BC Government Introduces “Benefit Companies”

June 17, 2020 - Owen Bird

The Government of British Columbia intends to amend the Business Corporations Act (“BCBCA”) to include a new type of company – a benefit company. This amendment is set to take place on June 30, 2020.

A benefit company is a for-profit corporation that dedicates itself to conducting responsible and sustainable business and to promoting a public benefit(s). A public benefit includes any activity that positively impacts a group outside of the corporation’s shareholders. For example, an educational group, the local community, the environment, or a charitable organization. A list of possible ‘public benefit’ activities can be found here.

Benefit…

COVID-19 Response and Preparedness for clients and employees of Owen Bird Law Corporation

June 15, 2020 - Owen Bird

At Owen Bird Law Corporation, our first priority is the health and safety of our clients and our people. Throughout the pandemic we have implemented precautionary measures to ensure continuity of service while keeping our clients and people safe. We continue to closely monitor the progression of COVID-19 and the related guidance from Public Health authorities and WorkSafeBC.  OBLC has put a Safety Plan in place to minimize the risk of exposure to COVID-19 in our office. This plan will be updated as circumstances change.

Owen Bird Welcomes Scott Urquhart

June 01, 2020 - Owen Bird

Owen Bird Law Corporation is pleased to announce that Scott Urquhart has joined our firm as the newest member of our Insurance and Construction Dispute groups.

Called to the Bar in 2006, Scott is a litigator with extensive experience at all levels of British Columbia’s courts. In addition to practicing in the areas of insurance, civil litigation and construction law, he also has successful trial and appellate experience in commercial and fraud litigation.

Growing up in the Cariboo, Scott worked in mills and on cattle ranches, paying his way through University while working in BC’s oil and gas…

Client and Friends Alert

March 19, 2020 - Owen Bird

Dear clients and friends,

We, like everyone else, are taking the Covid 19 pandemic seriously. As such, the majority of our lawyers and staff will be working remotely.

We would ask that you contact your lawyer at the firm directly using either e-mail or their direct dial number. Our goal is to provide prompt and ongoing support to you during this difficult state.

Court matters are all on hold. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of British Columbia has ordered the suspension of all regular operations, effective immediately until further notice. All regular hearings are adjourned.

At all times,…

Brian Cheng presents at UBC Allard School of Law

March 11, 2020 - Owen Bird

Brian Cheng presented at the UBC Allard School of Law’s first inaugural speed mentoring event co-hosted by the UBC Graduate Law Students’ Society and the Global Lawyers of Canada on March 11, 2020. The event was well attended by international lawyers and law students.

As a lawyer who practiced in the United States before returning to Canada, Brian spoke about the unique opportunities in and challenges of practicing law in Canada. He continues to be licensed to practice in the State of Washington and is called to the bar of British Columbia. While fulfilling the prerequisites to take the B.C. bar exam, Brian completed his Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree at UBC.​

Owen Bird Lawyers Announce Estate Litigation Blog

March 04, 2020 - Owen Bird

Owen Bird estate litigation lawyers Duncan J. Manson and James W. Zaitsoff are pleased to announce the launch of www.BCEstateLitigation.ca, a blog to inform readers of the latest developments in estate litigation.

Estate litigation is an unfortunate but common occurrence.  As lawyers practicing in the area of estate and trust litigation in Vancouver, Duncan and James see certain recurring themes and trends.  In their blog, they identify and discuss these themes, as well as recent court decisions and legislative updates.

Brian Cheng presents at Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers event

February 20, 2020 - Owen Bird

On February 20, 2020, Brian Cheng presented at the Mentorship Roundtable event hosted by the Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers (FACL) at the Vancouver office of McCarthy Tétrault.

Brian was a co-panelist with the retired Mr. Justice Randall Wong and lawyer Chilwin Cheng of Ascendion Law, and they presented about their individual experiences as Asian lawyers in the practice of civil litigation.

The event was well attended by law students, articling students, and lawyers.

As a member of Owen Bird’s Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Involvement Committee, Brian is committed to encouraging the legal profession to reflect all of the communities that…

Jocelyn Bellerud Assumes New Leadership Role for Interlaw’s North American Region

January 28, 2020 - Owen Bird

Owen Bird is pleased to announce that Jocelyn Bellerud has assumed a new leadership role for Interlaw’s North American Region.  Jocelyn has been appointed Interlaw Next Gen Special Business Team Regional Chair for North America.  Jocelyn continues to serve as Interlaw Mergers & Acquisitions Special Business Team Regional Co-Chair for North America.

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.

Owen Bird welcomes new firm shareholders

January 06, 2020 - Owen Bird

Owen Bird Law Corporation is pleased to announce that Katharina Spotzl and Jennifer Williams became shareholders of the firm effective January 1, 2020.

Jennifer’s practice is focused on commercial real estate, working with clients on complex transactions that include leasing, acquisitions, sales, subdivisions, development, strata conversions, financing, infrastructure and P3s. Clients appreciate Jennifer’s business acumen and in-depth understanding of the industry, gleaned during her nearly two decades as commercial real estate lawyer, which includes experience as in-house counsel for a prominent real estate developer.

Katharina practices in the areas…