Clark Wilson LLP

06/23/2025

Are you confident your builders lien process will hold up in court?

A recent BC Supreme Court decision sends a clear message: there is no room for flexibility when it comes to the timelines set out in the Builders Lien Act. If a Certificate of Completion or the related Notice isn’t issued on time, it simply doesn’t count—and the 45-day lien filing clock doesn’t start.

This ruling is a wake-up call for owners, contractors, and payment certifiers. It underscores the importance of meeting every deadline precisely, or risk losing the legal protections that those timelines are meant to provide.

Read our full breakdown of the decision and key takeaways for construction professionals from Infrastructure, Construction & Procurement partner and co-chair Satinder Sidhu and associate Dan W. Melnick: https://bit.ly/40lMzzl

Want timely, informative updates on construction law in BC—like this article—delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe to our complimentary e-newsletter, Construction Law Bulletin, here: https://bit.ly/3yFDvrN

By Dan W. Melnick and Satinder Sidhu A recent decision from the BC Supreme Court emphasizes the necessity for strict compliance with the statutory timelines … Continued

06/20/2025

Tomorrow, June 21, is National Indigenous Peoples Day, when we celebrate and honour the histories, art, culture, communities and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people, and reflect on the ongoing issues that remain and our part and path in advancing reconciliation and supporting Indigenous Peoples.

We are committed and honoured to continue to learn and deepen our awareness of the impacts of colonialism, and the ways in which we can be better.

06/17/2025

Join Clark Wilson LLP partner and Estates & Trusts co-chair Amy Mortimore, K.C., as she presents at The Continuing Legal Education Society of British Columbia (CLEBC)nuing Legal Education Society of BC (CLEBC)’s "Trust Issues: A Re-examination of Often Overlooked Foundational Concepts 2025" conference next Wednesday, June 25th.

Amy will lead the session on "Secret Trusts", sharing key insights on their use in British Columbia and what lawyers need to know when encountering them in planning or litigation.

This full-day program is ideal for estates and trusts practitioners looking to revisit the fundamentals and gain practical guidance on complex trust issues.

Learn more and register here: https://bit.ly/3ZXFOUv

If you'd like timely and informative events (like this one), articles, and news on all things estates and trusts in British Columbia delivered directly to your inbox, please subscribe to our complimentary e-newsletter "Your Estate Matters" here: https://bit.ly/3yFDvrN

06/12/2025

On May 30, Clark Wilson LLP hosted a well-attended seminar on Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs)—a values-based succession strategy that allows owners to sell their business at fair market value with up to $10 million in tax-free gains, without requiring employee financing or third-party buyers.

Congratulations to our lawyers David Ford JD FEA and St.John McCloskey, and to all co-presenters for delivering a highly informative and engaging session. Their insights helped business owners and advisors explore how EOTs can support legacy, continuity, and employee ownership.

Read more on our website:

On May 30, 2025, Clark Wilson LLP welcomed a strong turnout of business owners and advisors for Employee Ownership Trusts: What You Need To Know, … Continued

06/09/2025

Join Clark Wilson LLP lawyer Andrea Raso on Wednesday, June 11th, as she speaks at Addressing Workplace Concerns: Performance vs Mental Health, a virtual workshop presented by the WorkAbility Project.

Read more on our website: bit.ly/3FQWOET

06/06/2025

Deal Update: e.l.f. Beauty to Acquire Rhode for $1B with Earnout Structure

e.l.f. Beauty has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Hailey Bieber’s beauty brand, rhode, in a $1 billion transaction. The deal comprises $600 million in cash, $200 million in shares, and $200 million in earnout consideration based on the brand’s growth over the next three years.

This structure highlights how earnouts can bridge valuation gaps, reduce buyer risk, and support a smooth transition—especially with Hailey Bieber staying on as Chief Creative Officer and Head of Innovation.

Read the full article by Clark Wilson LLP lawyer Alexandra Madden and articling student Alec Kobetitch: bit.ly/3Ta1oRB

06/03/2025

Clark Wilson LLP partner Sarah Jones will be joining a panel at CLEBC’s Real Estate Development 2025 on June 6 in Vancouver to share insights on airspace parcel subdivisions—covering key issues and best practices in this evolving area of law.

Read more on our website: https://bit.ly/3SBMfZ8

05/30/2025

Legislative Update: Bill 15 Passes Third Reading

After weeks of debate and public scrutiny, Bill 15: Infrastructure Projects Act has narrowly passed third reading in the BC Legislature with a 47–46 vote, following a tiebreaker from Speaker Raj Chouhan. The Bill is expected to receive royal assent on May 29, 2025.

Read the full update: https://bit.ly/4dDHms6

05/30/2025

Today, May 30, Clark Wilson LLP lawyer Braeden Rahn is co-chairing and presenting at Continuing Legal Education Society of BC (CLEBC)'s Wills and Estates Basics for Paralegals and Legal Support Staff 2025.

Braeden is breaking down essential topics in estate planning, administration, and litigation—equipping legal support professionals with the tools they need to navigate this complex area of law.

About the event: bit.ly/4dDpw8C

05/27/2025

What if a deceased loved one could speak through AI?

In a groundbreaking Arizona case, an AI-generated video of the deceased was used to deliver a victim impact statement, sparking debate about the future of AI in legal proceedings.

In a new article, Clark Wilson LLP partner Zachary Murphy-Rogers, TEP, and articled student Tatum Sabourin discuss AI-generated video in the context of estate administration and estate litigation—its potential, its risks, and what legal professionals should keep in mind.

Read the full article: bit.ly/4kDFhyP

If you’re navigating estate or trust matters—or are curious about how AI might be used in this space—reach out to Zachary Murphy-Rogers or our Estates & Trusts Group: bit.ly/4khfMDI

05/26/2025

We’re thrilled to welcome three new associates to the Clark Wilson LLP team — congratulations to Pavneet Grewal, Scott Stewart-Lee, and Simon Wu on their well-earned promotions from articling students.

Pavneet joins our Commercial Real Estate team, Scott will work with our Estates & Trusts and Business Litigation groups, and Simon joins our Banking, Insolvency & Restructuring and Business Litigation practices.

Please join us in congratulating Pavneet, Scott and Simon and learn more about their legal practices here: https://bit.ly/44V9ncr

05/14/2025

Succession planning is one of the most critical—and complex—challenges facing business owners today.

On April 10, Clark Wilson LLP hosted a Business Succession Seminar focused on helping business owners navigate one of their most complex challenges: transitioning leadership and ownership.

The session brought together a full room of entrepreneurs and advisors for practical insights on legal structures, tax implications, and long-term planning strategies that support smooth transitions and sustainable growth.

Read more about the event and key takeaways: https://bit.ly/4j42FUT

On April 10, 2025, Clark Wilson LLP hosted a sold-out seminar, How to Buy or Sell a Business, at our downtown Vancouver office. Led by … Continued