Peter Giovando
Areas of Practice
Personal Injury & Civil Litigation; Family Law; Mediation; Wills & Estates; Estate Litigation.
Areas of Practice
Personal Injury & Civil Litigation; Family Law; Mediation; Wills & Estates; Estate Litigation.
Biography
Peter was called to the Bar in 1976, after completing articles with Heath & Company. In 1980, Mr. Giovando became a partner in the firm. Peter has extensive experience in cases involving serious personal injury. He also practices in the areas of general Civil Litigation and Estates.
Mr. Giovando is a trained mediator and has successfully mediated many disputes.
Email: pgiovando@nanaimolaw.com
Peter was called to the Bar in 1976, after completing articles with Heath & Company. In 1980, Mr. Giovando became a partner in the firm. Peter has extensive experience in cases involving serious personal injury. He also practices in the areas of general Civil Litigation and Estates.
Mr. Giovando is a trained mediator and has successfully mediated many disputes.
Email: pgiovando@nanaimolaw.com
Chuck Blanaru
Areas of Practice
Personal Injury Litigation; Lender's Law; Foreclosures & Collections; Wills & Estates; Real Estate; Business Law.
Areas of Practice
Personal Injury Litigation; Lender's Law; Foreclosures & Collections; Wills & Estates; Real Estate; Business Law.
Biography
Chuck Blanaru was called to the Manitoba Bar in 1984 and the British Columbia Bar in 1994. Mr. Blanaru was a member of the Executive of the Trial Lawyers Association of British Columbia (1997-2003) and served on the Board of Governors (2004-2006). He was a Director of the Nanaimo Brain Injury Society (1996-2000) and was the Vice-President of the District Parents Advisory Council of Nanaimo-Ladysmith School District #68 (1999-2000). Chuck has been extensively involved in youth hockey: Vice-President of the Mid-Island Region of the Vancouver Island Amateur Hockey Association (2006); Nanaimo Minor Hockey Association Vice-President (2001), President in 2002 and 2003 and Past President in 2004 and 2005; Chair of the North Vancouver Island Major Midget Committee (2005); spokesperson for the Coalition For Nanaimo Arenas. He was a member of the Board of Directors of the Central Vancouver Island Jewish Community Society (2001-2006).
Chuck is an advocate for public and private support of youth sports programs and he is also a Rotarian.
Mr. Blanaru has 2 distinct practice areas. Firstly, he is designated counsel to the leading financial institutions on Vancouver Island in the areas of secured transactions, realization, collections and foreclosure. Second, personal injury, where he has handled a large number of complicated and serious claims, including brain and spinal cord injury. He is also the co-founder of Online Wills websites ( www.CanadaWills.com and www.AmericaWills.com ).
Chuck has appeared on television and radio to discuss No-Fault Automobile Insurance. He was a media contact on behalf of the Coalition Against No-Fault Insurance and has written extensively in the area of automobile insurance. Chuck has also lectured at continuing education seminars for the Trial Lawyers Association of British Columbia. He authored a report for the Trial Lawyers Association on the reforms required in British Columbia relative to claims for fatal accidents (Family Compensation Act).
Chuck appeared on television and radio to discuss issues related to hockey safety, specifically bodychecking and violence. In 2003, Chuck co-authored the article "Three (3) Perspectives on Bodychecking in Minor Hockey". He is responsible for the introduction of the "No Tolerance for Violence Code" by the Nanaimo Minor Hockey Association in 2003 and he authored an article entitled "Violence, Not Part of Youth Hockey". In March 2004, Chuck presented a paper entitled "Bodychecking in Youth Hockey - Assessing Risk and Allocating Responsibility" at a hockey conference held at the University of New Brunswick (Skating Into The Future: Hockey In The New Millennium II Symposium).
Email: cblanaru@nanaimolaw.com
Chuck Blanaru was called to the Manitoba Bar in 1984 and the British Columbia Bar in 1994. Mr. Blanaru was a member of the Executive of the Trial Lawyers Association of British Columbia (1997-2003) and served on the Board of Governors (2004-2006). He was a Director of the Nanaimo Brain Injury Society (1996-2000) and was the Vice-President of the District Parents Advisory Council of Nanaimo-Ladysmith School District #68 (1999-2000). Chuck has been extensively involved in youth hockey: Vice-President of the Mid-Island Region of the Vancouver Island Amateur Hockey Association (2006); Nanaimo Minor Hockey Association Vice-President (2001), President in 2002 and 2003 and Past President in 2004 and 2005; Chair of the North Vancouver Island Major Midget Committee (2005); spokesperson for the Coalition For Nanaimo Arenas. He was a member of the Board of Directors of the Central Vancouver Island Jewish Community Society (2001-2006).
