Key Contacts

Michael Hewitt*

Partner

604.895.2930

[email protected] Contact by email

Kimberly J. Jakeman, KC*

Partner

604.895.2817

[email protected] Contact by email

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Mediation, Arbitration & Conflict Management

As mediators we are people and outcome focused and unflinchingly impartial.

Conflict is a natural byproduct of human interaction. There are numerous sources of conflict, and the types of conflict are many and varied. But not all conflicts need to be resolved through litigation. Mediation and arbitration offer a cost-effective and expeditious alternative to resolving disputes.

Harper Grey is well known for its depth of expertise in the arena of litigation.

Our background experience and collective understanding of the nuances of litigation gives us the foundation to appreciate the importance of the mediation process in resolving disputes.

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Mediation, Arbitration & Conflict Management

We understand more than others the risks and benefits of proceeding to trial. It is precisely our involvement in litigation that motivates us to focus on other methods of dispute resolution.

The many benefits of resolving conflicts outside the courtroom include that it:

offers a cost effective alternative;
is less time consuming and stressful;
protects privacy and confidentiality;
is a more flexible process;
minimizes acrimony and can help maintain relationships; and
offers the parties control of the process.

Mediation

Mediation is one point in the spectrum of alternate dispute resolution. It is the process whereby a neutral third party (the mediator) assists two or more parties explore and find common-ground solutions to issues in dispute between them.

In the role of mediator, we actively listen, find common ground and shared interests, and help facilitate a supportable and lasting agreement.

Our mediation team draws on the unique insights, perspectives and skills they have cultivated practicing in the areas of professional negligence, professional regulatory work including workplace disputes, administrative law, insurance, major property loss subrogation, personal injury, commercial litigation, property disputes, construction and family law.

Mediations can be done virtually and offers many of the same attributes as in-person dispute resolution including group meetings, private rooms, and document sharing. The added benefit of virtual mediation is active participation no matter where the parties are located, flexible scheduling and elimination of travel and expenses. We were early adopters of virtual mediation and continue to be impressed by how effective it is.

Arbitration

Another point in the dispute resolution spectrum is arbitration. Arbitration enables a more efficient and final resolution than going to trial in the court system. An arbitrator has decision making authority which binds the parties. Similar to a trial, parties present their evidence and legal arguments to the arbitrator who then renders a binding decision. Unlike a trial, significant confidentiality attaches to arbitration proceedings – hearings and the record are not made available to the public. Shielding parties from some of the rigours of a trial is particularly important to parties with an ongoing relationship or sensitive commercial or other information.

Another advantage to arbitration is the ability to select an arbitrator who is well versed in the subject matter and applicable law.

Michael Hewitt is a litigator and arbitrator who brings over 25 years’ experience to cases presented in arbitration.

Key Contacts

Michael Hewitt*

Partner

604.895.2930

[email protected] Contact by email

Kimberly J. Jakeman, KC*

Partner

604.895.2817

[email protected] Contact by email

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Services

We have experience mediating and co-mediating both simple and complex matters.

Claims - Negligence, Personal Injury, Personal Injury Motor Vehicle, Product Liability, Small Claims Court, Small Claims Court Rule 7.3
Elder Law
Employment & Workforce - Employment, Harassment, Workplace Conflict/Bullying, Wrongful/Constructive Dismissal
Family Law - Division of Family Property, Parenting Issues and Parenting Plans, Spousal and Child Support Services
Finances & Taxation - Wills and Estates
Industry - Construction, Environmental, Hospital, Health, Insurance, Sport, Transportation

Mental Health Issues
Professional / Organizational Complaints - Professional Misconduct, Professional Negligence
Public Institutions / Charities / Non-Profits - Schools, Education, University, Municipal, Societies, Charities
Commercial disputes – corporate, shareholder, construction and other disputes
Rights & Identity - Defamation, Discrimination, Harassment, Bullying, Human Rights, Privacy, Information Access

