Judith Janzen

Firm: Onyx Law Group

Profession: Lawyer

Phone: 604 900-2535

Email: jjanzen@shaw.ca

Website: www.onyxlaw.ca

Address

1215-650 West Georgia Street

Vancouver V6B 4N9

Primary Practice Location

Vancouver

Fee Arrangements

  • Hourly rate

  • Flat fee

  • Flat fee with conditions

Remote Services

  • Phone

  • Email

  • Text

  • Skype

Languages

  • English

  • Punjabi

  • Cantonese

  • Mandarin

Types of Unbundled Services Offered

  • Initial consultation

  • 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

Approach to Providing Unbundled Legal Services

I have found that unbundling legal services promotes better communication between lawyer and client than a traditional full retainer. In a full retainer, expectations are often unexpressed, despite the best intentions of both lawyer and client. The necessary discussions about who is making strategic decisions or determining the timing, pace and procedure of a family law matter are often fraught with misunderstandings and lead to disputes. Where I have done unbundled services, these conversations are always a precursor to work and the costs are discussed and agreed to in advance. My unbundled clients have been happy to pay for the expertise and experience they need, while directing the matter themselves.

Mediation

  • Does not have family mediation training

  • Acted as counsel in 11-15 mediations in the last 5 years

  • Does not act as mediator

Approach to Supporting Clients in Mediation

I have provided pre-mediation advice to clients who are attending mediation without counsel. It involves describing the legal issues as well as the benefits of coming to an agreement that is within an acceptable range of outcomes in light of the jurisprudence in family law.

Cultural Diversity Experience

Over 18 years of practice, I have had clients from all cultures who make the Lower Mainland home. I have represented economically weak clients and economically strong clients.