Nina Fernando is called to the Bar.

Jessica Derynck has been recognized for her exceptional clarity and legal writing. In a recent study analyzing the readability of 1,621 decisions from 840 Canadian judges and tribunal members, Jessica was featured as the "most readable author" among decision-makers with at least three evaluated results.

In April, we welcomed Derek Thompson - Čaabať Bookwilla as Senior Advisor, Indigenous Engagement. Derek is from the diitiidʔaaʔtx̣ (Ditidaht First Nation) and he is a seated and recognized Čaabať (Hereditary Chief) within his extended family and community.

Lisa Southern, Marisa Cruickshank, and Dr. Carla MacLean presented at the CPHR Conference and Expo on May 5th.

Southern Law is a proud sponsor of the 2026 Workplace Investigations in Canada Conference. We look forward to connecting with our colleagues from across the country in Montreal on May 7 and 8.

In April, we welcomed Jessica Derynck. Jessica is a well-respected member of the labour bar by both employer-side and union-side counsel.

In April, we welcomed Nina Fernando, articling student. A 2025 Juris Doctor graduate from the University of Victoria, she brings strong experience in litigation, family law, and client-centered advocacy, along with a reputation for practical judgment, strong drafting skills, and empathetic client service.

In April, we welcomed Bill Duvall. Bill has over 20 years of experience having practiced at a large national law firm providing employment and labour relations advice.

In April, we welcomed Dayna Forsyth. Called to the bar in 1997, Dayna brings over 25 years of experience advising clients on corporate governance, institutional venture capital, lending, private equity, and mergers and acquisitions.

Southern Law is proud to continue our ongoing learning with Dr. Carla MacLean, psychologist and leading expert in cognitive bias, best practice interviewing techniques, and eyewitness memory.

Lisa Southern and Reut Amit presented on “Navigating Workplace Investigations” for SHARP Workplaces, a program run by CLAS (Community Legal Assistance Society).

Corinne Longworth brought together a panel of experts to talk to our lawyers about “Chile and Youth Witnesses: Interviewing and Assessing Evidence.”

In February, we welcomed Carly Chunick. Carly is a BC–based lawyer and senior management professional with a distinguished career spanning administrative law, policing oversight, human rights, Indigenous rights, and complex regulatory and workplace investigations.

The Honorable Rachel Notley had two recent speaking engagements, where she was asked to share her perspective and insights.

In January, we welcomed Pam Costanzo as Director of Legal Services. Pam is a highly respected member of the labour and employment bar, called to the British Columbia Bar in 2007.

In January, we welcomed Lynsey Jones. Lynsey is an internationally experienced employment lawyer and workplace investigations specialist with nearly two decades of experience advising global organizations across multiple jurisdictions.

Lisa Southern presents to BCSTA Trustee Academy 2025: “Putting the Trust in Trustees”.

Tonie Beharrell was one of the arbitrators at the "Meet the Arbitrators" Networking event, hosted by the CBABC Labour Subsection.

Michael Oland and Maryse Séguin called to the bar in the Yukon and Northwest Territories, respectively.

Reut Amit and Michael Oland obtained their Q.Med designation from the ADR Institute of Canada.