News
January 2026
Congratulations to Claire E. Hunter, K.C., on her inclusion in this year’s Lexpert’s Leading 500 Cross-Border Lawyers: A Guide to Doing Business in Canada. Claire is recognized in the 2026 Lexpert Directory as Most Frequently Recommended in Litigation – Corporate Commercial and Consistently Recommended in Litigation – Regulatory & Public Law.
December 2025
Paul Jon and Hayden Cook successfully appealed an order for division of family property, which had initially been split 75% to 25% in favour of the respondent. The Court of Appeal substituted an order for equal division. The reasons for judgment can be found here.
November 2025
Congratulations to Randy Kaardal, K.C. for his well-deserved ranking in the Lexology Index (WWL): Canada 2025. His inclusion in the Employment & Labour 2025 category highlights his outstanding expertise and leadership in the field.
We invite you to join us in celebrating Randal’s remarkable achievement.
Congratulations to Claire Hunter, K.C., for being featured in the Special Edition on Litigation, recognizing her work in corporate commercial litigation and public and regulatory law.
Hunter Litigation Chambers Recognized as One of Canada’s Best Law Firms for 2026. This recognition highlights the exceptional legal services and the dedication of our team in providing top-tier advocacy and strategic counsel to our clients.
The full list of honorees was published by The Globe and Mail on October 20, 2025, and will be featured in the December edition of Report on Business Magazine.
We’re proud to share that Hunter Litigation Chambers has been included in the second edition of Best Law Firms – Canada.
In the 2026 rankings, our firm earned:
- 7 National Awards and 8 Regional Awards, including.
- Vancouver Tier 1 in Administrative and Public Law, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Appellate Practice, Class Action Litigation, Corporate and Commercial Litigation, Criminal Defence and Labour and Employment Law.
- National Tier 1 in Administrative and Public Law, Appellate Practice, Corporate and Commercial Litigation and Criminal Defence.
Congratulations to our incredible team on this achievement and thank you to our clients for their continued trust.
October 2025
Claire E. Hunter, K.C. has been appointed Vice Chair of the Access to Justice and Legal Services Committee of the American College of Trial Lawyers for 2025-2026.
Claire E. Hunter, K.C. and Rebecca Robb were guest instructors at the annual CLE Winning Advocacy Skills Workshop. More information about this workshop can be found here.
On October 22, 2025, Rebecca Robb was a panelist on The Advocates’ Society’s Litigating Sexual Violence Claims Program. Rebecca presented alongside Caroline Senini (Peck and Company) on the panel “Intersection with Criminal Law, Human Rights Law and Regulatory Proceedings”, which was chaired by Tony Paisana (Peck and Company).
Hunter Litigation Chambers and Rice Harbut Elliott LLP have filed a proposed class action lawsuit on behalf of all persons in Canada who claim physical and/or mental injuries as a result of the tragic events that occurred at the Lapu-Lapu Day Festival held on April 26, 2025, and for people who are entitled to make claims under the Family Compensation Act, for deaths that occurred at the Festival. The sign-up page is available here.
September 2025
Hunter Litigation Recognized in Chambers Canada 2026
Hunter Litigation is proud to announce its continued recognition in the Chambers Canada 2026 guide for excellence in legal services. The firm has once again been ranked for its outstanding work in Litigation: General Commercial and Administrative & Public Law (British Columbia), as well as Agribusiness: Forestry and Crime (Nationwide – Canada).
These rankings reflect Hunter Litigation’s steadfast commitment to delivering exceptional legal representation and dedicated advocacy across every matter it undertakes.
Firm Rankings - British Columbia
Litigation: Administrative & Public Law: Spotlight
Litigation: General Commercial: Highly Regarded
Nationwide – Canada
Agribusiness: Forestry
Individual Rankings
Crime: Nationwide – Canada
William B. Smart, K.C.
Litigation: Administrative & Public Law - British Columbia
Claire E. Hunter, K.C.
Litigation: General Commercial - British Columbia
Claire E. Hunter, K.C.
Randy Kaardal, K.C.