Chuck is an advocate for public and private support of youth sports programs and he is also a Rotarian.
Mr. Blanaru has 2 distinct practice areas. Firstly, he is designated counsel to the leading financial institutions on Vancouver Island in the areas of secured transactions, realization, collections and foreclosure. Second, personal injury, where he has handled a large number of complicated and serious claims, including brain and spinal cord injury. He is also the co-founder of Online Wills websites ( www.CanadaWills.com and www.AmericaWills.com ).
Chuck has appeared on television and radio to discuss No-Fault Automobile Insurance. He was a media contact on behalf of the Coalition Against No-Fault Insurance and has written extensively in the area of automobile insurance. Chuck has also lectured at continuing education seminars for the Trial Lawyers Association of British Columbia. He authored a report for the Trial Lawyers Association on the reforms required in British Columbia relative to claims for fatal accidents (Family Compensation Act).
Chuck appeared on television and radio to discuss issues related to hockey safety, specifically bodychecking and violence. In 2003, Chuck co-authored the article "Three (3) Perspectives on Bodychecking in Minor Hockey". He is responsible for the introduction of the "No Tolerance for Violence Code" by the Nanaimo Minor Hockey Association in 2003 and he authored an article entitled "Violence, Not Part of Youth Hockey". In March 2004, Chuck presented a paper entitled "Bodychecking in Youth Hockey - Assessing Risk and Allocating Responsibility" at a hockey conference held at the University of New Brunswick (Skating Into The Future: Hockey In The New Millennium II Symposium).
Email: cblanaru@nanaimolaw.com
Sandra Dick
Areas of Practice
Family Law.
Areas of Practice
Family Law.
Biography
Ms. Dick was called to the Bar in 1990 and practised for several years with the Richmond firm of Cohen Buchan Edwards. Ms. Dick joined Heath & Company in 1995 and practices primarily family law.
Email: sdick@nanaimolaw.com
Ms. Dick was called to the Bar in 1990 and practised for several years with the Richmond firm of Cohen Buchan Edwards. Ms. Dick joined Heath & Company in 1995 and practices primarily family law.
Email: sdick@nanaimolaw.com
Wendy Clifford
Areas of Practice
Company & Commercial; Wills & Estates; Real Estate & Mortgages.
Areas of Practice
Company & Commercial; Wills & Estates; Real Estate & Mortgages.
Biography
Ms. Clifford was called to the Bar in 1989, and worked for several years with the Vancouver firm of Jarvis & Company. From 1994 to 1999, Ms. Clifford operated as a sole practitioner in Nanoose Bay, B.C. Ms. Clifford joined Heath & Company in June 1999. The focus of Ms. Clifford's practice is in the solicitor's field.
Email: wclifford@nanaimolaw.com
Ms. Clifford was called to the Bar in 1989, and worked for several years with the Vancouver firm of Jarvis & Company. From 1994 to 1999, Ms. Clifford operated as a sole practitioner in Nanoose Bay, B.C. Ms. Clifford joined Heath & Company in June 1999. The focus of Ms. Clifford's practice is in the solicitor's field.
Email: wclifford@nanaimolaw.com
Nicole Cederberg
Areas of Practice
Personal Injury Litigation: ICBC Defence and Civil Fraud Prosecutions.
Areas of Practice
Personal Injury Litigation: ICBC Defence and Civil Fraud Prosecutions.
Biography
Nicole attended University of British Columbia and Simon Fraser University, graduating from the latter in 1984 with a Bachelor of Arts (Major in English Literature, Minor in Criminology).
Nicole attended University of Windsor earning her law degree in 1988 and was called to the British Columbia Bar in 1989. Nicole articled and carried on as associate counsel with Milne Selkirk in New Westminster before moving to Provincial Litigation Services with the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia in 1993. In 1997, Nicole moved with her family to Nanaimo where she continued her personal injury defence and fraud prosecution practices for ICBC and managed both the Nanaimo and Courtenay offices of ICBC’s Mid Island Litigation Unit.
Nicole joined Heath and Co. in July of 2007.
She is married with two children who keep her busy serving various youth sport, education, music and dance organizations in the Nanaimo community.
Email: ncederberg@nanaimolaw.com
Nicole attended University of British Columbia and Simon Fraser University, graduating from the latter in 1984 with a Bachelor of Arts (Major in English Literature, Minor in Criminology).
Nicole attended University of Windsor earning her law degree in 1988 and was called to the British Columbia Bar in 1989. Nicole articled and carried on as associate counsel with Milne Selkirk in New Westminster before moving to Provincial Litigation Services with the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia in 1993. In 1997, Nicole moved with her family to Nanaimo where she continued her personal injury defence and fraud prosecution practices for ICBC and managed both the Nanaimo and Courtenay offices of ICBC’s Mid Island Litigation Unit.
