Firm: YLaw
Profession: Lawyer
Phone: 604-974-9529
Website: https://www.ylaw.ca/lawyers/oliver-spinks/
Email: oliver@ylaw.ca
Address: 410-1122 Mainland St., Vancouver BC V6B 5L1
Primary Practice Location: Vancouver
Twitter:
Facebook:
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/oliver-spinks
Remote Services:
· Phone
· Zoom
· MS Teams
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 provide unbundled legal services with a clear focus on client empowerment and strategic use of limited resources. Many of my clients either cannot afford full representation or prefer to stay actively involved in their own case. I work with them to identify the most legally and practically significant issues, and I tailor my services accordingly, whether it’s preparing affidavits, drafting focused submissions, advising on disclosure strategy, or coaching them for hearings.
I encourage clients to take on what they can, with my guidance on what’s relevant, persuasive, and procedurally necessary. This often helps them get much clearer on their own goals and on what really matters to the court or tribunal. Narrowing the conflict in this way not only reduces legal cost but also makes the client a more effective participant in negotiation, mediation, or litigation.
I’m also candid with clients about whether a particular issue is worth pursuing, and whether it justifies legal expense. My goal is to make sure their limited resources are going toward the parts of the case that will actually move the needle. Unbundled services, done properly, are one of the most impactful tools we have for access to justice.
Mediation: I do not have family mediation training.
Approach to Supporting Clients in Mediation:
Languages:
· English
Cultural Diversity Experience
A core focus of my practice is representing LGBTQ+ clients. I have worked with same-sex couples navigating co-parenting, donor agreements, and surrogacy. I understand how systemic barriers and lived experiences of marginalization affect how LGBTQ+ clients engage with the legal system. My role is to provide both strategic legal advice and a safe, affirming space where clients feel seen and supported.
At the same time, I regularly work with clients from a wide range of cultural, linguistic, and religious backgrounds including South Asian, East Asian, Middle Eastern, and Eastern European communities. Many of these clients are navigating separation and parenting issues within the context of immigration concerns, cultural norms around gender and parenting, and language or financial barriers. I take the time to understand those dynamics and tailor my approach accordingly.
Across all cases, I lead with cultural humility, trauma-informed practice, and clear, accessible communication, ensuring each client’s unique background is respected while delivering strong, outcome-focused advocacy.