Breakwater Law
Approachable. Modern. Practical.
Approachable
Lawyers can be pretentious and intimidating. We’re not like that. When you come to us for help, you will find our lawyers are approachable, accessible and friendly. We will take the time to listen to you, and when we give you advice, we will help you truly understand your legal situation. We promise to treat you with empathy and respect.
Modern
We stand out amongst our peers for our ability to adapt and apply technology to our practice. For example, we are as paperless as possible and completely cloud-based. Our use of technology means better, faster and less expensive legal services.
Practical
Whether you are resolving a dispute or closing a deal, your situation is unique and never black and white. Our lawyers are energetic and creative problem-solvers who are driven to deliver practical, timely advice.
Our Team
Jo McFetridge
Managing Lawyer
I was raised overseas in Australia and Hong Kong. I am a proud former member of the Canadian Forces reserve, having served in the army before joining the Royal Canadian Navy as a bridge officer on Victoria's HMCS MALAHAT.
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Jacqueline Flett
Associate Counsel*
Raised all across B.C., I worked as a lender and a financial advisor for a major bank before becoming a lawyer. I represent start-up and middle market companies across a range of industries, and provide general corporate counsel to businesses. I particularly enjoy working with entrepreneurial clients, often from start-up to sale.
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Aaron Duong
Associate Lawyer
Born and raised in San Francisco, I competed in international mooting before practicing in Alberta as general counsel to a range of businesses. As both a litigator and a solicitor, I bring contextualized experience to bear for my clients in a wide array of situations.
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Val Blood
Legal Assistant
I am a relative newcomer to Canada, originally from Yorkshire, England. I have had a diverse career, starting out as a police constable, and subsequently becoming a paralegal, and then a legal adviser in housing law. Prior to joining the Breakwater Law team, I owned and ran a coffee shop in Oak Bay for four years.
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Kevin
Director, Waste Management
I am an adorable and mischievous imp who will gleefully raid your garbage can the moment you turn your head.
Breakwater Law @ Pride 2022
Breakwater Law is a proud official sponsor of Pride 2022 and the Victoria Pride Society
Breakwater Law Corporation carries on business as Breakwater Law.
* Providing services as Jacqueline Flett Law Corporation
We Chiefly Practice:
Family Law & Fertility Law
Family isn't static. Certainly, the meaning of "family" is continually evolving and modernizing. We support our clients through all aspects of their relationships: beginnings, changes, additions, and yes, endings. We negotiate and draft cohabitation and marriage agreements ("pre-nups"), fertility law agreements, such as sperm and egg donation agreements and surrogacy agreements, and separation agreements. We carefully craft and tailor agreements to match each client's unique needs and circumstances. When necessary, we represent clients in disputes, including litigation, mediation, arbitration and even mediation-arbitration.
Wills & Estates
We believe that everyone needs an estate plan, which includes at least a Will, a Power of Attorney, and a Representation Agreement. The primary goal of an estate plan is to eliminate or reduce any questions about how your estate will be divided after your death. It is also used to minimize taxes and reduce expenses. Good estate planning results in a problem-free transition, which is extremely helpful to those left behind, so that they can focus on resolving their grief rather than resolving legal problems.
Wills can sometimes fail to adequately provide for those left behind, or result in an unfair division of a loved one's estate. We can advise you if you feel you've been disinherited or left less than a fair share of an estate. We also help executors get probate, and/or deal with a dispute against an estate.
Business Law
Starting a business, buying or selling a business, raising capital, adding partners or shareholders, negotiating and entering into commercial contracts, dissolving a business: these are some of the typical activities of businesses that can often require the assistance of a lawyer.
For example, it's almost always a bad idea to purchase a business without having a lawyer conduct some due diligence searches on the business or assets to be bought, and/or enter into a purchase contract without having that contract reviewed by a lawyer.
We Also Practice:
Wills / Estates / Corporate / Commercial / Civil litigation / Employment / Public and Administrative Law