Nicole joined Heath and Co. in July of 2007.
She is married with two children who keep her busy serving various youth sport, education, music and dance organizations in the Nanaimo community.
Email: ncederberg@nanaimolaw.com
Peter MacNeil
Areas of Practice
Peter practices in the area of personal injury and insurance litigation. He has appeared at all levels of Court in British Columbia and has resolved hundreds of cases through mediation.
Areas of Practice
Peter practices in the area of personal injury and insurance litigation. He has appeared at all levels of Court in British Columbia and has resolved hundreds of cases through mediation.
Biography
Peter was raised in the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island. He obtained his B.A. from U.B.C. with a major in Political Science in 1984. He attended the University of Victoria Law School, graduating in 1987. Following graduation he articled with Holmes Greenslade in Vancouver and remained on as an associate. Peter left Holmes Greenslade to join Crown Counsel in Vancouver. Between 1988 and 1990 Peter conducted hundreds of criminal prosecutions in Provincial and Supreme Courts throughout the lower mainland.
Peter left Crown Counsel to join the 40 lawyer Ray Connell firm in Vancouver. While at Ray Connell he continued to prosecute criminal matters and developed a personal injury practice frequently acting for ICBC and its insured's.
In 1992 Peter and his wife decided to move to Vancouver Island. He joined Allin Anderson & Mullen where he continued to practice personal injury and insurance litigation. He became a partner in the firm in 1993 and remained until 1999. Peter joined ICBC as in house counsel in 1999 where he specialized in defending chronic pain and major loss cases.
Peter is married with three children. He has been coaching youth soccer for the past 7 years. He is a former director of the Travellers' Lodge and the Nanaimo Daybreak Rotary Club and the former President of the Mid-Island Hospice Society. Peter enjoys playing hockey, volleyball, golf and tennis in his spare time.
Email: pmacneil@nanaimolaw.com
Peter was raised in the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island. He obtained his B.A. from U.B.C. with a major in Political Science in 1984. He attended the University of Victoria Law School, graduating in 1987. Following graduation he articled with Holmes Greenslade in Vancouver and remained on as an associate. Peter left Holmes Greenslade to join Crown Counsel in Vancouver. Between 1988 and 1990 Peter conducted hundreds of criminal prosecutions in Provincial and Supreme Courts throughout the lower mainland.
Peter left Crown Counsel to join the 40 lawyer Ray Connell firm in Vancouver. While at Ray Connell he continued to prosecute criminal matters and developed a personal injury practice frequently acting for ICBC and its insured's.
In 1992 Peter and his wife decided to move to Vancouver Island. He joined Allin Anderson & Mullen where he continued to practice personal injury and insurance litigation. He became a partner in the firm in 1993 and remained until 1999. Peter joined ICBC as in house counsel in 1999 where he specialized in defending chronic pain and major loss cases.
Peter is married with three children. He has been coaching youth soccer for the past 7 years. He is a former director of the Travellers' Lodge and the Nanaimo Daybreak Rotary Club and the former President of the Mid-Island Hospice Society. Peter enjoys playing hockey, volleyball, golf and tennis in his spare time.
Email: pmacneil@nanaimolaw.com
Kathleen Sugiyama
Areas of Practice
Personal Injury Litigation; General Litigation; Family Law.
Areas of Practice
Personal Injury Litigation; General Litigation; Family Law.
Biography
Kathleen graduated from the University of Victoria in 2002 after obtaining her Bachelor of Arts degree (Hons) from the History department. Kathleen graduated from the Faculty of Law at the University of Alberta in 2006 and returned to Nanaimo in May 2006 to article with Heath & Company. She was called to the British Columbia Bar in May 2007 and stayed on with Heath & Company as an Associate.
When not practising law, Kathleen enjoys playing all sports, especially fastball, golf and soccer. She is also involved in coaching competitive fastball and provides foster care to a special needs youth.
Email: ksugiyama@nanaimolaw.com
Kathleen graduated from the University of Victoria in 2002 after obtaining her Bachelor of Arts degree (Hons) from the History department. Kathleen graduated from the Faculty of Law at the University of Alberta in 2006 and returned to Nanaimo in May 2006 to article with Heath & Company. She was called to the British Columbia Bar in May 2007 and stayed on with Heath & Company as an Associate.
When not practising law, Kathleen enjoys playing all sports, especially fastball, golf and soccer. She is also involved in coaching competitive fastball and provides foster care to a special needs youth.
Email: ksugiyama@nanaimolaw.com
Jennifer Moir
Areas of Practice
Personal Injury Litigation; General Litigation.
Areas of Practice
Personal Injury Litigation; General Litigation.
