MORE FLEXIBILITY WHEN MAKING YOUR WILL

October 05, 2021 - Owen Bird

Significant changes to the Wills, Estates and Succession Act and the Supreme Court Civil Rules will now allow the BC Courts to accept a will that is created, recorded, transmitted or stored on an electronic device (such as a computer, tablet or phone) and signed electronically, and for which there is no printed copy provided the will can be reproduced in a visible form.

The amendments also permanently adopt changes brought on by Covid-19 which allow for the remote witnessing of wills through the use of video technology.

This is a significant change in the law around Will making and…

Owen Bird Welcomes John Kim

September 01, 2021 - Owen Bird

Owen Bird is pleased to announce that John Kim has joined our firm as the newest member of our Litigation Group.

John represents clients in complex commercial, insurance, construction, design professional, subrogated and product liability disputes. John has developed specialized expertise in fire related claims and litigation. He has represented clients in landmark cases in this area and teaches fire and arson investigators at accredited courses in British Columbia.

In his litigation practice, John acts as BC counsel for several industrial product manufacturers. John is often retained in construction disputes and acts for design professionals and other professionals including accountants…

OBLC Participating in Access Pro Bono’s 2021 Advice-A-Thon

August 19, 2021 - Owen Bird

The Diversity, Inclusion and Community Involvement Committee at Owen Bird is pleased to announce entry of our team in the 2021 virtual advice-a-thon hosted by Access Pro Bono!

Pro Bono Going Public 2021 with Access Pro Bono (September 13 – 24, 2021) provides one-hour free summary legal advice appointments to low and modest-income British Columbians to support access to justice across the province.

Since the Covid-19 pandemic hit our communities back in 2020, the need for access to legal support and services has never been greater.   Access Pro Bono reports a 30% increase in use of their free legal services…

Owen Bird Welcomes Michelle Karby

July 16, 2021 - Owen Bird

Owen Bird is delighted to announce that Michelle Karby has joined our firm as the newest member of our Wills, Trusts and Estate Group.

Michelle is an experienced wills, estates and trusts lawyer. She works with families to navigate the often sensitive field of trust and estate planning, estate administration, and family business succession planning.  She works with families to ensure their affairs are in order and that appropriate tax planning is in place to ease both the emotional and financial burden when a loved one passes. When that person does pass, she provides legal support and advice throughout the…

Jocelyn Bellerud – Appointment to Interlaw Board of Directors and Global Chair of Interlaw Next Gen

July 12, 2021 - Owen Bird

Owen Bird is pleased to announce that Jocelyn Bellerud has accepted an invitation to join the Interlaw Board of Directors and to serve as Global Chair of the Next Gen Special Business Team effective immediately.  Jocelyn will also continue to serve as Co-Chair for the Interlaw North America of the M&A Special Business Team.

Owen Bird is extremely proud of its relationship with Interlaw and the international connections it offers to our clients.  Interlaw is a long-established elite global network of pre-eminent independent law firms comprising 7,500+ lawyers based in over 150 cities around the world.

Heather Frydenlund Appointed Chair for Interlaw Bankruptcy and Insolvency SBT

June 28, 2021 - Owen Bird

Owen Bird is pleased to announce that firm lawyer Heather Frydenlund has been appointed North America Chair for the Interlaw Bankruptcy and Insolvency SBT.

Owen Bird is extremely proud of its relationship with Interlaw and the international connections it offers to our clients.  Interlaw is an international network of corporate and commercial independent law firms, active in 140 different cities worldwide.

St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation Future Leaders – PIXEL Moments

April 28, 2021 - Owen Bird

Owen Bird is proud to be a donor and supporter of the St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation Future Leaders PIXEL Moments.  This week, the interactive augmented reality art mural came to life in the heart of downtown Vancouver, on the corner of Granville and W. Georgia.

The response we have seen throughout this campaign is a strong reminder that no one is impervious to mental health suffering. Together, the campaign has successfully raised $299,416 for St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation for mental health resources.

OBLC Announces New Chair of Diversity, Inclusion and Community Involvement Committee

April 28, 2021 - Owen Bird

We are pleased to announce the appointment of shareholder Jennifer M. Williams as the Chair of our Diversity, Inclusion and Community Involvement Committee.

Jennifer brings a wealth of educational, professional and lived experience and expertise in equity, diversity, and inclusion to the Committee.  With extensive experience in non-profit board leadership and equity work,  Jennifer is passionate about diverse and inclusive workplaces that respect and embrace the unique backgrounds, perspectives, experiences and talents of individuals at all levels of the organization.

“Diversity and Inclusion are good for us, our clients, and our community.   Valuing and enhancing diversity helps us attract, retain and…