Transportation: Rail & Road – Nationwide - Canada
Monique Evans
We are pleased to announce that several of our lawyers have been recognized in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada™ and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada™. This recognition reflects their exceptional legal expertise, professional integrity, and dedication to excellence in their respective fields.
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in Canada™ (2026 Edition):
Brian Duong – recognized since 2024
Paul Heisler – recognized since 2021
Claire E. Hunter, K.C. – recognized since 2020
Randy J. Kaardal, K.C. – recognized since 2006
Rebecca Robb – recognized since 2024
William B. Smart, K.C. (Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2006)
Recognized in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada™ (2026 Edition):
Aubin Calvert – recognized since 2024
Caitlin Ehman – recognized since 2024
Nicole Gilewicz – recognized since 2025
Julia Roos – recognized since 2023
*We are especially proud to recognize Monique Evans, who has been included for the first time in the fifth edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada™, in recognition of her work in Transportation Law. Please join us in congratulating Monique on this notable achievement and well-deserved professional milestone. We’re proud to celebrate this achievement with her.
We also extend our congratulations to all of our colleagues whose work has been acknowledged through these recognitions, and we remain committed to upholding the highest standards of legal service and advocacy.
August 2025
Congratulations to Rebecca Robb, Monique Evans, Nicole Gilewicz, Aubin Calvert, and Julia Roos, who have been recognized in the 10th edition of Benchmark Litigation’s 40 & Under rankings. This distinction reflects their substantial contributions to the practice of litigation and affirms their professional stature within the legal community.
Their inclusion highlights not only their individual achievements but also the breadth and depth of emerging talent within our litigation practice.
Congratulations to Claire Hunter, K.C., who has been selected for inclusion in Benchmark Litigation’s Top 100 Women in Litigation. This recognition is reserved for senior female litigators who have established a national reputation for excellence through their advocacy, professional accomplishments, and leadership in complex and high-profile matters.
This achievement reflects the excellence of our practitioners and their lasting contributions to the legal profession.
We warmly congratulate all of this year’s honourees.
The Court of Appeal for Saskatchewan released its judgment in Saskatchewan (Minister of Education v. UR Pride Centre for Sexuality and Gender Diversity, 2025 SKCA 74. The decision holds that superior courts retain the jurisdiction to adjudicate Charter issues despite a valid invocation of s. 33 of the Charter – the “notwithstanding clause”. Aubin Calvert and Devin Eeg represented the intervener the Trial Lawyers Association of British Columba in the appeal. The reasons for judgment are available here.
We are pleased to welcome Maddison Zapach to Hunter Litigation Chambers as our newest associate. Maddison earned her Juris Doctor from the Peter A. Allard School of Law at the University of British Columbia, where she was awarded the Law Society Gold Medal. Following law school, she served as a Judicial Law Clerk at the Supreme Court of British Columbia in Vancouver. She further gained valuable experience through the judicial externship program at the Provincial Court of British Columbia and as a competitor in the Davies Annual Corporate/Securities Law Moot.
July 2025
The Supreme Court of Canada released its judgment in Sinclair v. Venezia Turismo, 2025 SCC 27, a conflict of laws case about court jurisdiction. Aubin Calvert was co-counsel to the intervener British Columbia Chamber of Commerce, and made oral submissions on behalf of the Chamber. In 5:4 majority reasons, Justice Côté agreed with and quoted from the Chamber’s submissions.
May 2025
With sadness, we advise of the passing of The Honourable John J.L. Hunter, K.C., one of the founders of Hunter Litigation Chambers.
Last year, John returned to the firm after serving seven years as a Justice of the Court of Appeal for British Columbia. Prior to his judicial appointment, he had enjoyed a busy trial and appellate practice for 40 years, focussing on commercial litigation and public law, appearing in leading constitutional, administrative and aboriginal matters. He appeared at the Supreme Court of Canada on more than a dozen occasions, including as one of two amici curiae for the Court in the 2014 Senate Reference. Appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1994, he was recognized nationwide and beyond as one of Canada’s very finest counsel. He was a Fellow of the International Society of Barristers and of the American College of Trial Lawyers, and was the first Western Canadian to serve on the Board of Regents of the College. John was active in contributing to the profession, serving as President of the Law Society of British Columbia and President of the Federation of Law Societies. In 2014, he was honoured with the Law Society’s Begbie Award for achievement in and contribution to the legal profession.
