With nearly two decades of experience, Steve is one of our in-house authorities on insurance defence.
Consistently recognized by legal ranking publications including the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory, Best Lawyers, and Benchmark Litigation, Steve has established a reputation for himself as one of BC’s leading insurance lawyers. He routinely provides the strategic, creative and practical advice his clients need when faced with insurance claims. Over his career, Steve has developed his expertise working with insurers, creating longstanding client relationships that inform his unique perspective and strong understanding of the insurance business environment.
His practice entails helping clients with claims involving property disputes, construction deficiencies, bodily injury claims, fires, disability and professional negligence claims.
Steve also has a robust coverage practice, providing advice to insurers on coverage and defending insurers in the event of litigation by insureds for coverage.
In addition to defence and coverage work, Steve also has expertise in the area of subrogation, advancing subrogated claims on behalf of insurers on fire, property and product liability claims.
When he’s not at work, you can find Steve skiing, playing ball and other outdoor activities with his family.
University of British Columbia, LL.B., 2003
University of British Columbia, B.A., 2000
Successfully defended a small strata corporation in a week long BC Supreme Court trial against a claim by a unit owner who sought to wind-up the strata and had refused to pay strata fees.
Successfully defended a chimney sweep in an 8 day BC Supreme Court trial against allegations that the chimney sweep negligently performed a sweep resulting in a house fire.
Defending contractors against negligence and breach of contract claims arising out of construction services.
Defending home owners, business owners and commercial property owners on bodily injury claims.
Defending independent adjusters in errors and omissions claims arising from the adjusting of insured losses.
Defending warranty claims made pursuant to the Homeowners Protection Act.
Defending insurers against claims by mortgagees for payment pursuant to the Standard Mortgage Clause.
Providing coverage advice to insurers with respect to issues of misrepresentation, material change, intentional and criminal acts, arson, bad faith, failure to cooperate and policy interpretation.
Successfully defended the Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company in a BC Supreme Court trial, and subsequent appeal, where the insureds sought coverage on a homeowner policy after the insurer voided its policy following the discovery of an unreported medical marijuana grow operation in an outbuilding on a residential property.
Defending insurers in coverage actions brought by insureds following the denial of coverage.
Providing opinions to insurers on the viability of potential subrogation claims.
Advancing subrogated claims for insurers following fires, water losses, settlement claims and other covered claims.
Recognition
Recognized as a “Repeatedly Recommended” in the area of Construction Law by Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory®
2024Recognized as a “Consistently Recommended” in the area of Litigation – Commercial Insurance by Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory®
2024Recognized as a “Repeatedly Recommended” in the area of Litigation – Commercial Insurance by Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory®
2018-2023Recognized as a “Leading Lawyer” in the area of Insurance Law by Best Lawyers® Canada
2019-2023Recognized as a “Leading Lawyer” in the area of Construction Law by Best Lawyers® Canada
2023-2024Recognized as a “Leading Lawyer” in the area of Insurance Law by Best Lawyers® Canada
2024Recognized as a “Future Star” in British Columbia by Benchmark Canada®
2019-2023
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