ONYX LAW - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Trusts and Joint Partner Trusts
April joined Onyx Law Group in 2021. Prior to joining Onyx Law Group, April assisted a number of lawyers at a family law firm in New Westminster. April has worked in family law since 2017.
April studied Psychology at the University of British Columbia before working in the field of law. April is now pursuing her degree in Criminology.
In her leisure time, April enjoys reading and listening to music.
April is fluent in English and Korean.
Job Titles:
- Co - Founder
- Principal Lawyer
- Principal Lawyer, Estate Litigation Practice Leader
Daci Betty is a Junior Paralegal at Onyx Law Group, providing litigation support to both the Estate and Family practice groups. In 2016, she went back to school and completely changed her career from being a sales manager with a telecommunications corporation, to entering the legal industry as a Legal Assistant. In 2017, she graduated from Sprott Shaw College, Executive Legal Administrative Assistant Program, with honours. After graduation, she started working in a boutique law firm that specialized in Estate Planning, Probate, Estate Litigation, Family Law and Criminal Law, gaining valuable experience and knowledge allowing her to advance in her career to her new role with Onyx Law Group. She finds it very rewarding assisting clients with their legal matters and ensuring the clients are content with the legal process.
Gilda is Onyx Law Group's senior paralegal and her work is primarily focused on Estate Litigation. She assists the lawyers and clients in all areas of litigation including court and land title searches, document analysis and production, court applications and discoveries, and trial preparation.
Gilda also has past legal experience in conveyancing, general litigation and family law and she taught the necessary work skills and legal procedures to legal assistants at a private career training institution in Vancouver. Gilda enjoys working and living in downtown Vancouver with her husband and son, and visiting her extended family in Europe.
Jackson is an Associate Counsel at Onyx Law Group and has concentrated experience in estate litigation.
Jackson was co-counsel on the landmark wills variation case, Grewal v. Litt, 2019 BCSC 1154, where he was able to obtain a substantial variation of a large estate in favour of his clients.
Job Titles:
- Principal Lawyer
- Principal Lawyer, Estate Litigation Practice Leader
Judith A. Janzen was called to the bar in 2000 and has practiced law as litigation counsel in downtown Vancouver ever since.
She has experience in civil litigation and has appeared in court in corporate and commercial matters including shareholders' disputes, franchise matters and multi-party leaky condo litigation.
Judith deals with all aspects of family law litigation including:
Complex asset division
High conflict custody disputes
Child support and protection matters
Cohabitation issues
Business and Trust Aspects of Family Law
International Family Law
She will not hesitate to advance her client's interests in court whether at the interim stage or at trial but always with a view to using those resources to advance the best interests of her client
Judith works regularly with other professionals such as business valuators, accountants, psychologists and physicians in order to prepare and present the best possible case for her client, whether it is at trial, in collaborative meetings or in settlement negotiations.
She is also an active volunteer at the Canadian Bar Association, serving as elected representative for Vancouver County. In the National CBA, she has served as Chair of the Membership Committee and a member of the National Fee Review Working Group.
In her free time: Judith enjoys travelling the world and relaxing with her family and friends.
Job Titles:
- Associate Lawyer
- Associate Lawyer, Estate Litigation
Job Titles:
- Corporate Receptionist
- Legal Administrative Assistant
Kathryn joined Onyx Law Group as the Corporate Receptionist in December 2022 and is now working as a Legal Administrative Assistant.
Kathryn has over five years' experience in all aspects of corporate administration.
Prior to joining Onyx, she worked at a highly respected Asset Management company in Dublin, Ireland. She has a Bachelors Degree in Event Management from Technology University Dublin and recently completed a Diploma of Education in Change Management from University College
Kiely joined Onyx Law Group as an Associate Lawyer in 2020. She practices exclusively in the area of estate litigation. She has experience dealing with various estate disputes, including wills variation, unjust enrichment, and trust matters.
Kiely was called to the Bar in 2020 after completing her articles in Vancouver. During her articling term, Kiely gained experience in family law, personal injury law, and estate litigation. Kiely earned her Bachelor of Arts degree and Juris Doctor from Thompson Rivers University.
During her time at law school, Kiely worked as a student clinician at the TRU Community Legal Clinic, primarily assisting individuals with tenancy disputes and family law matters. Kiely understands that dealing with legal issues can be stressful and daunting, and takes a compassionate, empathetic approach to practicing law. Kiely makes every effort to ensure that her clients feel heard and understood.