A cherished and respected colleague, we will miss him and will strive to advance his legacy in our work and professional contributions.
Congratulations to the Hunter Litigation team on their national legal recognition by Benchmark Canada.
We are proud to share the recent achievements of several members of our team who have been recognized for their excellence in the legal profession.
Claire Hunter, K.C. has been honoured among Canada’s Top 50 Trial Lawyers, the Top 100 Women in British Columbia, and Top 100 Women in Canada—a remarkable testament to her leadership, advocacy, and outstanding contributions to the profession.
We also congratulate Aubin Calvert, Monique Evans, Rebecca Robb, Julia Roos, Nicole Gilewicz, and Paul Heisler on being named Future Stars, recognizing their talent and promise as the next generation of leading litigators.
Finally, we celebrate Randy Kaardal, K.C., William B. Smart, K.C., and Brian Duong, who have been recognized as Litigation Stars, underscoring their exceptional skill and commitment to excellence in advocacy.
Please join us in congratulating all of them on these well-deserved honours.
On May 9, 2025, Russell S. Brown and Rebecca J. Robb presented on a panel “Courtroom Advocacy” along with Peter Henein, Henein Hutchinson (Toronto) and Malcom Funt , Bojm, Funt & Gibbons LLP (Vancouver) at the TLABC Convention 2025, May 8-9, 2025, Vancouver.
On May 21, 2025, William Smart, K.C. and Rebecca J. Robb presented on the topic “Evidentiary Issues in Civil Sexual Cases” at CLEBC’s Sexual Violence (Civil) Conference 2025, co-chaired by Sandra L. Kovacs, KazLaw Injury Lawyers (Vancouver) and Janelle O'Connor, Murphy Battista LLP (Vancouver).
We’re delighted to welcome an outstanding group of talented summer students to our team.
Kiera Schuller is entering her third year at the Peter A. Allard School of Law and we’re pleased to have her return for a second summer with us. She previously worked with the federal Department of Finance and holds a Master’s degree from the University of Oxford, as well as undergraduate degrees from UBC and Sciences Po.
Andrew Davies recently completed his second year at Allard Law. Prior to law school, he studied at McMaster University. Outside of academics, Andrew is an accomplished distance runner and recently won the BMO Vancouver Half-Marathon.
Sheena Sneddon has just completed her first year at the University of Victoria Faculty of Law. She has a strong interest in constitutional and criminal law and is eager to gain hands-on litigation experience and learn from the talented lawyers at HLC this summer.
Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Kiera, Andrew, and Sheena!
April 2025
Congratulations to Claire Hunter, K.C., shortlisted for BC Litigator of the Year and Randy Kaardal, K.C., shortlisted for Labour and Employment Litigator of the Year by Benchmark Litigation. Well-deserved recognition for their exceptional legal expertise and dedication!
Congratulations to Randy!
We are pleased to share that Randy Kaardal, K.C., has been recognized by Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory as one of Canada’s Best Employment Lawyers, earning the distinction of Consistently Recommended counsel. This well-deserved recognition reflects his expertise, and commitment to excellence in employment law.
Please join us in celebrating this achievement!
Best employment lawyers in Canada | Lexpert
Congratulations to Claire!
We are proud to announce that Claire Hunter, K.C., has been recognized by Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory as one of Canada’s Most Frequently Recommended Counsel in Corporate Commercial. This well-deserved recognition highlights her exceptional expertise, dedication, and commitment to excellence.
Join us in celebrating this well-earned achievement!
Best Corporate commercial litigation lawyer in Canada | Lexpert
March 2025
Hunter Litigation Chambers Recognized Among Canada’s Leading Law Firms in the 2025 Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory
We are honored to be recognized as one of Canada’s top law firms in the 2025 Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory. This respected ranking is based on a thorough peer-review process that showcases the nation’s most distinguished legal professionals and firms.
