CREASE HARMAN - Key Persons
Anwar joined Crease Harman LLP as an associate in February 2019. He completed both his undergraduate and law degrees at the University of Victoria and articled with F. Kenneth Walton, Q.C., in Victoria BC.
Anwar practices family law, handling matters such as divorce proceedings, division of family assets, parenting arrangements, child and spousal support, and child protection issues. He also practices in general civil litigation, wills and estates, residential tenancy issues, business law, and personal injury claims.
Anwar is an advocate for justice. He brings passion and dedication to every aspect of his practice. Years of experience serving in various capacities in the Canadian Armed Forces gave Anwar a broad perspective, and a keen aptitude for problem-solving.
Anwar has appeared successfully before the BC Supreme Court and Provincial Court, for both interim matters and trials. He uses all resources available to resolve problems, including alternative dispute resolution where appropriate.
Bruce Hallsor, K.C. has a commercial practice that includes corporate and commercial law, real estate, secured transactions, estates, tax, and trusts. Mr. Hallsor also does some litigation in these areas, particularly at the appellate level.
Mr. Hallsor has served on the board of directors of the Prince Rupert Port Authority, the Royal BC Museum Foundation, the Saanich Police Board, and a number of private companies. He has volunteered for various organizations including Scouts Canada, Workstreams Employment Society, Fair Vote Canada, Fair Voting BC, and the Monarchist League of Canada.
Mr. Hallsor has been widely recognized for his contribution to the bar and the community at large. He was designated as King's Counsel in 2016, received the Queen's Golden and Diamond Jubilee medals for community service, and received the medal of Merit from Scouts Canada. In 2007, he was named among Vancouver Island's top 40 under 40.
David's sole focus of practice is Canadian immigration law and he advises clients worldwide. He is a member of the Canadian Bar Association (Immigration Sub-section) and the Law Society of British Columbia. He has made presentations, from time to time, to the Canadian Bar Association's Immigration conferences as well as to civic associations and boards and real estate companies throughout Victoria, Vancouver, Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands.
David's own father had arrived in Canada as an illegal immigrant on the night of November 14, 1930. With a forged Indian passport his father had walked off the ramp of a Shanghai steamer, slipping quietly past a solitary immigration officer onto the oily planks of Ogden Point in Victoria BC. He was only 23. He had left his young wife and baby daughter in a small Indian village with his promise to return in two years after saving enough money. But that wasn't to be.
Because of his illegal status, his father became exiled in Canada, evading immigration officials for over nine years. Authorities finally caught him in 1939, but withheld deportation because he, and others like him, had decided to mount a challenge. Immigration officials warned him that if he lost his case, he would never be allowed to return to Canada. For the next eight years, David's father and others wrote letters to the Federal government pushing for changes to immigration laws. Their efforts paid off with the passing of the Canadian Citizenship Act in 1947, which meant that any British subjects living in Canada were eligible to become Canadian citizens, including David's father who had been living in Canada without status.
As a new Canadian citizen, his father returned to India in 1947, reunited with his wife and daughter whom he had not seen since 1930, and brought both to Canada. David was born in Canada. He has a sister who is 17 years older.
David is married to Sheila and they have two sons who live and work in New York.
Ken's areas of practice are wills and estates, estate litigation, Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and general litigation.
From 2005 to 2008 Ken was appointed by our federal government to sit as Chair of a Canada Pension Plan Review Tribunal to decide cases of entitlement to disability benefits, CPP pension credit splitting and survivor's benefits. During that time Ken authored about 150 multi-page decisions on aspects of CPP legislation.
Ken was author of several well received papers on the subject of CPP Disability Benefits for "The Verdict" a magazine for Trial Lawyers in British Columbia as well as a Continuing Legal Education speaker on that topic. Ken's web page (cpplawyer.ca) contains a comprehensive article on CPP Disability Benefits.
Ken has a significant practice in Wills and Estates and sometimes acts as an executor for clients who need such a service.
Ken has served his community and the province by having been on the boards of the YM/YWCA, Goodwill Enterprises, Oak Bay Lodge (a seniors' home), the board of Rotary District 5020, and is on the board of the Lawyer's Benevolent Society. Ken has served as President of Kinsmen, K-40, Rotary and in 2007-08 was President of the Canadian Bar Association BC Branch. Ken was appointed as a King's Counsel in 2009.
