Navigating legal matters involving the death or incapacity of a loved one is an emotionally-charged experience, which many clients find difficult. For a decade, clients have entrusted Gordon to guide them through their estates and trusts disputes with practical advice, sound strategy, and unwavering support throughout the process.
Whether client matters are ultimately resolved through negotiations or in the courtroom, Gordon knows that preparation and positioning from the outset are critical success factors. This proactive and strategic approach helps ensure that our clients are in the best possible position for a favourable resolution.
Appreciating that clients want their issues resolved efficiently, Gordon promotes alternative dispute resolution methods when appropriate. In scenarios where negotiations are unsuccessful, our clients benefit from Gordon’s extensive litigation experience before all levels of court in British Columbia, including the Court of Appeal. While Gordon’s practice covers all aspects of estates and trusts litigation, he has particular trial experience in incapacity and undue influence.
In 2020, Gordon authored the “Capacity and Undue Influence” chapter of the British Columbia Estate Litigation text, which addresses the key areas British Columbia estate practitioners face. This comprehensive textbook provides historical context, legal analysis, and commentary on practice and strategy.
Gordon’s competitive nature drew him into the practice of law. He is dedicated to his craft, meticulous in the details, and enjoys anticipating opposing parties’ next moves to develop winning strategies. What clients appreciate most about Gordon is his tenacious advocacy, sound judgment, frank advice, responsiveness, and, ultimately, the results he delivers.
Awards & Distinctions
- Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) Private Client Awards finalist for Contentious Trusts and Estates Team of the Year 2021
- Best Lawyers® in Canada, Trusts and Estates, 2025-2026
- Bull Housser & Tupper Prize in Administrative Law, 2012
- Law Foundation of British Columbia Award, 2010
- Best Cross-Examination Award, Peter Burns Mock Trial Competition, 2010
- Law Foundation of British Columbia Award, 2009
Industry Involvement
- Access Pro Bono's Court of Appeal Program, volunteer lawyer
- Cambridge Forums, planning committee member
- Canadian Bar Association, member
- Clark Wilson Hooplaw Team, past team captain
- Law Society of BC, member
- The Advocates' Society, member
- Trial Lawyers Association of BC, member
- UBC Law Students Legal Advice Program, past supervising lawyer
External Presentations
- Presenter, "Solicitors - Documenting Your File Effectively, Litigators - Conducting An Effective Cross-Examination", Forum for Senior Estates & Trusts Practitioners: 3rd Generation, Cambridge Forum, May 2023
- Panelist, "Family and Wills, Trusts & Estates Law Challenges and Solutions for British Columbia Legal Practitioners", LexisNexis Canada, 2022
- Presenter, “Intersection Between Trusts & Family Law" and “Where There is an Error, Is There a Way (To Fix)? Errors in Estate Planning Documents – What can be Fixed?”, Cambridge Forums’ Forum for Senior Estates & Trusts Practitioners, 2022
- Presenter, "Estate Litigation - Wills Variation", Pacific Business and Law Institute, 2021
- Presenter, "Gifts, Loans, Attorney Compensation & Other Practical Issues", Canadian Bar Association Elder Law Section, 2021
- Presenter, "Litigator vs. Planner - Battle Royale III - The Rubber Match", Advocis Planning Conference, 2020
- Moderator, "Professional Ethics - Doing Things Right vs. Doing The Right Thing", Advocis Estate Planning Conference, 2020
- Presenter, "Capacity, Undue Influence, & Other Estate Litigation Issues", Freedom 55 Financial, 2020
- Presenter, "Litigator vs. Planner: Capacity and Undue Influence", Advocis Estate Planning Conference, 2019
- Presenter, "Litigator vs. Planner – Battle Royale", Advocis Estate Planning Conference, 2018
- Presenter, "Section 58 of the Wills, Estates and Succession Act (WESA)", Advocis Estate Planning Conference, 2017
- Presenter, "Estate Litigation – Where There Isn’t a Will, There May be a Way – Curing Deficiencies and Rectification", Trial Lawyers Association of British Columbia, 2014
- Presenter, "Case Comment: Reznik v. Matty, 2013 BCSC 1346", Canadian Bar Association BC Branch Wills & Estates Vancouver Subsection, 2013
External Publications
- Contributing author, British Columbia Estate Litigation, 2nd Edition, published by LexisNexis, 2025
- Author, "The self-deal: Where does personal representative’s loyalty lie?", Law360 Canada, 2023
- Contributing author, British Columbia Estate Litigation textbook, Chapter 2: Incapacity and Undue Influence, LexisNexis Canada, 2020
- Co-author, "Will-maker Does Not Need 'Encyclopedic Knowledge' to Understand Assets", The Lawyer's Daily, 2019
- Author, "Court of Appeal in the Position of a Trial Court in Wills Variation Appeals", MONDAQ, 2014
- Co-author, "Where There Isn't a Will, There May Be a Way", Trial Lawyers Association of BC, 2014
- Author, "BCSC orders executor to make an interim distribution", Lexology, 2013
