February 5th, 2019
The Federal Court recently issued an important decision regarding whether the Ship-Source Oil Pollution Fund (“SOPF”) can recover for pollution clean-up costs from a company (or its’ principal shareholder) that was not the actual owner of a barge, but that remained, through inadvertence, the registered owner: see The Administrator of the Ship-Source Oil Pollution Fund v. Dr. Jim Halvorson Medical … more »
January 22nd, 2019
On December 5, 2018, the BC Law Institute (BCLI), www.bcli.org issued a report on reform of BCLI’s Employment Standards Reform Project. The 320 page Report contained 71 recommendations for changes to the Employment Standards Act (ESA). The Project has been underway since the fall of 2014 with support from labour and business organizations, the Law Foundation of BC,… more »
October 12th, 2018
The Partners of Bernard LLP are pleased to announce that Elyn Underhill has joined the firm as associate counsel. Elyn has over 25 years of experience practicing in the field of maritime law, including marine insurance, ship construction contracts, charter parties, and marina leases as well as related litigation. The Partners have worked opposite Elyn over the years and are… more »
November 7th, 2017
The Partners of Bernard LLP are delighted to welcome Jason Hicks as the newest member of our legal team. Jason brings a wealth of legal and business experience to the firm having practiced as in-house counsel for over a decade with significant contributors to the Vancouver market, including the Vancouver International Airport Authority and most recently Pacific NorthWest LNG.
“Jason… more »
August 22nd, 2017
Best Lawyers Canada has recently released the results of their upcoming 2018 peer review assessments. Bernard LLP lawyers have again been highly rated, including David Jones being recognized as 2018 Vancouver Maritime Law “Lawyer of the Year”. Gary Wharton, Peter Swanson and Tom Hawkins have also been recognized by Best Lawyers Canada for their work in the field… more »
December 19th, 2016
Who’s Who Legal has identified Gary Wharton, Peter Swanson, and David Jones for inclusion in its 2016 publication as leaders in the field of shipping and maritime law. Bernard LLP has the highest number of Who’s Who ranked maritime lawyers on Canada’s west coast and the second highest number in all of Canada. Gary Wharton is identified as… more »
December 16th, 2016
Bernard LLP associate counsel, Lorna Pawluk, was appointed the honorary title of Queen’s counsel, or QC, today by the Attorney General and Minister of Justice Suzanne Anton. Recipients of the honour of the QC designation, according to the Attorney General:
“… have enriched the justice system with their contributions to the practice of law. They have demonstrated professional… more »
August 9th, 2016
The partners are pleased to welcome Mark Gill to the firm as our newest associate. Mark was called to the Bar of British Columbia in May 2016, after completing his articles at a regional firm in downtown Vancouver.
Mark will practice with our Business Law Group will advise companies on general corporate matters including incorporation, reorganization, corporate governance and major… more »
April 20th, 2016
In a 2-1 majority decision, the BC Court of Appeal upheld the trial judgment in a case in which Tom Hawkins and Megan Nicholls successfully defended a significant bodily injury claim on the Plaintiff’s lack of credibility. The majority of the Court of Appeal in Zajaczkowski v. Grauer, 2016 BCCA 48 confirmed the findings of the trial judge that… more »
April 15th, 2016
We are pleased to advise that Tom Hawkins has been appointed acting President of the Pacific Regional Advisory Council on Oil Spill Response. The Regional Advisory Council provides advice to the Minister of Transport in respect to oil spill prevention and response issues on the Pacific coast of Canada.… more »