Greer articled at Crease Harman in 2012 and spent the first 5 years of his career advising clients in a variety of areas here. Greer left Crease Harman briefly in order to focus his practice on corporate, commercial, real estate and estate planning and administration matters. Missing the collegial environment and interesting issues that arise in a larger firm, Greer returned to Crease Harman in 2020 with a continued focus on these areas of law, as well as an increased interest and appreciation for other areas. Greer knew that returning to Crease Harman would provide his clients who require advice in other areas to be well served under one roof, with the assistance of the other experienced counsel at the firm.
Greer was born and raised in Victoria. After attending Oak Bay High School and the University of Victoria for his undergraduate studies in History, Greer studied abroad in the United Kingdom where he earned his Bachelor of Laws with Honours from The City University London. After his studies in London, Greer successfully completed the National Committee on Accreditation's challenge examinations and received his Certificate of Qualification from the National Committee on Accreditation of the Federation of Law Societies of Canada.
Greer's practice is mostly solicitor based, with a focus on advising businesses on a variety of matters from incorporation to dissolution, as well as advising clients on complex real estate transactions, developments, and estate planning. Although he prefers to assuage potentially contentious matters and create mutually beneficial agreements between parties, Greer has prevailed at all levels of Court in British Columbia and at the Supreme Court of Canada and will never shy away from ensuring his clients are well represented until their matter is resolved.
Greer has lived in Sooke since 2017 and enjoys wildlife photography, cycling, surfing and hiking. Greer gladly offers to meet his clients wherever they feel most comfortable, whether at their home or business anywhere in the Greater Victoria area or beyond.
Education
2013 - Called to the Bar of British Columbia
2012 - Certificate of Qualification, The National Committee on Accreditation of the Federation of Law Societies of Canada
2011 -Bachelor of Laws with Honours, City University, London, UK
2009 - Bachelor of Arts (History), University of Victoria
Professional Associations
Member, Law Society of British Columbia
Member, Canadian Bar Association
Jennifer is a passionate advocate for families and children, and brings tenacity, aptitude, and kindness to each client. Jennifer has a keen interest in family wellness, protecting children from conflict, social justice and human rights.
Jennifer studied political science and international development at McGill University before completing her juris doctor at the University of Toronto in 2019. Throughout her law degree, Jennifer was involved with Downtown Legal Services as a refugee immigration volunteer, family law case worker, community outreach worker, and student executive member. Jennifer also led public legal education workshops on family law and family violence in collaboration with the University of Toronto student family housing and Fred Victor Women's Shelter.
After completing articles at a leading Toronto family law firm, Jennifer relocated with her family to Victoria and was called to the bar of British Columbia in 2020.
Jennifer practices all aspects of family law and has experience in both Provincial and Supreme Courts of British Columbia.
When Jennifer is not advocating for her clients, she enjoys running, documentaries, puzzles and exploring Vancouver Island through the eyes of her little one.
Jerry was born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta, where he earned his BA in Economics and History (1974), and his LLB (1977) at the University of Alberta. Jerry prudently relocated to Victoria after law school, and has resided here happily ever since. Jerry was admitted to the Law Society of British Columbia in 1978. Jerry practised for many years with Straith & Company, a longstanding and formidable Victoria firm. As time and circumstances rendered Jerry the sole remaining partner, he decided to continue Straith & Company's practice within another longstanding firm, in order that Straith's clients be well served far into the future. Jerry's practice has evolved over the last four decades, and he now chooses to focus in the area of wills, estates and trusts. Jerry remains happy to help his clients manage matters in other areas of law, with the assistance of his broad team of supporting counsel at Crease.
Jerry fills his time outside of work with an assortment of hobbies and interests. Jerry is decidedly not a musician, but he might pass as one in his role as the drummer for the award winning-band Blind Elmo. When injuries allow, Jerry can be found running, kayaking, or playing tennis. Jerry is a proud husband, father, grandfather, and dogfather.
John has been a practicing lawyer since 1989. Prior to entering the practice of law, John worked for a national trust company administering estates and trusts of varying size and complexity for almost 10 years. John's practice includes some corporate real estate law, but he concentrates on providing sound advice on will, trust and estate and incapacity planning and administration. John also engages on some estate litigation. John has served on the boards of the Island Deaf and Hard of Hearing Institute, Pacific Christian School, Glad Tidings Church (Victoria) and Bethany Court Housing Society. In his spare time, John enjoys spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren.
Josh A. Bloomenthal joined Crease Harman LLP as an articled student in May of 2019, after completing both his undergraduate and law degrees at the University of Victoria.
Josh was born and raised in Victoria, where he spent much of his youth playing hockey in the West Shore and at the junior level for 4 years.
