The COVID-19 pandemic presented many challenges for Canadians. Employers and employees have had to adapt to changing public health measures throughout the past few years. Provincial governments lifted most, if not all of their public health mandates in early 2022. Although public health mandates are no longer in effect for most Canadians, employers still have…

September 9, 2022 – Watson Goepel LLP (“Watson Goepel” or the “Firm”), is pleased to announce that the Hon. Richard B.T. Goepel, K.C. has joined the Firm as Senior Counsel effective September 7, 2022. Mr. Goepel returns to Watson Goepel following his retirement from the BC Court of Appeal. He brings a wealth of experience…

Embargoed until August 25, 2022 – We are pleased to announce that three of our lawyers have been selected for inclusion in the 2023 edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada® Best Lawyers is widely regarded by both clients and legal professionals as a significant honour which is determined by votes received amongst their local legal peers…

On July 21, 2022, the Government of British Columbia announced the creation of regulations that will enable a mandatory three-day Homebuyer Protection Period (“HPP”), also known as a “cooling off period” or “right of rescission” starting on January 1, 2023. The new regulations can be implemented directly by the government due to previously passed amendments…

We are pleased to welcome Erika Hertz and Zachary Tng to Watson Goepel as our 2022-2023 Articling Students. Erika and Zachary graduated from law school in 2022. During law school, they consolidated their legal experience through Pro Bono work. Read more about Erika Hertz and Zachary Tng.

On June 14, 2022, our Partner and leader of our Family Law Group, Laurence Klass, chaired the Family Law 2022 Program hosted by Pacific Business & Law Institute (PBLI). Laurence led the Watson Goepel team, as well as industry experts from Schuman Basran Robin & Bell and North Shore Law, to discuss family matters that…

Hollyburn Club, West Vancouver June 22nd, 2022 Let me begin by expressing heartfelt condolences to Karen and Bob’s family from the Watson Goepel Family, our partners, associates, students and staff, many of whom are here today. Bob meant a lot to us at Watson Goepel and will be greatly missed by us all. I am…

In March 2020, the aggressive spread of COVID-19 cases created uncertainty and economic chaos for businesses in Canada. One British Columbia employer took the step of laying off a significant number of its employees. This step, taken by many other employers, was intended to be a temporary measure and last resort necessitated by the pandemic…

Congratulations to our Corporate Services Supervisor Tamara Dirks for being elected as a Director of BC Paralegal Association on June 14, 2022. Tamara will join the rest of the Board as a governing body to drive the Association forward, providing high-quality professional development, continuing education and networking opportunities to the BCPA Registered Paralegals in British Columbia. The…

Robert ‘Bob’ Watson, one of Watson Goepel LLP’s founding partners, passed away on Friday, June 4th, 2021. The Celebration of Life Service will take place on Wednesday, June 22, 2022. Services will be followed by Cocktails & Canapes. Date: Wednesday, June 22, 2022 Time: 2-4pm Venue: Dining Room at Hollyburn Country Club If you would…