Disputes are expensive, disruptive and often deeply personal. Good litigation strategy begins by identifying what actually matters, assessing the evidence and risks, and determining whether the result justifies the cost of pursuing it.
Our litigation lawyers represent individuals, businesses, non-profit organizations and other clients in Invermere, Golden and throughout British Columbia. We provide advice and representation from the first signs of a dispute through negotiation, mediation, arbitration, trial, appeal and enforcement.
Early Advice and Case Assessment
You do not need to wait until a lawsuit has been started to speak with a litigation lawyer. Early advice can help preserve evidence, avoid missed deadlines, prevent a dispute from escalating unnecessarily and improve the prospects of reaching a workable resolution.
We help clients understand:
- their legal rights and obligations;
- the strengths and weaknesses of their position;
- what evidence will be required;
- limitation periods and other deadlines;
- the likely cost and duration of the available procedures;
- the risks of pursuing or defending the matter; and
- the practical options for resolution.
Civil, Commercial and Property Disputes
Our litigation practice includes:
- contract and commercial disputes;
- shareholder and business disputes;
- construction claims, including payment disputes, deficiencies, delays, changes and builders liens;
- real estate and property disputes;
- easements, restrictive covenants and land-use disputes;
- strata disputes;
- professional-negligence and conduct claims;
- defamation claims;
- debt collection and judgment enforcement;
- estate disputes; and
- other civil claims and applications.
Negotiation, Mediation and Arbitration
Litigation does not necessarily mean trial. Many disputes are resolved through direct negotiation, mediation or arbitration. We seek to resolve lawsuits through negotiation, but we are always prepared to go to trial when the need is there.
We help clients prepare for settlement discussions, assess proposals and negotiate terms that address both the immediate dispute and the practical realities underlying it. Where mediation is appropriate, we can help select a mediator, prepare the case and participate in the mediation process.
We also act as counsel in simple and complex arbitrations. Arbitration can provide a private and comparatively flexible process, but it still requires careful preparation, a coherent evidentiary record and a strategy suited to the issues and the decision-maker.
Court Proceedings and Appeals
When a dispute cannot be resolved consensually, we represent clients in court proceedings. Our work includes:
- preparing and responding to pleadings;
- urgent and interim applications;
- document disclosure;
- examinations for discovery;
- expert evidence;
- chambers applications;
- trials;
- costs proceedings;
- appeals; and
- enforcement of judgments and orders.
Limited-Scope Litigation Services
Full representation is not practical or affordable in every case. Where appropriate, we offer limited-scope services that allow clients to remain responsible for parts of their own matter while receiving legal assistance at important stages.
Limited-scope work may include:
- assessing a claim or defence;
- providing strategic advice;
- reviewing or drafting court documents;
- preparing for mediation, discovery or trial;
- advising on settlement proposals; or
- appearing on a specific application.
Speak With a Litigation Lawyer
Deadlines can affect legal rights, and important evidence can disappear over time. If a dispute has arisen—or appears likely to arise—early advice can help you understand your position and avoid preventable problems.
Our litigation team includes Morgan Blakley, Kieran Simpson and Derrick Murphy. Contact our Invermere or Golden office to discuss the nature of the dispute and whether we can assist.