Elizabeth practiced law as trial counsel for 37 years. Elizabeth gained a broad background in many areas of the law and has a comprehensive understanding of the litigation process. As counsel, Elizabeth participated in hundreds of mediations, representing the interests of her clients. It was with this background that Elizabeth became a strong believer in the benefits of alternate dispute resolution.

Elizabeth began her transition from counsel to mediator in 2018 when she took formal mediation training and commenced dedicating a portion of her practice to mediating disputes. In 2022 Elizabeth left her law practice and joined CMB as a full-time mediator. Elizabeth is delighted to now dedicate all her working time to assisting parties to resolve their disputes through mediation.

Elizabeth’s background includes thousands of hours of volunteer time spent on various law-related and community Boards and Committees. Elizabeth was awarded a Canadian Bar Association Community Service Award in recognition of her years of charitable service. As well, for 10 years she volunteered as an adjunct professor at UBC Law School, where she taught Civil Procedure.

Elizabeth’s broad legal and experiential background has positioned her well to assist parties in many areas including insurance (life, disability, AD&D, creditor, critical illness, fire, product liability, and occupier’s liability), transportation (railway, maritime, and motor vehicle), professional liability, and general contract disputes. In her mediation practice, Elizabeth frequently handles cases involving employment disputes, host liability, medical malpractice, defamation, and sexual assault.

In her free time, Elizabeth enjoys the company of her husband, children and friends; cooking; hosting events; skiing at Whistler in the winter; power boating in the summer; and travelling.

EDUCATION

1985        Bachelor of Laws, University of Windsor

1986        Called to the B.C. Bar

2018        Harvard Law School Executive Programme, “Mediating Disputes,” Boston

2019        Stitt Feld Handy, “Advanced ADR Workshop,” Ottawa

work experience

1985 - 1989                    Articled Student and Associate            Davis & Company (now DLA Piper LLP)

1989 - 1994                    Associate                                                         Russell & DuMoulin (now Fasken LLP)

1994 - 2022                    Partner                                                             Fasken LLP

2022 - Current              Mediator                                                         CMB Mediation & Arbitration

ADR-RELATED AFFILIATIONS, ACTIVITIES & RECOGNITION

2011 Appointed Queen’s Counsel (now King’s Counsel)

2020 - 2023 Best Lawyers in Canada, recognized in insurance law

2022 International Academy of Mediators conference attendee, Montreal

2015, 2019, 2021, & 2022 Lectured on Mediation at the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association claims conference

2024 International Academy of Mediators conference attendee, Seattle

2025 International Academy of Mediators Conference attendee, Australia

2025 Inducted as a member of the Canadian Academy of Distinguished Neutrals

Law Related Professional activities

1994 - 1996        Elected Member of the Executive          Vancouver Bar Association

1994 - 2000        Elected Member of Council                      Canadian Bar Association, BC Branch

1994 - 2004        Adjunct Professor, Civil Litigation         University of British Columbia Faculty of Law

1999 - 2011        Director, Vice President, President       Canadian Bar Insurance Association

2002 - 2008        Elected Member of Council                     Canadian Bar Association, BC Branch

2007 - 2011        Director                                                               Chancery Reinsurance Limited (Barbados)

2009 - 2015        Director, Vice President, President       Canadian Bar Association Financial

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