Fiona enjoys assisting clients in avoiding disputes in estates through careful planning with a particular emphasis on trusts. Where disputes become inevitable, Fiona helps clients reach resolutions through mediation and advises on litigation options. Her advice is informed by over four decades of experience in law, her passionate interest in the law, and a liberal dose of common sense.
Fiona has a Masters of Law in trusts and has written extensively about them and other estate planning matters, including Drafting Trusts and Wills Trusts in Canada (Lexis Nexis Canada 2020, 5th ed.). She teaches at professional development courses and has been an adjunct professor at the University of Victoria law school. She is qualified as an expert in trust law by the Supreme Court of BC.
Fiona has contributed to her community by serving on boards of charitable and not for profit organizations, most recently the University of Victoria Foundation, the Foundation for the University of Victoria, and the Art Gallery of Victoria and its Foundation.
Since 2008, Fiona has been recognized by her peers for inclusion in “The Best Lawyers in Canada” publication in the field of Trust and Estates and as the “Lawyer of the Year” for 2013, 2014, 2016, 2o18 and 2019 in the Vancouver/Vancouver Island area.
In addition to her legal career, Fiona enjoys golfing and traveling with her spouse Paul, cycling with friends and gardening. She is blessed with two wonderful children who bring her great joy and the occasional cardiac arrest.
Education
B.A. from Queen’s University
LLB from University of Alberta (LL.B.)
LLM from University of British Columbia (LL.M.)