I am a Vancouver-area mediator who, over the course of the last 20 years, has had the privilege of providing mediation services to many of BC’s premier civil litigators.I was raised in Winnipeg and obtained an Arts degree from the U of M. I have also completed SFU's Executive Management Development Program as well as numerous mediation-related courses through the JI and elsewhere. Commencing in 1978, I worked in various roles, up to the senior management and executive level, in the property and casualty insurance industry. The focus of my career was primarily in the field of personal injury claims, and this remains my main area of mediation.​​

 

To date, I have mediated over 3000 matters of varying complexity and hosted 700 ‘virtual’ mediations. Many of the matters I have helped resolve involved catastrophic injury claims, multiparty mediations, major property damage cases, and complex insurance coverage issues. Over the course of my careers in mediation and insurance, I have had the opportunity to address matters both at the level of individual case files, and at a systemic level, with the aim of preventing disputes. I understand, and am comfortable with, the nuances of complex negotiations and can bring my experience to bear for the benefit of the parties.​​​

 

In terms of an approach or ‘style’ of mediation; I believe the process is intended to represent an attractive, efficient and cost-effective alternative to the rigours and protocol of the usual litigation procedures. I try to bear this in mind as parties approach mediation. A relaxed and sensitive approach has the great benefit of helping to put at ease the minds of the parties, and in particular the lay participants who are ultimately the decision-makers defining the result. I tend to leave the evaluation of claims and of risk to the professional advocates, but am happy to discreetly offer perspectives based on my 45 years of experience in various aspects of the claims business, including mediation, upon request.