We are delighted to congratulate Jennifer Brun as she takes on the challenging role of CBABC President for the 2020-21 term. It’s an understatement that Jennifer is stepping into the position when the legal profession faces unprecedented challenges. We have every confidence in her ability to turn the apparent obstacles presented by a global pandemic into opportunities to leverage technology and embrace a culture shift that includes diversity, equality, and a multiplicity of working arrangements that meet personal and professional requirements. Read the media release: The Law’s Cultural Reboot: new CBABC President Welcome Paradigm Shift in the Legal Profession
Author: Harris & Brun
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and as part of our business continuity plan, HBLC transitioned to working remotely in early March. While it was a significant shift, our firm was prepared with digital technology and we were able to provide excellent client service with complete continuity of our practice. Virtual platforms enabled us to stay connected in a way that supported our “Care and Commitment” promise, while focusing on the health and safety of our firm members, our families, and our clients. During the past few months, we have limited access to our premises for only critical operations and…
June 11, 2020
Jennifer Brun to discuss CBABC Automobile Insurance Working Group (AIWG) Submission on Vehicle Tort Reform and the proposed Evidence Act Amendments.
Harris & Brun
On June 11, 2020, Jennifer Brun will be discussing the AIWG’s concerns regarding the proposed changes to the handling of motor vehicle accident claims in British Columbia with BC Attorney General, David Eby, QC and Deputy Attorney General, Richard Fyfe, QC. The proposed changes to the Insurance (Vehicle) Act (Bill 11), provide for a no-fault automobile insurance system in BC. The result will be that injured British Columbians will no longer have the right to compensation for damages based on an assessment of their unique circumstances and the impact of the motor vehicle accident on their life. Essentially, the CBABC opposes…
June 11, 2020
Jennifer Brun presents CBABC’s Request for Court Digital Transformation Strategy Funding to Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services
Harris & Brun
On June 8, 2020, Jennifer Brun, as First Vice President of the CBABC, presented the CBABC’s request to the province’s Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services to allocate funding and to accelerate the work of the Court Digital Transformation Strategy (“CDTS”). The CBABC takes the position that the CDTS is a key component necessary to increase access to justice as an essential service for all British Columbians. The CDTS will enable British Columbians, no matter where they live in the province, to access the courts and justice services using digital technology. The CDTS includes providing physical spaces to…
Jennifer Brun, Director at Harris & Brun Law Corporation and Vice-President of the British Columbia Branch of the Canadian Bar Association, joined Adam Stirling, host of CFAX 1070, to explain why the CBABC is opposed to the proposed changes to British Columbia’s automobile insurance regime. Listen to Jennifer’s interview here: Potential harm of changes to auto insurance
Losing your job is traumatic. The stress of worrying about your future can be compounded if your employer is pressuring you to sign a release or telling you what you can and cannot do about your situation. However, you should know that as an employee you do have rights and if you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of having your employment terminated it can help you cope and make plans if you have advice on your rights and options from an experienced employment law lawyer.
In 2013, the new Family Law Act, S.B.C. 2011, c. 25 came into force. This Act sought to take away the sting of words like “custody” and “access” and instead be child-focused. The act re-framed matters so that we do not talk about a parent’s “right” to their child anymore. We now speak of a parent’s “obligations and responsibilities” towards their child and their child’s best interests. In the generic case where two parents have a child or children together and later separate, the Family Law Act says that each parent is automatically a guardian of the child or children. …
July 14, 2017
Insurer-Defended Tort Claims: Know Your Rights and Obligations as an Insured Defendant
Harris & Brun
A contract of insurance that protects a client from personal liability provides two important benefits. First, the insurance company will indemnify (cover) the client for damages that the client’s negligence may have caused to a third party. Second, and equally important, the insurance company has a duty to defend the client against the claim brought by the third party (or plaintiff). The following summary highlights important aspects of the insurer’s duty to defend. This is general information that we hope will assist insurance consumers understand what happens when they are sued for a type of claim or injury that is…
When we talk about divorce and divorce lawyers, we usually think of hostile attitudes and battle-royales in the courtroom. However, I’ve had many clients come to me where the relationship breakdown is amicable and, to their credit, they have reached agreement. Many people might question why they should go to a lawyer if they agree on everything already. Other people question the expense of a lawyer to draft a separation agreement. Instead they may turn to a self-help book to draft the agreement themselves or not bother to write down anything at all. For some people, they will be right…
On January 27, 2017, Mr. Justice Funt of the Supreme Court of British Columbia overturned a master’s decision, which had incorrectly held that the court has no power to order a Plaintiff to sign a reasonable consent to treatment form. I acted as counsel representing the Defendants. His Lordship ruled that the courts of British Columbia most certainly CAN make such an order to give effect to the Supreme Court Civil Rules, including the right of a Defendant in a personal injury action to compel the Plaintiff to attend a medical assessment with the expert of his or her choice…