Lisa is the head of the firm’s research and opinions department. She prepares opinions, pleadings, factums and briefs on a broad range of legal topics. A large number of the opinions and other legal writing she has produced are in relation to what she calls the “5 C’s”: conflicts of laws; constitutional law; contract law; construction of statutes (statutory interpretation); and Crown law.
Lisa provides advice to clients faced with potential litigation and works with the firm’s litigation lawyers, providing academic and strategic support for clients already engaged in the adversarial process. She supports the firm’s corporate and commercial and real estate groups by providing legislative and jurisprudential due diligence in relation to large transactions.
In addition, Lisa carries out legislative drafting and legislative analysis for both government and organizations making submissions to government. She frequently advises clients on legislative interpretation and compliance.
Prior to focusing her practice on research and legal opinions, Lisa practiced for over a decade as a commercial and criminal litigator and has appeared at all levels of Court in Canada. Lisa still appears as counsel in appellate courts, including the Supreme Court of Canada.
Recognition and Ranking
- Martindale-Hubbell International Law Directory: BV Peer Review rated
Professional Activities
- University of British Columbia Faculty of Law, Legal Research and Writing (1989 to present), Lecturer
- Member of B.C. delegation to the Uniform Law Conference of Canada (2005 to present)
- Uniform Law Conference of Canada, Working Group on the federal Interest Act, Chair (2008 to present)
- B.C. Law Institute’s Committee on Unfair Contracts Relief, Member (2009 to present)
- Canadian Bar Association (B.C. Branch) Legislation and Law Reform Committee, Past Chair
- Canadian Bar Association (B.C. Branch) Legal Research Section, Past Chair
- British Columbia Courthouse Library Society, Past Director and Secretary (2000 to July 2006)
Bar Admissions
- Northwest Territories (2009)
- British Columbia (1989)
Education
- University of British Columbia (LL.B., 1987)
- University of Sherbrooke (Certificate in Civil Law/Comparative Law, 1986)
- University of British Columbia (B.A., 1984)
Languages
- French
Experience
- Prepared draft legislation for association of professionals for submission to government
- Drafted factums for proceedings in provincial Courts of Appeal and the Supreme Court of Canada on a wide array of commercial and constitutional litigation issues, including private international law, contract law and Charter issues
- Accepted as an expert in B.C. statute law by the New Zealand Court of Appeal in Marsman, Bleidistel and THK Trustees Limited v. Nijkrake, 2009 NZCA 30
- Provided statutory due diligence on large commercial transactions
- Represented Teck Cominco at the Supreme Court of Canada
- Represented NIL/TU,O Child and Family Services Society in a constitutional case in the Supreme Court of Canada
News / Publications
Contract Law Update: Developments of Note (Insight, April 9, 2009)
Researching Foreign Law - Continuing Legal Education Society of B.C. "Legal Research 2008" course (2008), co-authored with Heather Cane
Supreme Court of Canada appeal (November 17, 2008)
Claims for Misfeasance in Public Office: A Brief Summary (May 25, 2007)
“Recent Developments in Contract Law” Insight Information's “Negotiating and Drafting Major Business Agreements” Conference (2006)
“Conflict of Laws Primer” Continuing Legal Education Society of B.C. (2006)
“Research Strategies for Statutory Interpretation Questions” Legal Research – Continuing Legal Education Society of B.C. (2004)
“Solicitor – Client Privilege – Some Misconceptions” Canadian Corporate Counsel, Canada Law Book Inc. (February 25, 2004)
"Corporate Opportunity: A Primer - Part 2" 11 Canadian Corporate Counsel 39 (2001)
"Corporate Opportunity: A Primer - Part 1" 11 Canadian Corporate Counsel 23 (July 5, 2001)
"Proving Pure Economic Loss" Business Suits – Trial Lawyers Association of British Columbia (1999)
"Recovery of Legal Research Expenses in Taxations and Assessments of Costs" 55 Advocate 79 (1997)
"Contract Damages for Loss of Opportunity or Chance" Contract Damages – Continuing Legal Education Society of B.C. (1996)
"Termination of Contracts" Contracts – Continuing Legal Education Society of B.C. (1995)
"Breach of fiduciary duty – an expanding cause of action", Pacific Rim Advisory Counsel International News, PRAC: Boston (1995)
Conferences
10th Annual Negotiating & Drafting Major Business Agreements Conference, Federated Press, Vancouver, BC (November 2-3, 2009), Speaker
2009 Negotiating and Drafting Major Business Agreements, Insight, Vancouver, BC (March 2-3, 2009), Speaker
