Bono, Rise Women’s Legal Center, Literacy Victoria and the Community Living Society.

Outside the office, Catherine enjoys travel, attending chamber music concerts and spending time with her family.

Click here to contact Catherine’s Assistant, Li Ma, to book an initial consultation.

One-hour consultations are offered at $470 plus tax.

Bar Admissions

British Columbia, 2016

Education

University of Alberta, J.D., 2015
University of British Columbia, M.A. (English Lit.), 1994
University of British Columbia, B.A. (English Lit.), 1992

Memberships

Trial Lawyers Association of BC
Canadian Bar Association
Vancouver Bar Association
Law Society of British Columbia