Profile
Janet became a Partner at Watson Goepel LLP in 2014, after joining the firm in 2003 as an articling student and becoming an associate in 2004. She practices in Personal Injury, Insurance and Estate Litigation areas, helping people find clarity and support when dealing with painful and complex circumstances.
As the Personal Injury Group leader, she handles and oversees a wide variety of accident claims such as slip and falls, bouncers’ negligence, recreational accidents, and numerous other claims resulting from neglectful or wrongful acts.
As part of the Estate Litigation legal team, Janet represents people who are affected by unfair inheritances and where assets are in dispute.
As part of the Insurance Group, Janet represents people affected by brokers who are negligent in providing insurance coverages to their clients.
Janet represents her clients every step of the way, until the matter resolves completely. She has appeared before the Provincial Court of British Columbia, the Supreme Court of British Columbia, Supreme Court Chambers, and the British Columbia Court of Appeal, on a variety of matters. She has also helped clients successfully resolve their cases through negotiation and mediation.
Janet has acted as a mentor to female lawyers within the firm and through the Canadian Bar Association’s Women Lawyers Forum. She is a member of the Canadian Bar Association and Trial Lawyers Association of BC.
On a personal note, she was born, raised, and remains living with her family in the Deer Lake area of Burnaby. When not at work, she is often seen taking her teenagers to hockey and gymnastics, going to cheap Tuesday night movies with her husband, and walking her frenchie, Carlii.
Education
- LLB, University of Victoria, 2003
- BA, Simon Fraser University, 2000
Bar
- British Columbia, 2004
Testimonials
"I'm an Alberta resident who was in two different MV accidents that happened in BC two years apart from each other. I retained the services of Watson Goepel after the second accident in 2016 and my cases were just settled out of court this past September in 2019. It was a lengthy and arduous process but my lawyer, Janet DeVita, was an absolute gem at staying the course and assuring me that there was light at the end of the tunnel. My cases were complicated, especially more so since I live in Alberta, but Watson Goepel made me feel valued as a client and went to great lengths to get me the best settlement possible. I would recommend them hands down." Gillian M.
“Janet was always a step ahead of me, and took measures to help me feel prepared, reassured, and supported. I appreciated her direct communication and how she took an approach to my case that was personal to my situation. If you are needing legal representation, I highly recommend Janet De Vita as your lawyer.”K.R
Work Highlights
- Acted on behalf of a victim of a wrongful act committed by a nightclub’s bouncer, successfully securing a $700,000 settlement for her client.
Professional and Community Affiliations
- Member, Trial Lawyers Association
- Member, Canadian Bar Association
- Member, Vancouver Bar Association
- Volunteer Lawyer, Access Pro Bono
- Mentor, CBA Women Lawyers Forum
* Practicing through a Professional Law Corporation.
