Bernard LLP is again recognized for its work in both Maritime law and Workers Compensation law. Gary Wharton, Peter Swanson, Tom Hawkins and David K. Jones have be recognized by their peers for their work in the maritime law field, being included in the 14th Edition of The Best Lawyers™ in Canada. Lorna Pawluk, Q.C. has… more »
The Partners of the firm are delighted to announce that Jason Hicks has joined the partnership at Bernard LLP, effective January 1, 2019. Jason brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the firm having practiced corporate and commercial law in both a private practice setting and as in-house counsel for large public and private enterprises. Jason is a member… more »
Peter Swanson and David Jones of Bernard LLP along with Mark Rowan of Hira Rowan were completely successful in defending the M/V Marathassa in relation to a variety of charges arising out of the discharge of fuel oil from the ship into English Bay in the Port of Vancouver in early April 2015. While some of the charges were stayed… more »
CMAC was established in 1959 and “… has been committed to building a team of elite arbitrators with strong work ethics and substantial relevant experience.” In accordance with that philosophy Bernard LLP partner, Peter Swanson, was appointed as arbitrator with CMAC. The appointment is effective from September 1, 2018 and extends through to April 30, 2020, subject to renewal. … more »
The Federal Court recently issued an important decision regarding whether the Ship-Source Oil Pollution Fund (“SOPF”) can recover for pollution clean-up costs from a company (or its’ principal shareholder) that was not the actual owner of a barge, but that remained, through inadvertence, the registered owner: see The Administrator of the Ship-Source Oil Pollution Fund v. Dr. Jim Halvorson Medical … more »
On December 5, 2018, the BC Law Institute (BCLI), www.bcli.org issued a report on reform of BCLI’s Employment Standards Reform Project. The 320 page Report contained 71 recommendations for changes to the Employment Standards Act (ESA). The Project has been underway since the fall of 2014 with support from labour and business organizations, the Law Foundation of BC,… more »
On November 19, 2018, David Jarrett was a speaker at a seminar organized by Boating BC’s Marina Sector at the Pacific Gateway Hotel in Richmond. The seminar was well attended by marina owners and operators from throughout British Columbia. David presented on marina risk management planning, the importance of moorage agreements and collections and enforcement, including vessel arrest. David also… more »
The Partners of Bernard LLP are pleased to announce that Elyn Underhill has joined the firm as associate counsel. Elyn has over 25 years of experience practicing in the field of maritime law, including marine insurance, ship construction contracts, charter parties, and marina leases as well as related litigation. The Partners have worked opposite Elyn over the years and are… more »
Peter Swanson was one of the key speakers at the recent Canadian Maritime Law Association west coast open meeting conducted in Vancouver in the context of the society’s annual general meeting. Peter’s presentation was an update on oil spill related legal issues and included a review of the following: powers of inspection and investigation and the important distinction between the… more »
The Partners of Bernard LLP are delighted to welcome Harry Ormiston as the newest member of our litigation team. Harry articled with Bernard LLP after graduating with both a Juris Doctor and LLM from Bond University in Australia. Harry is a welcomed addition to the litigation side of the firm and will work closely with our senior lawyers to provide… more »