Hugh McLellan, a partner in the Vancouver law firm of McLellan Herbert, practices in the areas of estate litigation, estate planning, and elder law. He has chaired the CBA Wills & Trusts (Vancouver) Section, the CBABC Elder Law Section (also a founder), and the CBA National Elder Law Section (also a founder). Hugh is the author of numerous articles on estate litigation, estate planning, and elder law. Over the years, he has been a significant contributor to CLEBC seminars on wills, estates, and trusts both as a course chair and as a presenter, and is an author on the Wills, Estates and Succession Act Transition Guide. Hugh is currently co-chairing the two-day Canadian Elder Law Conference being held in November 2015.
How and why did you get involved with CLEBC?
I first became involved as a presenter at a CLEBC seminar on Estate Litigation in the 1980’s. There were very few lawyers focusing their practice on estate litigation in those days.
What are you are currently working on (or have most recently worked on) with CLEBC?
I am currently working on the Canadian Elder Law Conference set for November 12 and 13, 2015.
What has been your most memorable CLEBC experience?
Chairing the CLEBC course dealing with the massive changes to adult guardianship laws that were proclaimed in 2000.
What’s the most valuable piece of career advice you have received?
It is crucial to establish a proper work life balance.
Who has influenced and inspired you in your career?
The late Mr. Justice Bruce McColl. I articled to Bruce and practiced with him for my first five years at the bar until he was appointed to the bench.
What advice would you give newcomers who are interested in working in the legal profession?
#1 – It is crucial to establish a proper work life balance. #2 – If you are passionate about some area of the law, get involved with the relevant CBA Section and volunteer yourself as a speaker for CLEBC; you will find these experiences very rewarding.
What has been the most rewarding part of your career?
Being involved with the establishment of the CBA National Elder Law section and the CBABC Elder Law Section.
Other than law, what are you passionate about?
Family—three children (none of whom have followed me into law!); fishing, especially at Kyuquot, where I have an interest in a fishing lodge; car racing (used to race and still occasionally track my Lotuses); sports: supporter of the BC Lions, Canucks, and Whitecaps (and I still play hockey twice a week in winter), and mountain biking.
What are some of your favourite legal resources? (blogs, websites, etc.)
Anything you’d like to shamelessly promote? (favourite charity, social cause, etc.)
I have been involved with the Community Living movement since my articling days and proudly established the Jo Dickey Foundation in 2001. Our mission is to assist mentally and physically challenged members of our community who have no other source of funding, by purchasing items or services to improve the quality of their life (such as a trike, an iPad, a swing set, a dream vacation, a boat cruise, etc.). I remain a director and the secretary-treasurer of the Foundation (wwwjodickeyfoundation.ca).