In her spare time, Kiely enjoys traveling, spending time in nature and watching movies.
Job Titles:
- Co - Executor Capacity of the Last Will and Testament of Douglas David Rennie
Rupinder obtained her Bachelor of Arts (Political Science) degree from UBC in 2006 and her Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from the University of Calgary in 2010. With 12 years of experience, Rupinder has extensive knowledge in all areas of family law, including separation and divorce, custody disputes, division of property, child support, spousal support, and pre-nuptial and separation agreements.
Rupinder is an experienced trial lawyer and has appeared in the Provincial Court of BC, the Supreme Court of BC, and BC Court of Appeal. She also has experience representing clients at four-way meetings, mediations, and arbitrations.
Rupinder understands how emotionally and financially draining family matters can become, which is why she strives to resolve matters outside of court when possible, to limit hardship. Rupinder advocates strongly for her clients when negotiating settlements and her goal is to ensure they achieve a fair, swift, and economical resolution so they can move forward with their lives.
In her spare time, Rupinder enjoys spending time with her husband and two children and traveling.
Job Titles:
- Legal Administrative Assistant
Ryan joined Onyx Law Group in June of 2021 as an Office Assistant and is now working as a Legal Administrative Assistant.
Ryan has multiple years' experience working in a law firm working as an administrative assistant and continues to strive to improve his knowledge and skills. He has worked various jobs in the restaurant industry and always loves to ensure that clients receive the best care that they can get. He has a Bachelor of Business Degree and completed a Pastry Program Certificate shortly after that.
In his free time, Ryan enjoys helping his wife run their side business in selling cakes and pastries. He also enjoys snowboarding, seeing nature, and travelling.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Associate Lawyer
Sanda Sijercic is an Associate Lawyer at Onyx Law Group. Her practice consists of estate litigation, estate planning, and family law.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Counsel
- Associate Counsel, Estate Litigation Practice Leader
Stephanie was born and raised in Peru and moved to Vancouver in 2022. She joined Onyx Law Group in late 2023 as a corporate receptionist. Her role consists of being the first contact for clients and
supporting the administrative area. Previously, she worked at a law firm contracting company in Vancouver, where she became familiar with the legal environment. Her experience in her country of origin, Peru, ranges from administrative roles to university professor, where she gained experience in dealing closely with clients.
Stephanie earned her Bachelor's degree in International Business Management in 2013, completed an MBA program in 2016, and is currently studying an Associate Certificate in Human Resources at BCIT.
In her free time, Stephanie enjoys listening to music, hiking, watching movies, hanging out with friends, and playing volleyball on the weekends. She speaks English and Spanish fluently.
Job Titles:
- Director of Finance and Operations
As the Director of Finance and Operations, Steven is responsible for overseeing the firm's financial management and operational activities. He works closely with the partners to develop and implement business strategies that drive growth and increase efficiency.
Steven has a strong professional background with over 10 years experience in accounting roles and has been working in the legal industry for over 5 years. He has a Bachelor of Business Administration degree and has a CPA designation.
Outside of the office, Steven enjoys playing golf and tennis, reading books, and spending time with friends and family.
Job Titles:
- Associate Lawyer
- Associate Lawyer, Estate Litigation
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Counsel
- Associate Counsel, Estate Litigation
Valerie joined Onyx Law Group as an associate counsel in 2023. Called to the BC bar in 2011, she brings with her over a decade of experience in wills, estates and trust litigation matters in BC, including the validity of wills and "will-like" documents; will variation claims; trust claims, unjust enrichment, and the beneficial ("true") ownership of property. Although her focus is on litigation, Valerie is also very familiar with the probate application and administration processes. As a former legal assistant and course instructor, she understands not only the high-level strategy of a file but also the nuts and bolts of court procedure and behind-the-scenes work required to manage and resolve client matters efficiently and effectively. Valerie appreciates that navigating an unfamiliar and complex court system can be daunting and makes time to explain legal concepts and procedures to support clients throughout the process.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Counsel
- Associate Counsel, Probate & Estate Administration Practice Leader
Veronica joined Onyx Law Group as an Associate Counsel in 2021. She practices exclusively in the areas of estates and trusts.