J. Scott Stanley

Scott was born in Pennsylvania and, as a young child, moved with his family to Northern Saskatchewan where he grew up. Although not born in Canada, Scott is a ferociously proud Canadian.

Scott obtained a commerce degree from the University of Saskatchewan, majoring in finance and business math prior to obtaining his law degree from the University of British Columbia in 1994.

He was called to the bar in 1995 and worked at firm where he handled personal injury claims, acting for both victims and insurers. In 2002, Scott joined one of the leading insurance defence firms where he continued to act for both victims and insurers. Within 2 years of joining that firm, he became a partner and remained there until joining Murphy Battista in 2007 where he now works exclusively for accident victims and their families as well as others who have claims against insurance companies.

Having acted for both sides for many years, Scott brings a balanced perspective to his work as well as a wealth of knowledge and experience.

Scott has thoroughly enjoyed his transition.

"When I represent a victim and their family, there is no doubt in my mind that I am doing the correct thing. I get to help them recapture the things that were important to them such as family life, work and hobbies. Because insurance companies increase premiums for people that cause accidents, it is my hope that my work actually encourages people to take greater care and makes the community safer. I personally found that acting for insurance companies was quite different and not as gratifying as representing victims. Often you would simply be trying to help a big company avoid paying victims or avoid its financial responsibilities to people who bought insurance policies from it. In order to do this, you often had to ask the Courts to excuse actions and behaviors that would endanger the community or that would create uncertainty for people who purchase insurance. Everyone is entitled to legal representation and I commend the lawyers who handle the difficult assignments offered by insurance companies. For me, I am grateful to be able to work with victims and their families."

Scott recognizes the importance that work has to a person's dignity and self esteem. A great deal of Scott's time is spent helping his clients return to work, or to find employment that will accommodate their disabilities.

Scott gives considerable amounts of time to organizations that provide free legal advice to people who can not afford lawyers. Scott frequently acts as probono counsel for people who can not afford a lawyer and who have cases that are too complex to handle by themselves.

Scott is married with two beautiful daughters, and knows first hand the importance of family. When work and family life permit, Scott enjoys biking, basketball and reading.