Kimberly J. Jakeman, KC*

Kim is an acknowledged leader in the practice of health law, both for the quality of her legal work and for her tireless dedication to the field.

Kim has extensive court experience representing clients in complex medical malpractice cases and has appeared as counsel before all levels of court in B.C. including the B.C. Supreme Court and Court of Appeal. She has been lead or co-counsel on cases where decisions have and continue to define and guide this area of law. Select examples of her work include:

Kim has also developed niche expertise in the legal field of MAiD (medical assistance in dying) and has played a prominent role in the study and implementation of legislation providing for medical assistance in dying.

Until this year she sat as Chair of the National CBA End-of-Life Working Group convened to study the legal and ethical issues surrounding end of life decisions and is committed to furthering the discussion and best practices in the new territory of medical assistance in dying.

On May 10, 2016, on behalf of the CBA, she presented before the Senate Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs regarding Bill C-14, the proposed legislation to address MAID. She serves as a Member of the Legal Advisory Committee, a standing committee of the Board of Directors of Dying with Dignity Canada. Her work in this area is having a profound impact on individuals and families across Canada.

In addition to her civil litigation practice, Kim provides advice to individuals on matters such as data protection, discipline, dispute resolution and litigation, policies and procedures, and general advisory support.

She has extensive experience in assisting physicians, nurses, naturopathic doctors, veterinarians, and engineers in regulatory matters. She regularly advises clients in professional regulation matters touching on issues of complaints, disciplinary issues, ethics, fraud allegations, investigations, privacy and confidentiality, capacity, and other related issues.

In addition to the courts of British Columbia Kim has appeared before various tribunals and regulatory bodies.

In the area of major property loss, Kim has defended insureds and acted for insurers in coverage and subrogation matters involving multiparty claims. She has been involved in navigating complex legal issues such as the novel concept of waiver of tort as well as contractual disputes leading to significant issues over both liability and damages.

After more than 20 years of conflict resolution experience as counsel, Kim is now offering her services as a rostered mediator of Mediate BC. Her background experience and understanding of the nuances of litigation gives her the foundation to appreciate the importance of the mediation process in resolving disputes.

Kim has acted as plaintiff counsel in a variety of personal injury cases. Her background in health law provides her with unique insight into the medical and legal issues that her clients face.