Prior to entering the legal profession, Josh started several small businesses in Victoria, including a construction company and a music promotion and artist management firm which focused on maximizing economic opportunities for local musicians by organizing and promoting live events.
Josh practices exclusively in civil litigation with a focus on complex and contentious commercial disputes, including construction litigation, property disputes, partition proceedings, corporate litigation, contract disputes and foreclosure proceedings. Josh's practice also encompasses defamation and privacy litigation, misrepresentation and negligence claims, and contested estate litigation, including wills variation actions. Josh has successfully represented his clients at every level of court in British Columbia, including the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court of British Columbia.
Josh is a tenacious and dedicated advocate for his clients. Josh is determined to achieve the best result for each of his clients either through a negotiated settlement, or taking their matter to trial. Josh's attention to detail, tireless work ethic, zealous advocacy, and unwavering commitment to advancing his clients' interests set him apart from other trial lawyers and legal advocates
It is with great sadness that we recognize the recent passing on December 5, 2020, of our friend, colleague, and long-time partner at law, Kelly Woods. Before her illness, Kelly practiced family and estate law at Crease Harman where she was a compassionate and effective advocate for her clients during their times of difficulty. Kelly suffered her own tribulations with great courage and grace. Kelly was a long serving member of the Salvation Army Advisory Board, and was a past member of the Victoria YWCA and the Vancouver Island Housing Association for the Physically Disabled.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Spencer Evans Associate
Kevin studied political science at the University of British Columbia before completing his law degree at the University of Ottawa. Kevin's background in political science helps him to approach legal problems analytically and formulate logical and forceful arguments.
While at the University of Ottawa, Kevin honed his skills in oral advocacy by participating in several moots. He also served on the committee of an on-campus group aimed at reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness and the promotion of mental health awareness.
Kevin was born and raised on Vancouver Island and is delighted to be returning home to begin his legal career. When he's not in the office, Kevin enjoys hiking, exploring new restaurants, and cheering on the Vancouver Canucks.
Kim Johnson practices primarily in the area of corporate and commercial law with approximately 300 corporate clients and corresponding shareholders and directors. Kim was formerly a partner with a major regional law firm and has worked closely with other professionals all across Canada on a number of complex transactions over the years. Examples include: real estate development of a 70 unit private residence club; building on First Nations land and structuring First Nation technology ventures (e.g. wave energy, hydrogen); utilizing various capital raising exemptions to enable companies to raise funds from investors including mortgage investment corporations; corporate reorganizations, sales and acquisitions and succession planning. Mr. Johnson has a good understanding of income tax and experience of identifying crucial elements for agreements. Mr. Johnson also deals with disputes with Canada Revenue Agency from time to time including the Appeals level of CRA and has appeared in the Tax Court of Canada, Federal Court Trial Division and Federal Court of Appeal.
Mr. Johnson has served on the board of directors of a number of public and private companies and has assisted in establishing numerous registered charities and continues to volunteer with various charitable and non-profit organizations.
Mr. Johnson is married to Melanie, has two adult children and four grandchildren and takes an active role in the community, enjoys recreational boxing and resistance training at The Forge in Victoria and competing in road and cross country 10 k fun runs.
Education
1981 - LL.B., University of Saskatchewan
1984 - LL.M. (Residency) UBC
Job Titles:
- Business Lawyer
- Member of the Council of Governors
Lawrie Spooner is a business lawyer whose practice includes commercial and corporate transactions, drafting and advising on leases and other contracts, real estate and mortgages, and commercial secured loan transactions. Lawrie has acted as a senior legal adviser to banks and other lending institutions for over 35 years. He also acts for law firms and companies across Canada and outside Canada, advising on commercial transactions and secured transactions within British Columbia.
Lawrie articled in 1977 with Harman & Company and was called to the Bar of British Coumbia in 1978, joining the firm as an associate lawyer. He has been a partner since 1981 with Harman & Company and its merger successor Crease Harman & Company (now Crease Harman LLP). Lawrie has frequently been a guest lecturer to the Professional Legal Training Course for articling students at the University of Victoria Law School on subjects of real estate and mortgage transactions since 1989, and has assisted numerous students in the Business Law Clinic as a mentor. He has also given public courses and lectures over the years on various topics including real estate and secured loan transactions. He has served as Treasurer, Secretary and Chairman of the Victoria Real Property Section of the Canadian Bar Association.
