October 2019 This month’s spotlight is on CLEBC contributor David Mckenzie of Jenkins Marzban Logan LLP. David is a contributing author of the British Columbia Builders Lien Practice Manual.
How did you first get involved with CLEBC?
I first became involved with CLEBC as an articling student in 2007. I was asked by a senior associate at the firm where I worked to help prepare a paper for an upcoming conference. As I recall, the paper dealt with current legal developments in the world of mergers and acquisitions (a topic about which I am no longer qualified to comment on in any way).
What are you currently working on (or have most recently worked on) with CLEBC?
I am a member of the editorial board of the British Columbia Builders Liens Practice Manual published by CLEBC. The board has recently finished updating the Practice Manual for 2019.
What inspired you to focus your practice on construction law?
Initially I began practicing construction law under two outstanding lawyers who worked at the national law firm where I began my career. After both of them moved to my current law firm (Jenkins Marzban Logan LLP), I soon followed. However, what has drawn me to, and kept me interested in, construction law since that time are the client relationships. My practice has never been a purely litigation practice; instead, it has often involved real-time problem solving at the project level and working closely with clients in doing so. I have been very fortunate to have had many great clients over the years.
What are some of the rewards and challenges of your practice?
The rewards include having great clients and working with great lawyers. The construction law bar in BC is full of reasonable and competent lawyers, which makes resolving most files both enjoyable and satisfying. The challenges include having a practice that involves litigation, solicitor work, and project problem solving – these all have different time requirements, which can (and often do) conflict.
What is the most valuable piece of advice that you have received in your career?
Never hesitate to talk through a thorny issue with another lawyer at your firm. Often a second perspective will reveal something you may have missed.
So, you have a band and play guitar?
I have three kids and a dog now, so any dreams of a world tour are long dead. However, my kids all enjoy music. In particular, my youngest will not hesitate to pass out instruments at any social gathering.
Other than law, what are you passionate about?
I am passionate about having fun as much and as often as possible. Although the number of responsibilities and obligations seems to grow exponentially each year, I am fortunate to work in a great firm with great people for great clients and then come home to a great family. I try to have fun in all aspects of my life, including in my career, and that has allowed me to truly enjoy being a lawyer.