Hunter Litigation congratulates Claire Hunter, K.C. on her recognition in the 2025 Lexpert Canada Directory for her outstanding accomplishments in Corporate/Commercial Litigation and Public/Regulatory law. This well-deserved recognition highlights Claire’s dedication, expertise, and contributions to the legal profession.
Hunter Litigation congratulates Randy J. Kaardal, K.C. on once again being recognized in the 2025 Lexpert Canada Directory for his achievements in Employment Law. This continued recognition reflects Randy’s dedication, expertise, and contributions to the legal profession.
January 2025
Hunter Litigation has been recognized once again in Chamber Canada 2025 for its work in Litigation: General Commercial (BC) and Agribusiness: Forestry (Nationwide - Canada).
Lawyers Ranked:
- General Commercial Litigation (BC) : Randal Kaardal, K.C.
- Administrative & Public Law (BC) : Claire Hunter, K.C.
- Crime (Nationwide) : Bill Smart, K.C.
- Transportation: Rail & Road ( Nationwide) : Monique Evans
Retirement Announcement: Martin R. Taylor, K.C.
It is with mixed emotions that we announce the retirement of Martin R. Taylor, K.C., a highly respected and dedicated member of our legal community.
Born in England in 1931, Martin began his career as a newspaper reporter before moving to Canada at the age of 22. His interest in the law was sparked during his early work here as a police reporter in Sarnia, Ontario, where he covered the courts every day.
His interest was furthered four years later while working in Vancouver for Canadian Press when he learned during an interview with then UBC President Dr. Norman A.M. MacKenzie that he could enter law school while working by taking Grade 13 by correspondence and spreading second-year Arts over a summer and winter session.
Martin made his mark at UBC Law as Editor of the UBC Law Review and by winning the Allan Gregory Memorial Award for advocacy.
Following graduation in 1962 Martin articled with Charles W. Brazier, QC., at Davis & Company (now DLA Piper), where he practised until appointed in 1978 to the BC Supreme Court. Following his retirement from the BC Court of Appeal in 1995 he sat part-time for seven years on the Court of Appeal for the Cayman Islands while serving also as special referee, arbitrator, mediator and commissioner, including as Ethics Commissioner for the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games. In 2010 he joined Hunter Litigation Chambers, where he continued to contribute his expertise to the legal community.
Martin was instrumental in organizing a 'Donoghue v. Stevenson Festival' at UBC in 1982, which celebrated the 20th anniversary of his Class of 62 along with the 50th anniversary of the landmark case in negligence law.
This led to the 1990 'Pilgrimage to Paisley' attended by 250 Canadian lawyers, judges, and academics in Paisley, Scotland, to honour at its birthplace the famous ‘snail-in-a-bottle’ case that has reshaped the law of negligence around the Commonwealth common law world. His keynote address, 'Mrs. Donoghue’s Journey,' is available on the Scottish Society of Law Reporting website.
This led in turn in 1995 to the movie ‘The Paisley Snail’, created in by David Hay, KC, and Michael Doherty, broadcast originally on Knowledge Network television and since shown to high school and university law classes around the world.
In 1998 Martin was awarded the BC Law Society’s Begbie Award for exceptional service, and in 2009 the UBC Law Alumni Association Lifetime Achievement Award.
As Martin steps into retirement, he leaves behind a legacy of service, dedication, and excellence in the legal profession. His contributions have had a lasting impact, and his presence will be deeply missed by colleagues, clients, and the broader legal community.
We wish Martin all the best in this next chapter of his life and thank him for his remarkable contributions to the law.
Welcome Wes Dutcher-Walls to the Team!
We’re excited to welcome Wes Dutcher-Walls as our new Associate! With a strong background in criminal, civil, constitutional, and administrative law, Wes brings valuable experience and energy to our team.
Wes is an expert in litigation, having represented clients at all levels of court, including the Supreme Court of Canada. He has also served as an advocate and advisor, offering counsel to various justice-system participants and contributing to For the Defence magazine. Wes completed his law degree at the University of Toronto and earned an award in constitutional law at UC Berkeley.
We’re confident that Wes will make a tremendous impact. Please join us in welcoming him to this exciting new chapter!