Services
We are proud to provide a wide diversity of legal services across multiple practice areas, industries and sectors.
Business
Our Business Law team acts for a wide range of clients, from individuals to corporations, across a diversity of industries. We also provide legal services in the areas of Privacy Law and Human Rights Law.
Read moreCannabis Law
Our Cannabis Group provides timely, technical, and practical advice which minimizes risk and maximizes growth for clients involved in the cannabis industry.
Read moreCommercial
We take an innovative and strategic approach to helping clients achieve their business goals. By collaborating with a range of professionals including accountants, specialized tax counsel and financial advisors, we maximize efficiencies and minimize risk.
Read moreCorporate
Our Business Law team advises clients on all aspects of corporate law. From the planning and startup of your business, through financing and growth phases, to final transitioning via succession planning or sale, we provide knowledgeable guidance each step of the way.
Read moreFinancial Services
Indigenous Law
Our Indigenous Law Group lawyers advise and represent individuals, communities, industry and government on matters concerning the rights and responsibilities of Indigenous people and those who seek to do business with them.
Read moreReal Estate
Our Business Law team has extensive experience with the leasing, financing, developing and conveyancing of real estate in British Columbia, with a highly skilled conveyancing department for both residential and commercial transactions.
Read moreSecurities & Capital Markets
Whether you are an entrepreneur, a startup, or an established private or public company operating in B.C., Canada, or abroad, our Securities & Capital Markets Group is committed to helping you reach your business goals.
Read moreTechnology Law
Whether you’re just starting out with a new idea or are already an established player in the industry, our technology law lawyers work hand-in-hand with entrepreneurs and start-ups from the initial organization and structuring of the company, to the handling of investor-related documents, to preparing the company for a public listing.
Read moreEmployment Law
Our team of Employment and Workplace Law lawyers assist a variety of clients from small local business owners to large corporations operating in multiple jurisdictions, including owners and management of unionized and non-unionized companies, independent contractors, not for profits and charitable organizations.
Read moreDisability Insurance Claims
We understand how important benefits are for those living with a short or long-term disability. If an insurance company refuses to pay a claim, or has terminated, denied or delayed benefits, the claim should be investigated as soon as possible. Having a trusted lawyer on your side to advocate on your behalf with the insurance company makes all the difference.
Read moreEmployment Litigation
When disputes arise between employers and employees, it is in the best interests of all parties that they be resolved as efficiently and cost sensitively as possible.
Read moreHuman Rights Law
Canada has laws which protect against discrimination on the basis of race, colour, place of origin, gender, gender identity or expression, political affiliation, sexual orientation, age, religion, marital or family status, and union membership. Laws are also in place to protect employees from bullying and harassment in the workplace.
Read morePrivacy Law
Privacy Law deals with regulations surrounding the storage, collection, and use of personal information and images between private citizens and public and private organizations.
Our experienced litigation and dispute resolution team assist businesses in many areas of privacy law including:
Read moreFamily
With nearly 100 years of combined experience, our Family Law Group offers a full range of services to assist and empower families facing separation or divorce.
Read moreAdoption
Our Family Law team has experience helping prospective adoptive parents, birth parents and step-parents understand their rights and obligations, as well as helping them navigate the challenges that may arise throughout the process.
Read moreChild Support
Federal Child Support Guidelines determine appropriate support levels based on factors including where the children live and parental income. Child support provides for basics such as food, clothing and shelter costs, while extra expenses including child care and medical or dental expenses, activities and extracurricular items, or RESP contributions or post-secondary university costs are typically shared in proportion to parental income.
Read moreCollaborative Law
With an emphasis on consensus building, Collaborative Family Law, also known as Collaborative Practice, strives to replace the adversarial component inherent in many family law situations with an environment that encourages mutual respect, team problem solving and peacemaking.
Read moreCustody, Guardianship & Parenting Time
When it comes to parenting time arrangements, it is in the child’s best interest to have maximum access to both parents, when appropriate. Our Family Law team works to facilitate co-parenting arrangements that ensure clients have regular and consistent contact with their children. With extensive experience in this area, we work to resolve custody, guardianship and parenting time issues in a cost sensitive and efficient manner, so clients can get back to the business of raising their children.
Read moreFamily Litigation
When negotiations or alternative dispute resolution strategies do not succeed in resolving all family issues, court intervention may become necessary. Our Family Law lawyers have extensive experience at every level of court in British Columbia and are fully prepared to act on your behalf.
Read moreFamily Mediation
Mediation provides couples the opportunity to work together to resolve their disputes outside of the traditional court process with support from a neutral third party trained in facilitating a safe space for open communication. If an agreement is not reached on any or all of the issues, the parties are at liberty to proceed to court, or may wish to consider arbitration. In some cases our mediators will travel to remote locations within BC or work via videoconference.
