Watson Goepel is thrilled to announce that six of our lawyers have been recognized in Best Lawyers in Canada™ 2026 and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch™ in 2026 for their remarkable success and excellence in their area of expertise.
US tariffs are creating significant ripple effects for Canadian businesses, prompting companies to reassess profitability, supply chains, and cross‑border legal strategies. In a recent CTV Your Morning segment, Watson Goepel LLP’s Celso Boscariol and Miles Alperstein outline how evolving trade policies are reshaping the regulatory and economic landscape — and why staying informed is now a strategic necessity.
Probate in British Columbia is the legal process that confirms a deceased person’s will and authorizes the executor to administer the estate. While not every estate requires probate, it is often necessary when real estate or significant assets are involved. Understanding when probate is required in BC, how probate fees are calculated, and how the process works can help executors and beneficiaries avoid delays, reduce costs, and minimize disputes during estate administration.
Ottawa and the Musqueam Nation have finalized three historic agreements recognizing Musqueam’s Aboriginal rights and land title within their traditional territory—an important milestone highlighted by Anita Boscariol in a recent CityNews interview. The deals strengthen Musqueam’s role in stewardship, fisheries, and marine management, marking a significant step forward in reconciliation and nation‑to‑nation partnership.
Internet scams have evolved into sophisticated, cross-border operations costing victims billions each year. Agencies such as the Federal Trade Commission and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre continue to report rising fraud losses driven by phishing, fake investment platforms, and cryptocurrency schemes. While fraud is a criminal offence, victims are not limited to relying on law enforcement — civil litigation can provide powerful tools to freeze accounts, trace stolen funds, compel disclosure from banks or exchanges, and pursue negligent institutions. In many cases, acting quickly can significantly improve the chances of recovery.
Starting a business is an exciting step — but early legal decisions can have lasting consequences. In our recent appearance on CTV Your Morning, Dalene Visser and Elias Notopoulos shared key insights on choosing the right business structure, protecting intellectual property, and putting strong agreements in place from day one. Watch the full interview to learn how proactive legal planning can position your business for long-term success.
Watson Goepel LLP was recently featured on the The Vancouver Life, where Associate Counsel Anita Boscariol discussed the legal impact of the Cowichan land claim decision in Richmond.
Serving on a board comes with significant responsibility. In Canada, directors can face personal liability for corporate decisions, statutory breaches, unpaid taxes, environmental issues, and more — even when acting in good faith. Understanding your fiduciary duties, duty of care, and the legal limits of the corporate shield is essential for effective governance and personal protection.
The British Columbia Court of Appeal’s recent decision in Kroeger v. Bush Estate, 2026 BCCA 16, is a powerful reminder that a properly signed will is not always a valid will. Even when legal formalities under BC’s Wills, Estates and Succession Act (WESA) are met, courts will closely examine how a will was made—especially where a will challenge in British Columbia involves changes that benefit someone in a position of trust, such as an executor or attorney under a power of attorney.
