Firm: Portside Law Corporation
Profession: Lawyer
Phone: 604-545-6145
Website: www.portsidelaw.ca
Email: office@portsidelaw.ca
Address: #301 - 713 Columbia St., New Westminster, B.C. V3M 1B2
Primary Practice Location: New Westminster
Twitter:
Facebook: @portsidelawcorp
Instagram: @portsidelaw
LinkedIn:
Remote Services:
· Phone
Types of Unbundled Services Offered
· Initial consultation
· Providing a legal opinion
· Drafting pleadings or other documents
· Reviewing/organizing/listing documents
· Drafting contracts / agreements
· Coaching
· Negotiating
· Providing legal advice before, during or after mediation
· Representing a client at mediation
· Providing independent legal advice on an agreement or MOU coming out of mediation
· Drafting agreement coming out of mediation
· Advising on courtroom procedures, behaviours
· Advising on rules of evidence
· Preparing exhibits
· Preparing submissions or briefs
· Making a one-time court appearance
· Collaborative law services
Fee Arrangements:
· Hourly rate
· Discounted hourly rate
· Flat fee
· Flat fee with conditions
Approach to Providing Unbundled Legal Services:
I approach unbundled services with the heart of a teacher, rather than looking to capitalise on the client's ignorance. Most people have the capacity to fill in documents, and tell the court their story, but the processes, procedures, and documentary requirements are often overlooked which can result in unnecessary delays and more confusion for the client. Unbundled services should be accessed early in order to avoid these delays and ensure that the clients are clear in the direction they are going.
There is no "one-size-fits-all" solution that works for all clients. Unfortunately, traditional law practice has taken this approach and its rigidity has often excluded clients from accessing the justice they desire, largely due to the financial cost. Unbundled services are meant to lower the barrier to justice for many folks, and to facilitate quick and easy solutions for clients.
Mediation: I have not had family mediation training and do not act as a mediator. I have acted as counsel in more than 30 mediations in the last 5 years.
Approach to Supporting Clients in Mediation:
Mediation may not be appropriate in all circumstances. That being said, mediation is a wonderful tool that allows the clients to have their "fingerprint" on the solution that is arrived at, rather than let a judge make a decision. Nothing is out of bounds, and when everyone is focused on a fair solution, then creativity is the main driver towards that solution.
Very often, the word "compromise" is used in a mediation, but creativity at mediation allows all parties involved to arrive at a workable resolution without feeling like they lost something in the process.
Parallel to this, there needs to be an understanding where the client's limits are regarding the specific issues at play is equally important, and a wholesome understanding of the law will assist and guide the clients to know when mediation is simply not going to work, and when the fight needs to move to the courtroom.
Languages:
· English
Cultural Diversity Experience:
I've worked with clients of all different races, creeds, genders, ages, languages and abilities, and take into account any accommodations that are needed. I am more than happy to go the extra mile to make sure that the client's particular socio-economic reality and experience is understood and incorporated into my practice.