Read moreMarriage Agreements
Couples involved in a serious relationship, who live together or are about to get married, may wish to consider entering into a legal agreement governing their assets or even future support issues. An experienced lawyer can make this a relatively pain free process by sensitively guiding couples toward practical solutions for potential outcomes.
Read moreParenting Coordination
When a relationship comes to a close and basic custody and financial arrangements have been resolved it is not always easy to negotiate the day to day decisions that still need to be made regarding shared children. Our Parenting Coordinators act as a neutral third party, helping to resolve ongoing parenting disputes using mediation and consensus building.
Read moreProperty Division
The allocation of property, protection of assets and attending to family debts during a divorce can be a complex and emotionally charged process. Many legal factors come into play, not the least of which is to determine if any property claims are excluded from division or sharing. We seek to minimize conflict by providing clarity and guidance regarding your legal rights and obligations. In addition we can draw upon a strong network of professional accountants and financial specialists to assist with tax and estate issues, as needed.
Read moreSeparation & Divorce
Whether you have separated from a common-law relationship or are married and facing a divorce, it is typically a stressful and upsetting time for all concerned. There are many issues to consider, including interim financial and child related arrangements. Our lawyers outline your legal options and guide you throughout the separation or divorce process, advising on matters including spousal support, child support, property debt and asset division, and parenting arrangements. We balance alternative dispute resolution methods including collaborative law, mediation, and arbitration, with litigation services when a settlement cannot be reached.
Read moreSeparation Agreements
When a relationship breaks down it affects all concerned, including children, extended family and friends. Timely resolution of parenting issues, financial support arrangements and division of family property can alleviate some of those stresses.
Read moreSpousal Support
Spousal support can be a complex and unpredictable area of family law, with many variables to consider. Legal guidance will help ensure that your best interests are protected and that an equitable financial arrangement is made between separating and divorcing spouses.
Read moreImmigration
Led by Celso Boscariol K.C., our Immigration Law team has extensive personal and professional experience with Canada’s immigration system. A deep knowledge of Permanent Residency rules, NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) and GATS (General Agreement on Trade in Service) allows us to successfully assist clients from around the world to enter Canada as permanent residents.
Read moreImmigration for Businesses & Corporations
Whether a Canadian employer requires large numbers of temporary foreign workers for a short-term project, or a steady flow of skilled individuals on assignment to fill multiple roles at multiple Canadian locations, Watson Goepel makes these employment transitions work smoothly for employers and individual workers and their families.
Read moreImmigration for Families and Individuals
Immigration Litigation and Appeals
Litigation & Dispute Resolution
Our Litigation and Dispute Resolution team acts for a wide range of clients in a variety of industries. We encourage clients to consider alternative dispute methods including collaboration, mediation, and arbitration when possible, and provide litigation services when a settlement cannot be reached.
We have extensive experience at all levels of court in British Columbia, the Federal Court, as well as administrative tribunals and professional regulatory and review boards.
Read moreBankruptcy & Insolvency
In times of financial challenge, you need experienced guidance you can trust. We act for both creditors and debtors in all areas related to bankruptcy, foreclosure claims and complex reorganizations. We have experience assisting business owners, financial advisors, insolvency professionals and creditors with complex and sophisticated business structures, unique industries, and unusual assets that make traditional procedures challenging.
Read moreCommercial Litigation
We help you resolve outstanding disputes so you can focus on growing your business. We act for a broad range of corporate and commercial clients, from individuals to companies, in every area of business.
Read moreConstruction Litigation
We provide litigation services to a broad range of construction clients, including owners, strata council, developers, general contractors, subcontractors, architects, engineers and material suppliers. From individual residential properties to large scale development projects, we are dedicated to helping you resolve your dispute as efficiently and cost consciously as possible.
Read moreDisability Insurance Claims
We understand how important benefits are for those living with a short or long-term disability. If an insurance company refuses to pay a claim, or has terminated, denied or delayed benefits, the claim should be investigated as soon as possible. Having a trusted lawyer on your side to advocate on your behalf with the insurance company makes all the difference.
Read moreEmployment Litigation
When disputes arise between employers and employees, it is in the best interests of all parties that they be resolved as efficiently and cost sensitively as possible.
Read moreHuman Rights Law
Canada has laws which protect against discrimination on the basis of race, colour, place of origin, gender, gender identity or expression, political affiliation, sexual orientation, age, religion, marital or family status, and union membership. Laws are also in place to protect employees from bullying and harassment in the workplace.
Read moreInsurance Litigation
We act for Canadian and international insurance companies and policy holders for losses ranging from catastrophic to nuisance. We represent clients at all levels of court throughout the province of British Columbia, providing occasional counsel in Alberta, Ontario and at the Federal courts.
Read morePrivacy Law
Privacy Law deals with regulations surrounding the storage, collection, and use of personal information and images between private citizens and public and private organizations.