Practice Group Partners

Michael Hewitt* Partner

Kimberly J. Jakeman, KC* Partner

Rose Keith, KC* Partner

Maureen L. A. Lundell, KC Partner

Nigel Trevethan* Partner

Roselle P. Wu Partner

Kim J. Yee Partner

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Partners

Michael Hewitt* Partner

Kimberly J. Jakeman, KC* Partner

Rose Keith, KC* Partner

Maureen L. A. Lundell, KC Partner

Nigel Trevethan* Partner

Roselle P. Wu Partner

Kim J. Yee Partner

Associate Counsel and Senior Counsel

Marla Mennie* Associate Counsel

Christopher Rusnak, KC* Senior Counsel & Arbitrator

Need a Lawyer?

Get in touch with our mediation team.

Kimberly J. Jakeman, KC*

Partner

604.895.2817

[email protected] Contact by email

Michael Hewitt*

Partner

604.895.2930

[email protected] Contact by email

The Latest

News Rose Keith, KC selected as Mediator for the Sport Dispute Resolution Centre of Canada by Rose Keith, KC*
May 8, 2025

Administrative Law Blog Human Rights Commission’s Limited Reach on Privacy Breaches April 17, 2025

Privative clause in the Conflict of Interest Act precludes judicial review of decision of Conflict of Interest Ethics Commissioner on questions of law and fact

Administrative Law Blog Privative clause in the Conflict of Interest Act precludes judicial review of decision of Conflict of Interest Ethics Commissioner on questions of law and fact by Joel A. Morris*
February 6, 2025

Articles & Publications Rose Keith, KC authors Mediation Moment column for Spring 2025 Issue of The Verdict by Rose Keith, KC*
January 30, 2025

News Harper Grey recognized in inaugural edition of Best Law Firms – Canada October 31, 2024

Articles & Publications Rose Keith, KC authors Mediation Moment column for Fall 2024 Issue of The Verdict by Rose Keith, KC*
August 1, 2024

Articles & Publications Rose Keith, KC authors Mediation Moment column for Summer 2024 Issue of The Verdict by Rose Keith, KC*
June 11, 2024

BC Supreme Court dismisses petitioners’ application to remove arbitrator for having a reasonable apprehension of bias

Administrative Law Blog BC Supreme Court dismisses petitioners’ application to remove arbitrator for having a reasonable apprehension of bias May 19, 2024

Articles & Publications Rose Keith, KC authors quarterly Mediation Moment Column for Spring 2024 Edition of The Verdict by Rose Keith, KC*
March 25, 2024

Articles & Publications Rose Keith, KC authors quarterly Mediation Moment Column for Winter 2023 Edition of The Verdict by Rose Keith, KC*
December 20, 2023

Events & Presentations Rose Keith, KC to speak at Canadian Bar Association mediation webinar by Rose Keith, KC*
November 7, 2023

News Lisa Newby presents at 2023 Alternative Dispute Resolution Institute of Canada National Conference November 3, 2023

News Rose Keith, KC authors quarterly Mediation Moment Column for Fall 2023 Edition of The Verdict by Rose Keith, KC*
September 12, 2023

News Kim Yee now a Practicing Mediator by Kim J. Yee
September 6, 2023

Articles & Publications Rose Keith, KC authors quarterly Mediation Moment Column for Summer 2023 Edition of The Verdict by Rose Keith, KC*
June 6, 2023

News Rose Keith, KC selected as Mediator for the Sport Dispute Resolution Centre of Canada by Rose Keith, KC*
May 8, 2025

Administrative Law Blog Human Rights Commission’s Limited Reach on Privacy Breaches April 17, 2025

Articles & Publications Rose Keith, KC authors Mediation Moment column for Spring 2025 Issue of The Verdict by Rose Keith, KC*
January 30, 2025

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Mediation, Arbitration & Conflict Management

As mediators we are people and outcome focused and unflinchingly impartial.

Mediation, Arbitration & Conflict Management

We have experience mediating and co-mediating both simple and complex matters.

Partners

Associate Counsel and Senior Counsel

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