We are pleased to announce that effective September 14, 2015 Michael Soltynski has joined the firm as an associate. Michael brings a broad range of legal and insurance experience to the firm, having been called to the Bar in South Africa and having previously worked as a legal claims handler at an International Group P&I Club and as an insurance… more »
After much reflection, James has decided to leave the practice of law to pursue a new vocation in church leadership. James will be part of a team serving the people of Trinity Central, a Christian church in downtown Vancouver. He can be reached by email at james@trinitycentral.org. We wish James and his family all the best.… more »
Gary Wharton and David Jarrett were featured in the June 2015 issue of BarTalk, the Canadian Bar Association, British Columbia Branch’s magazine, following their recent presentations to the CBA’s Maritime Law section meeting. Gary provided a case comment on Ehler Marine & Industrial Service Co. v. M/V Pacific Yellowfin (Ship), 2015 FC 324 and David led a discussion… more »
Partner Peter Swanson recently moderated a panel discussion at the XIX International Congress of Maritime Arbitrators (ICMA) held in Hong Kong from May 11-15, 2015. The session was entitled “Contemporary Shipping Problems” and included discussions on the recent issues in the Mediterranean regarding irregular migration by sea to Europe, the possibility of banning ransom payments to pirates, and the… more »
David S. Jarrett was elected as the Honorary Solicitor for the Boating BC Association (“Boating BC”). Boating BC has been the voice of recreational boating in BC since 1957, working with all levels of government and other stakeholders to grow and enhance the boating experience. Boating BC is a non-profit organization governed by a volunteer board of directors from a… more »
We are pleased to announce that Tom Hawkins was recently appointed to the Pacific Regional Advisory Council on Oil Spill Response by the Minister of Transport. Regional Advisory Councils, established under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001, are advisory bodies that identify and make recommendations on policy issues affecting oil spill preparedness and response. One of the principle mandates is… more »
We are pleased to announce that Bernard LLP lawyer Peter Swanson has been elected a director of the Chamber of Shipping of British Columbia. Peter had previously been appointed a Director in 2013 temporarily filling a Board vacancy, and has served as chair of the Owner’s Committee since that time. The Chamber of Shipping is a not-for-profit industry association… more »
Who’s Who Legal Canada has selected Gary Wharton (shipping & maritime), Peter Swanson (shipping & maritime), Tom Hawkins (shipping & maritime) and Nevin Fishman (product liability defence) for inclusion in its 2014 publication. These selections are based upon comprehensive, independent survey work with both general counsel and private practice lawyers worldwide. Only experienced lawyers who have met independent international research… more »
Bernard LLP partner, Gary Wharton, was successful as counsel in the Federal Court of Appeal in upholding a lower court decision clarifying important limits on the right of sistership arrest under Canadian law. The Federal Court of Appeal, in a unanimous decision written by Mr. Justice Nadon, in the case of WESTSHORE TERMINALS LIMITED & OTHERS v. THE SHIP … more »
The Court of Appeal for British Columbia in the case of British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority v. Workers’ Compensation Board of British Columbia, 2014 BCCA 353 upheld the lower Court’s determination that a Worksafe BC order against BC Hydro should be quashed. Peter Swanson was counsel for BC Hydro at both levels of Court. The case turned on the… more »