Michael is an Associate Counsel in our family practice group. He is based in our Vancouver office.  Michael specializes in all areas of family law and child welfare, including in high conflict situations; he is considered a leader in this field.

Before moving to British Columbia, Michael managed and administered all of the family justice programs in PEI.  He was instrumental in creating and developing various new family justice programs including the Office of the Children’s Lawyer, the Supervised Access and Exchange Program and the Parenting Coordination Program, to name a few.

Additionally, Michael has spearheaded the development of numerous provincial and federal laws related to families and children.

Michael’s robust knowledge of the systems, laws, policies and programs related to family law and child welfare as well as his many years of experience working directly with adults and children through difficult family issues, gives him unique insights and allows him to find the best possible solution for you and your family, both inside and outside the courtroom.

Michael also provides a variety of legal services directly to children and youth including acting as a Children’s Lawyer.

Michael is experienced in the court room having appeared in the Provincial Court and the Supreme Court of British Columbia as well as administrative tribunals.

Outside the office, Michael can be found cycling, hiking and running around the globe with his husband and three cats.

Bar Admissions

British Columbia, 2020
New Brunswick 2014
Prince Edward Island 2015

Education

Juris Doctor (JD), University of New Brunswick (2013)
Honours Degree (BA), St. Thomas University (2008)
Master of Education (Med), University of Prince Edward Island (2017)
Family Support and Community Engagement Certificate, Ryerson University (2020)
Child and Youth Human Rights Certificate, Mount Royal University (2020)

Professional Development

Michael has extensive training in the following areas:

• Conflict resolution, including mediation
• Parenting Coordination
• Arbitration, including determination writing
• Family dynamics of separation and divorce including managing high-conflict individuals
• Child development and child interviewing
• Screening for Family Violence, Abuse and Power Imbalances

Memberships and Affiliations

National Canadian Bar Association – Child and Youth Law Section, Executive Member (2019 to Present)
Canadian Bar Association, BC Branch, Co-Chair – Children’s Law Section (2021 to Present)
The BC Hear the Child Society, Board Member (2023 to Present)