April 2022
This month’s spotlight shines on Jennifer Neville of Hamilton & Company.
How did you first get involved with CLEBC?
The first time I was asked to speak for CLEBC was in 2013 when I spoke at the Strata Property Update. I was honoured to be included in a panel of experienced strata lawyers.
What are you currently working on (or have most recently worked on) with CLEBC?
In October 2021, I co-chaired the Strata Property Update with Lisa Mackie of Alexander Holburn Beaudin + Lang LLP. I also gave the strata property update at the Residential Real Estate conference in December of 2021. I have been speaking at the Residential Real Estate conference since around 2016, and I really enjoy speaking to real estate lawyers. I am also on the editorial board for the British Columbia Strata Property Practice Manual, and we meet annually.
What inspired you to become a lawyer?
I started my undergraduate degree at the University of Waterloo, with the goal to become a chartered accountant. However, I quickly realized that being a bean counter was not the career for me. I was a book nerd growing up, and a career in law seemed to me to be an opportunity to use those skills. I applied to law school and never looked back.
How did you decide to focus your practice on strata property?
Early in my career, I was working in corporate/commercial law and real estate conveyancing. I learned a lot about drafting agreements, and I became knowledgeable with Land Title Office procedures and documents. I found that I had some unique skills to serve the needs of our strata client base. As demand for strata lawyers increased in the Lower Mainland, it was natural to focus on strata property law.
You are very active in the legal community both as a contributor to publications and as a speaker. What motivates you to give back to the profession?
I was very lucky to start my career being mentored directly by experienced and knowledgeable lawyers. They were generous with their time, and I learned a lot. Some lawyers don’t have the good fortune to start at a firm like that, and contributing with CLEBC is a way for me to give back.
What is the most valuable piece of advice that you have ever received?
Just go for it.
Other than law, what are you passionate about?
I have an amazing family, and I enjoy travelling and mountain biking with them. I also love bike commuting to my office in New Westminster, and reading.