Sean is the Assistant Chair of the firm's Aviation Law Practice Group. In 2008 and 2009, he was listed as one of the "Best Lawyers in Canada" in aviation law.
Sean has acted on behalf of aviation insurers, airlines, aircraft owners, aircraft operators, airports as well as aircraft maintenance and repair facilities. He also advises insurers and their insureds on a variety of issues including liability and coverage disputes. Sean's administrative law practice focuses on the representation and defence of medical professionals. He also maintains a general civil litigation practice, with a special focus on appellate work.
Sean has argued cases in the BC Supreme Court, the BC Court of Appeal as well as the Federal Court of Canada.
Representative Cases:
- Heynen v. Yukon Territory, [2008] Y.J. No. 68 (C.A.). Successful appeal regarding an administrative decision to revoke a Guide Outfitter’s outfitting concession.
- Hayes Heli-Log Services Ltd. v. Acro Aerospace Inc. et al., [2006] B.C.J. No. 2153 (C.A.). Successful appeal regarding a document alleged to be privileged under the Canadian Transportation Accident Investigation and Safety Board Act.
- Stevens v. Plachta, [2006] B.C.J. No. 2809 (C.A.) Successful appeal regarding issues of civil procedure and evidence.
- Laface et al v. Boknows Hotels Inc. et al, [2006] B.C.J No. 1111 (C.A.). Appeal regarding commercial host liability and appointment of liability.
Haile v. Johns, [2006] B.C.J. No. 2264 (C.A.). Successful appeal regarding an award for loss of future earning capacity.
- Wong v. Luong, [2004] B.C.J No. 2836 (S.C). Trial decision regarding a personal injury action in which brain injury was alleged.
- Brisson v. Brisson, [2002] B.C.J. No. 1154 (C.A.). Successful appeal regarding the extent to which judges may provide juries with guidance with respect to damages in personal injury cases.
- Cropley v. Daishinpan (Canada) Inc. doing business as the Cannery Seafood Restaurant, [2002] B.C.J. No. 2398 (S.C). Successful defence of an occupiers’ liability action against a restaurant.
- Johnson v. 551382 B.C Ltd. dba SuperValu Inc., [2002] B.C.H.R.T. 7. Successful defence of a human rights claim against a supermarket.
Representative Client Work
- Representing airlines and operators in hull loss subrogated actions
- Representing airports in personal injury and property damage liability cases
- Representing aircraft owners, operators and manufacturers in personal injury claims and wrongful death claims advanced under the British Columbia Family Compensation Act
- Representing airlines in personal injury and cargo cases, including claims advanced under the Warsaw and Montréal Conventions
- Occupiers' Liability cases (acting for both Plaintiffs and Defendants)
- Administrative Law, including assisting medical professionals with a wide variety of regulatory complaints as well as human rights cases and hearings before the BC Human Rights Tribunal
Professional & Civic Activities
- Member, Canadian Bar Association, Aviation Law Subsection
- Past Contributing Author, Harper Grey LLP's Administrative and Insurance Law Netletters, both published biweekly on Quicklaw/Lexus
Publications
Background
Sean was born and raised in North Vancouver. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family, travelling and golfing.
