I grew up in Saskatchewan and was the first member of my family to go to university. I went to law school not knowing what type of lawyer I wanted to be. I simply wanted to help people.

I started my career defending institutional defendants (insurance companies, corporations, government, etc.). While I excelled as a defence lawyer (especially trial work), the reality is that the party with the best lawyer will almost always win. I really did not like beating the very people I wanted to help when I went to law school.

Many years ago, I stopped working for institutional defendants and joined Murphy Battista LLP where I only represent regular people or small companies who have claims against institutional defendants. I eventually became a partner at Murphy Battista LLP – the first to join the original two partners.

I know firsthand the tremendous level of resources and pressure that institutional defendants direct at regular people. I also know that the only thing they respond to is fear of losing at trial which is why I devoted myself to becoming an effective trial lawyer. I now use the things that I learned as a defence lawyer to help my clients win their cases. I prepare every case for trial because this is the only way my clients will be taken seriously during settlement negotiations. If we do not settle, then I am already prepared for trial.

I am grateful to all my clients who have entrusted me with their most important legal issues. This trust has allowed me to conduct and win some of the largest trials in the history of B.C.

I enjoy doing things that other lawyers cannot do or will not do. Many of the cases I have won at trial involve situations where multiple lawyers refused to take the case.

I have handled a very broad range of cases. The common theme is that my clients are regular people asserting their lawful interests against larger more powerful entities. The facts may change but the strategy does not – every case is prepared for trial.

My clients’ strength of character during adversity is an endless source of inspiration for me. I am humbled by their expressions of gratitude. I never lost a trial for an institutional defendant, but never received so much as a “thank you” for my efforts. Since I switched to representing regular people, I have accumulated a large box of “thank you” cards which is my prized possession.

I love what I do and can truly say that my work is also my hobby. Each day I am excited to come to work and a little bit sad when it is time to go home.