Our experienced litigation and dispute resolution team assist businesses in many areas of privacy law including:
Read moreProfessional Disciplinary Hearings
When conflicts arise between professionals and the regulatory organizations that govern them, there is a risk of disciplinary action, including financial penalties, license suspensions or termination. Our team of experienced litigators act for a diverse range of professionals facing regulatory challenges, including lawyers, accountants, real estate agents, health professionals and engineers.
Read moreProfessional Negligence Liability
In an increasingly specialized world, businesses and individuals look to professionals for advice and assistance with growing regularity. When a professional fails to meet the standards expected of them, or acts in a manner that goes against the best interests of their client, the results can range from undesirable to catastrophic. Our team of litigators has experience assisting clients with professional negligence or liability claims against a variety of professionals including, accountants, engineers, lawyers and medical professionals.
Read moreSecurities Litigation
Our experienced securities litigation team acts for a broad range of individuals and corporations including investment dealers and advisors, securities issuers, directors, shareholders, and other professionals and securities industry participants.
Read moreStrata Law
When disputes arise between strata corporations, management companies or owners, our team of experienced lawyers provide the guidance needed to reach an efficient and cost sensitive solution, regardless of the size or complexity of the issue.
Read moreTransportation
We have extensive experience acting for a range of transportation clients including shippers, carriers, port service providers, municipalities and other related parties. We have negotiated settlement based resolutions, and have represented clients in trials and arbitrations as required.
Read moreWills, Estates & Trusts Litigation
When will or estate disputes arise, they can be emotionally fraught and disruptive to families. Our team of estate litigators has the experience and knowledge to assist you in the resolution of your dispute in the most efficient and cost-sensitive manner possible, bearing in mind the complex sensitivities of family dynamics.
Read morePersonal Injury
When you, a friend or a loved one has been injured in an accident through no fault of your own, dealing with insurance companies can be stressful and confusing. Our experienced team can help you understand your rights, deal with insurance companies on your behalf, coordinate the support you need including arranging medical treatment plans, securing treatment funding including wage loss benefits, and obtaining fair compensation for your injuries.
Read moreBicycle Accidents
Our dedicated bicycle accident lawyers have over 25 years of experience with the ICBC claim process and will provide you with the personalized support you need to ensure you are fairly compensated for your injuries. Let us handle the legal work, so that you can focus on healing and getting back up on your bike again!
Read moreBrain Injury
Brain injuries can range in severity, from a mild concussion to a severe traumatic brain injury. A serious brain injury is a devastating and life changing event, and can leave the injured person unable to work, care for their family or in some cases even function normally on a day to day basis.
Read moreCar Accidents
Our dedicated team of Personal Injury lawyers have over 25 years of experience with the ICBC claim process. We provide personalized support to our clients, guiding them through the entire claims process from start to finish. We help you find the best medical treatment plan for your injuries and help you get the compensation you deserve, so you can focus your energy on healing and getting back to living a full life.
Read moreMotorcycle Accidents
British Columbia offers some of the best motorcycling roads in Canada with inspiring views of mountains, oceans, rivers and lakes, as well as extensive urban riding opportunities. Motorcycles provide an exciting sense of freedom and exhilaration, but carry with them a heightened risk of accident and injury. Lack of protection and visibility on the road means that you are vulnerable to distracted or careless drivers, and more susceptible to serious injury in a collision with a motor vehicle.
Read moreNeck and Back Injury
Our experienced team of neck and back injury lawyers will help you source the medical treatments needed to ensure your best chances for recovery, and will help you receive the compensation you are entitled to.
Read morePedestrian Accidents
Our dedicated team of pedestrian accident lawyers have over 25 years of experience with the ICBC process and will provide the personalized support you need to get the best treatment possible for your injuries, and get the compensation you are entitled to. Reach out to one of our Vancouver Pedestrian Accident Lawyers today.
Read moreSlips and Falls
A slip and fall is often a sudden and confusing event that you may wish to minimize in the moment to avoid embarrassment. A slip and fall may result in an obvious injury at the time of the event, or the severity of your injury may emerge later or worsen over time. If your slip and fall injury is the result of someone else’s negligence, you are likely entitled to compensation to help with your recovery and ease your pain and suffering.
Read moreSpinal Cord Injury
If you or someone you love has sustained a spinal cord injury as a result of someone else’s negligence, you want to know that your rights are being protected and that you receive all the support you are entitled to including medical expenses, pain and suffering including emotional destress, and lost wages. Reach out to one of our Spinal Cord Injury lawyers today for a free consultation, to ensure that your rights are being protected.
Read moreWrongful Death
Our compassionate and dedicated team of personal injury lawyers will ensure that you do not have to navigate the legal process alone. We will help you address the practical realities of your situation in a way that allows you to spend more of your energy on healing from your loss.
Read moreWills, Estates & Trusts
Protecting your loved ones is top of mind when preparing for the eventual transfer of your estate. Our Wills and Estates team ensure that everything is in place so that your wishes are carried out as planned when the time arises, to safeguard your beneficiaries.
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