Michael is an Associate Counsel in our family practice group. He is based in our Vancouver office. Michael focuses on all areas of family law and child welfare, including in high conflict situations; he is considered a leader in this field.
Michael has over a decade of experience working with families in high conflict situations. He has advanced training in managing high conflict family situations and has a knack for creative and innovative interventions in navigating clients through high conflict issues related to support, parenting matters and property division.
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.
Click here to contact Michael’s Assistant, Karin Gous, to book an initial consultation
One hour consultations are offered at $500 plus tax.
Bar Admissions
British Columbia, 2020
Prince Edward Island 2015
New Brunswick 2014
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
- Writing Children’s Needs Assessment
Memberships and Affiliations
National Canadian Bar Association – Child and Youth Law Section, Chair (2019 to Present)
Canadian Bar Association, BC Branch, Chair – Child and Youth Law Section, Chair (2019 to Present)
The BC Hear the Child Society, Secretary (2023 to Present)
The BC Hear the Child Society, Roster Member (2023 to Present