SUGDEN - Key Persons
Elizabeth Allan strives to be a thoughtful and practical litigator in acting for the firm's clients. She has appeared in all levels of court in British Columbia, the Federal Court of Canada, and routinely resolves matters, particularly breach of contract and tort claims, through negotiation and mediation.
A large portion of Beth's practice involves administrative and regulatory law, advising and appearing on behalf of regulators and members of self-regulating professions in disciplinary matters, investigations, consent orders and other processes. She also acts as independent legal counsel to administrative tribunals.
Elizabeth Janzen is developing a general civil litigation practice as an Associate at SMR.
Elizabeth received her J.D. from the University of British Columbia in 2019. She graduated with numerous awards for academic achievement, including top performance in tort law and family law. During law school, Elizabeth worked as a research assistant to Dr. Isabel Grant and Dr. Régine Tremblay and volunteered with the Women's Caucus, the Equity & Diversity Committee, and the Law Students' Legal Advice Program. She also participated in an appellate criminal/constitutional law moot and worked as an intern to judges at the B.C. Provincial Court in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside.
Prior to law school, Elizabeth studied International Relations at the University of British Columbia. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, swimming, and learning new languages.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Next Lawyer
- Previous Lawyer
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Previous Lawyer
Jennifer Crosman is a hardworking and effective litigator with experience in a number of practice areas, representing clients and assisting senior counsel both in civil disputes and before administrative tribunals.
Jennifer maintains a diverse practice, with a focus on administrative law. She has experience in all facets of professional regulatory law, acting for tribunals, registrants, and as an investigator. Jennifer also has civil litigation experience in commercial, real estate, employment, personal injury (including medical negligence and family compensation) and wills, estates and trusts matters.
Jennifer prides herself in providing practical advice to her clients, with a view to identifying their needs and helping them understand their legal options. Outside of work, Jennifer enjoys travelling, listening to music, and reading fiction. Jennifer hails from the Fraser Valley, where she can be found on weekends hiking and spending time with her family.
Education
J.D., Dalhousie University, 2017
B.A. (with distinction), University of Victoria, 2013
Mike Shirreff is an experienced and respected trial and appellate counsel who has assisted clients with all types of disputes. He has practised litigation in Vancouver for almost 20 years and has been recognized as a leading lawyer in Best Lawyers and Benchmark Canada.
Mike appears regularly before the British Columbia Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal, as well as a variety of administrative and regulatory tribunals. Mike's practice is varied and broad. A significant portion of his time is spent on complex commercial matters, contract disputes and real estate litigation. He also regularly acts in administrative or regulatory matters, both to assist professionals who are responding to investigations, but also as an investigator or counsel for the regulator. In addition to the above, Mike has always assisted clients with a variety of personal injury claims, as well as select criminal or quasi-criminal matters.
Respected amongst his peers for his collegial and civil manner of practice, Mike offers his clients a combination of sound judgment and effective advocacy and he takes pride in providing high-quality advice to each of his clients.
Education
LL.B., University of Victoria, 2003
B.A. University of British Columbia, 1999
Rick Sugden, Robin McFee and Albert Roos founded Sugden, McFee & Roos on October 31, 1988, leaving the established litigation firm of Braidwood & Company to strike out on their own. They were joined by their friend and former Braidwood & Company colleague Patrick Lewis in 1994, and, although it took her a few more years to see the light, their other former Braidwood & Company colleague Jean Whittow finally joined SMR in 2017.