Susanne is honored to have been invited to become a Fellow in the Litigation Counsel of America (the “LCA”).The LCA is a trial lawyer honorary society composed of less than one-half of one percent of lawyers in North America. Fellowship in the LCA is highly selective and by invitation only. Fellows are selected based upon excellence and accomplishment in litigation, both at the trial and appellate levels, and superior ethical reputation. The LCA is aggressively diverse in its composition. Established as a trial and appellate lawyer honorary society reflecting the American bar in the twenty-first century, the LCA represents the best in law among its membership. The number of Fellowships has been kept at an exclusive limit by design, allowing qualifications, diversity and inclusion to align effectively, with recognition of excellence in litigation across all segments of the bar. Fellows are generally at the partner or shareholder level, or are independent practitioners with recognized experience and accomplishment. In addition, the LCA is dedicated to promoting superior advocacy, professionalism and ethical standards among its Fellows.
Firm News
Pacific Medical Law is proud to be a Presenting Sponsor for the Cerebral Palsy Association of BC Annual Gala “Play Without Limits”
Pacific Medical Law is proud to once again be sponsoring the annual fundraising gala for the Cerebral Palsy Association of BC being held on March 2, 2017. The focus of the gala this year is Play Without Limits. While the Cerebral Palsy Association of BC offers many free opportunities for kids with cerebral palsy and other neurological disabilities to participate in various recreational activities, it is not enough. Our common experience and the medical literature supports the importance of play in a child’s life. For a child, play is their “work”. It is the essence of childhood. Engaging in play is how children learn, grow, expand their imagination and build friendships. For children with disabilities, they often need specialized supports and equipment in order to participate. We need to find more and better recreational opportunities for kids with disabilities, and provide these kids with the tools they need to participate. That is why Pacific Medical Law is proud to be a presenting sponsor for this gala, to raise awareness and provide funding to create opportunities for these children to play. Tickets for the gala are still available at http://bccerebralpalsy.com/events/life-without-limits-gala/ or by calling 604 408-9489. If you cannot attend but wish to make contribution to support a child living with a disability, please visit http://bccerebralpalsy.com/support-us/donate/
Paul McGivern quoted in Lawyers Weekly
The December 9, 2016 issue of Lawyers Weekly reported on Benhaim v St. Germain2016 SCC 48, a recent decision of the Supreme Court of Canada which upholds the long-held principle that causation does not have to be proven with scientific certainty. In commenting on this case, Paul McGivern noted that this decision follows three recent Supreme Court cases that have attempted to maintain a level playing field between plaintiff and defendant by not overly stressing scientific evidence, while keeping the burden of proof with the plaintiff. One of those three cases was Ediger v Johnston 2013 SCC 18, in which Paul McGivern was co-counsel for the successful appellant.
Susanne Raab Addresses Trial Lawyers Association Medical Legal Conference
On Friday, December 2, 2016 Susanne Raab was an invited speaker at the Trial Lawyers Association of BC Medical Legal conference on Secondary and Delayed Syndromes in the Medical-Legal Narrative. Susanne discussed “Claims for Nervous Shock – Advances in the Law and Medicine”. Her presentation dovetailed with the presentation of Dr. Rob Tarzwell, a specialist in both psychiatry and nuclear medicine who is involved with the ground breaking research using SPECT imaging to differentiate between traumatic brain injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder in patients.
The conference was attended by over 100 medical professionals and lawyers, and Susanne’s presentation was well received and stimulated questions and discussion from the audience.
Paul McGivern Co-Chairs Medical Legal Conference 2016
Paul McGivern co-chaired the CLEBC 2016 Medical Legal Conference in Vancouver on October 21, 2016. The speakers included physicians and lawyers, with topics including a discussion of cognitive errors and decision failure, a review of recent opioid prescribing guidelines, and a presentation about medical assistance in dying. A panel discussion about medical legal matters in litigation included a perspective from the Honourable Madam Justice Neena Sharma.
Although the conference was well received overall, Paul’s presentation on causation got particular mention as “the best [presentation] by far because it was a clear, concise, compelling summary of the law and its evolution.” Other reviewers described Paul as a “wonderful orator, informative, insightful” and “outstanding.” CLEBC hopes to follow-up this successful conference in the coming years.