E-bikes and scooters have become popular transportation options for commuters and recreators alike. They get you from points A to B quickly, at a relatively low cost compared to a car, and without the same effort as a traditional bike. But when do they become vehicles under B.C.’s Motor Vehicle Act, and what are the…

In a summary bankruptcy administration, the fees and disbursements of a trustee are prescribed by Rule 128 of the Bankruptcy and Insolvency General Rules. Those costs recognize the summary nature of the appointment and require practical and cost-effective administration management by a trustee. So what happens if a trustee is compelled to incur costs (in…

This is the 2nd part of a business startup series. See the first installment of this series: Incorporating your business: Record books and why using a lawyer makes sense.   Please note, the following general information applies only to businesses located in the Province of British Columbia, as legal requirements in other jurisdictions may vary. In…

Jeremy West, Partner in our Litigation & Dispute Resolution Group, co-presented with David Boale of Boal, Wood & Company Ltd. to the Canadian Bar Association, Family Law Subsection on “Bankruptcy & Insolvency Issues in Family Law”. Topics discussed included: process of assignment & timing issues stay of proceedings issues facing trustees joint property joint debt…

The use of cell phones or other handheld electronic devices while driving has been banned in BC since 2010, but defining what constitutes “use”, especially with the advent of Bluetooth technology that allows for increased hands-free capabilities, has created a legal grey area that the courts have been left to clarify. A recent Supreme Court…

We are pleased to announce that Timothy D. Goepel has joined Watson Goepel LLP as a Partner, effective February 1, 2021. Tim conducts a broad civil litigation practice focused on construction law, partnership/shareholder disputes, defence of professionals, intellectual property disputes, and employment matters. Tim has appeared in all levels of court in British Columbia and…

Celso Boscariol, K.C., a Partner in our Business Law Group, has been promoted to Officer, Order of the Star of Italy, a civilian honor (similar to the Order of Canada) that is awarded to Italians abroad for special merit in the promotion of friendly relations and cooperation between Italy and other countries such as Canada.…

What types of agreements does my new business really need, and why are they so important? How can I best protect my business’ intellectual property? These questions and more were answered when business/technology lawyer Anand Athiviraham, and business/IP lawyer Cameron Funnell,  presented at Vancouver Startup Week 2020. Their presentation, Top Legal Tips for Tech Entrepreneurs,…

Indigenous Law lawyer Anita Boscariol will present to the Band Members Alliance and Advocacy Association of Canada on Wednesday, January 27th at 3 PM PST on the topic of Band Council Fiduciary Duty: What is it and What Happens if it’s Breached?. This virtual workshop is free to attend. For more information contact BMAAAC.org.  

In September we reported on the introduction of Bill 21-2020, which included the proposal of a series of long-awaited amendments to B.C.’s Wills, Estates, and Succession Act that would allow a will to be witnessed electronically, by individuals in different physical locations. The valid use of electronic witnessing was enabled by an interim Ministerial Order…