June 16th, 2026
Partner, Peter Swanson, has been reappointed as a certified arbitrator with the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission (CIETAC). CIETAC is a large Chinese based arbitration organization that handles thousands of arbitrations on an annual basis. The certification process for arbitrators is conducted by the CIETAC Arbitrator Qualification Review Committee and the CIETAC Chairmen’s Council. Mr. Swanson’s appointment… more »
May 19th, 2026
We are seeking a two-to-five-year call litigator to add to our existing general litigation, insurance defence and maritime practices.
The ideal candidate will have two to five years of experience handling general litigation files, including managing files independently under the guidance of senior counsel, communicating with clients and opposing counsel and conducting examinations for discovery, mediations, and court applications. Prior… more »
May 11th, 2026
On May 8, 2026, Access Pro Bono held its annual Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast. The purpose of that breakfast was to acknowledge the work of Access Pro Bono’s volunteers and to thank them for the hours that they contributed to Access Pro Bono’s efforts providing free legal advice to British Columbians in 2025 and 2026.
The Partners of Bernard LLP are… more »
January 12th, 2026
The partners of Bernard LLP are delighted to announce that associates Julie Gaydar and Brogan Pastro have each become partners at the firm, effective January 1, 2026. We congratulate Julie and Brogan on achieving this important career milestone.
Both Julie and Brogan have consistently demonstrated excellence and growth in their work through dedication to the law, timely client service, diligent… more »
December 2nd, 2025
Peter Swanson recently spoke on the Enforcement of Agreements to Arbitrate at a seminar entitled “The Latest Hot Issues About International Commercial Arbitration” hosted jointly by the Vancouver Maritime Arbitrators Association (VMAA) and the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission (CIETAC).
Other members of the VMAA spoke along with the Vice Chairman of CIETAC and the Deputy Director of… more »
November 26th, 2025
Peter Swanson was recently a panel member speaking on unique elements of maritime law at the CLEBC webinar entitled Federal Court Practice 2025. This CLE covered a broad range of topics relating to Federal Court practice and included highly distinguished speakers such as Chief Justice Paul Crampton (Ret) – Federal Court of Canada.
This CLE was recorded and will… more »
November 20th, 2025
On August 13, 2025 Peter Swanson, along with respected US admiralty lawyer, Alan Goldstein, presented at the Association of Pacific Ports conference in Nanaimo, B.C. Peter and Alan spoke on the topic of “One Waterway, Two Legal Systems” discussing the similarities and differences between maritime laws in Canada and the U.S. that impact on terminal operators in those two… more »
September 4th, 2025
Bernard LLP lawyers David Jarrett, Tom Hawkins and Peter Swanson have again been recognized in the 2026 edition of Best Lawyers in Canada for their work in maritime law. Mr. Jarrett has been so recognized since 2025, Mr. Hawkins since 2008 and Mr. Swanson since 2006. Additionally, Mr. Swanson has, for the third time, been recognized as “Lawyer of… more »
June 13th, 2025
On June 13, 2025, Access Pro Bono held its annual Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast. The purpose of that breakfast was to acknowledge the work of Access Pro Bono’s volunteers and to thank them for the hours that they contributed to Access Pro Bono’s efforts providing free legal advice to British Columbians in 2024 and 2025.
The Partners of Bernard LLP are… more »
June 4th, 2025
Bernard LLP litigators, Peter Swanson, Buck Hughes and Eliza Brown successfully defended a Supreme Court of Canada leave application, thereby bringing to an end the litigation by a barge owner for damage to their barge while under tow. The dismissal of the leave application means the trial and appeal decisions, both decided in our client’s favour, remain unchanged. The… more »