Lawrie is a member of the Council of Governors of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce, having served as a Director from 1994 through 1999, including roles as Chair of the Transportation Committee, Vice-President of Economic Expansion, Executive Vice-President, and President (now called Chairman) of the Chamber. He sat on the Board of the Destination Marketing Commission and was appointed by the Mayor of Victoria to a Mayor's Civic Task Force. He served as a Director of the Greater Victoria Film Commission. He was appointed a Revising Officer for Elections Canada by Judge Tyrwhitt-Drake and he served for several years on the Victoria Bar Association Executive Committee. Lawrie has served on the Board of a number of charitable societies and continues to serve as legal advisor to a number of charities and to a variety of religious organizations involved in real estate transactions.
Michelle Seidel is a solicitor with 20 years of legal experience. She joined Crease Harman LLP in 2019. Prior to joining Crease Harman, Michelle worked as general counsel for a technology company and she also operated her own firm in Vancouver with a focus on real estate, wills, and corporate law. Michelle looks forward to cultivating a general solicitor's practice in Victoria.
Michelle grew up helping in her mother's pharmacy business in Central Ontario. After completing a Bachelor of Science in Physical Geography at Brock University, in St. Catherine, Ontario, she went on to study law at the University of British Columbia and graduated in 1997.
In 2015, Michelle went back to school to complete an MBA degree at the University of Massachusetts.
In her spare time, Michelle volunteers at the Clover Point parkrun. She writes and edits business and legal articles and she likes to play hockey. Michelle also speaks French.
I have spent most of my academic and professional career living and working in the beautiful city of Victoria. I started practicing law with Crease Harman LLP in 2002, and became a partner in 2012. I like to be accessible to my clients, and to answer client emails and phone inquiries myself in a timely manner, usually within one or two days.
After 42 years of practice, all with Crease Harman, Richard Taylor has retired as of December 31, 2015. Rick leaves a tremendous legacy of service to the estates and trust bar in Victoria, and to his clients.
Sarah is an immigration, refugee and citizenship lawyer who has successfully represented clients in various judicial and administrative settings across Canada, including before the Federal Court and the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada.
Sarah moved to Vancouver Island following several years of practice at a national law firm in Toronto. Prior to the start of her legal career in 2010, Sarah obtained a Juris Doctor degree from Osgoode Hall Law School, in addition to a Bachelor of Business Administration degree (with honours) from the Schulich School of Business.
Sarah is actively involved in the legal community. She is President of the Victoria Bar Association and an enthusiastic member of the Canada Bar Association's Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada Consultative Committee. In addition to her legal endeavours, Sarah has been a fixture of the Camosun College Foundation's Board of Directors since 2014. She is also a preferred immigration service provider for members of the British Columbia Hotel Association.
In her free time, Sarah enjoys reading, binge-watching shows and visiting her family in Toronto and on Hornby Island.
She speaks French and English.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Spencer Evans Associate
Originally from a small town in Ontario, Spencer spent seven years posted to Victoria with the Royal Canadian Navy before returning to study history and political science at the University of Ottawa. After graduating from Queen's Law in 2021, Spencer moved back to Victoria to complete his articles with Crease Harman and was called to the British Columbia bar in 2022.
To hone his advocacy skills, Spencer represented Queen's Law as an oralist in the Bowman Tax Moot in 2020 and as the student coach in 2021. He also completed an internship with the Canada Revenue Agency.
Spencer has assisted clients in a number of practice areas, including civil litigation, administrative law, wills, estates and trusts, and real estate. He has a particular interest in furthering his knowledge of tax law.
Whether with a ship or with a backpack, Spencer has always been keen on travelling to faraway places. Despite having been to six of the seven continents, he is still amazed by the natural beauty of Vancouver Island and is looking forward to exploring more of this corner of the world. He also enjoys reading classic literature and writing historical fiction.
Tim has been a proud resident of Vancouver Island for over 15 years, and he deeply appreciates all that the island has to offer. Prior to making the Island his home, Tim lived in several different parts of Canada, including Ontario, Alberta, Nunavut, and the Lower Mainland.
As a lawyer, Tim focuses his practice on civil and family litigation, as well as property assessment matters. He also provides solicitor services ancillary to his litigation work, including contract drafting & review, estate administration, and real estate conveyancing. Tim's work takes him across British Columbia, and he has represented clients from the Lower Mainland, the Okanagan, northern BC, and Haida Gwaii. With a commitment to serving the needs of his clients, Tim is always happy to discuss taking on legal cases from any part of the province.
Tim's appreciation for the importance of community comes from his upbringing in a large family. Prior to starting his legal practice, Tim operated a heritage painting business, which fuelled a passion for old buildings and local history. In his free time, Tim enjoys reading, traveling, and admiring obscure cars.