Biography
Jennifer graduated from Vancouver Island University (then Malaspina University-College) in 2004 after obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology (major) and Philosophy (minor). In 2004, Jennifer relocated to Winnipeg, MB, to attend law school at Robson Hall - Faculty of Law at the University of Manitoba, where she graduated with an LL.B in 2007.
After completing her articles with Legal Aid Manitoba, Jennifer was called to the Bar of Manitoba in 2008. For the next two years, Jennifer remained with Legal Aid Manitoba as a staff lawyer practicing family litigation.
Being born and raised in Duncan, BC, Jennifer was happy to return to the Island in the summer of 2010. She joined Heath Law as an associate in September 2010.
Email: jmoir@nanaimolaw.com
Jennifer graduated from Vancouver Island University (then Malaspina University-College) in 2004 after obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology (major) and Philosophy (minor). In 2004, Jennifer relocated to Winnipeg, MB, to attend law school at Robson Hall - Faculty of Law at the University of Manitoba, where she graduated with an LL.B in 2007.
After completing her articles with Legal Aid Manitoba, Jennifer was called to the Bar of Manitoba in 2008. For the next two years, Jennifer remained with Legal Aid Manitoba as a staff lawyer practicing family litigation.
Being born and raised in Duncan, BC, Jennifer was happy to return to the Island in the summer of 2010. She joined Heath Law as an associate in September 2010.
Email: jmoir@nanaimolaw.com
John Hutchinson
Areas of Practice
John practices civil litigation, particularly insurance defence, and personal injury. He has extensive experience with complex claims involving significant physical and cognitive injuries, multiple parties, and various insurance coverage issues.
Areas of Practice
John practices civil litigation, particularly insurance defence, and personal injury. He has extensive experience with complex claims involving significant physical and cognitive injuries, multiple parties, and various insurance coverage issues.
Biography
John was raised in Nanaimo, and graduated from Nanaimo District Secondary School in 1981. He attended Malaspina College (now Vancouver Island University), then completed his bachelor’s degree at the University of Victoria in 1986, and his law degree there in 1990. During those years, John also enjoyed work as a logger, commercial fisherman, and tree planter.
John was called to the British Columbia Bar in 1991. He practiced law in downtown Vancouver for nearly twenty years, first at a small “boutique” firm, and then at Canada’s biggest law firm.
In 2011, John chose to return to Nanaimo with his wife and son, and he joined Heath Law LLP.
John is a member of The Law Society of British Columbia, and the Trial Lawyers Association of British Columbia. He is an active supporter of the Fragile X Research Foundation of Canada. John enjoys outdoor activities, particularly hiking, skiing, boating, and trail riding.
Email: jhutchinson@nanaimolaw.com
John was raised in Nanaimo, and graduated from Nanaimo District Secondary School in 1981. He attended Malaspina College (now Vancouver Island University), then completed his bachelor’s degree at the University of Victoria in 1986, and his law degree there in 1990. During those years, John also enjoyed work as a logger, commercial fisherman, and tree planter.
John was called to the British Columbia Bar in 1991. He practiced law in downtown Vancouver for nearly twenty years, first at a small “boutique” firm, and then at Canada’s biggest law firm.
In 2011, John chose to return to Nanaimo with his wife and son, and he joined Heath Law LLP.
John is a member of The Law Society of British Columbia, and the Trial Lawyers Association of British Columbia. He is an active supporter of the Fragile X Research Foundation of Canada. John enjoys outdoor activities, particularly hiking, skiing, boating, and trail riding.
Email: jhutchinson@nanaimolaw.com
Jessica Koch
Areas of Practice
Articled Student.
Areas of Practice
Articled Student.
Biography
Originally from Saskatoon and Calgary, Jessica attended the University of Victoria where she earned her Bachelor of Arts with a major in Linguistics. She continued on at UVic, earning her J.D. in November 2011. Her expected date of call is January 2013.
During law school, Jessica participated in the co-op program, which allowed her to gain a broad range of experience in areas including immigration, tax, wills and estate planning, and international business law. She further had the opportunity to work for the Law Centre in Victoria, where she was able to work directly with clients in areas including family, criminal, small claims and human rights.
Outside of the law, Jessica is a pianist and accompanist. She enjoys traveling, having been to Portugal, Spain, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Japan. Jessica also enjoys many different sports, including yoga, weight training, volleyball, basketball, softball, and rollerblading. She has been involved as a key volunteer with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation on Vancouver Island for the past 6 years.
Email: jkoch@nanaimolaw.com
Originally from Saskatoon and Calgary, Jessica attended the University of Victoria where she earned her Bachelor of Arts with a major in Linguistics. She continued on at UVic, earning her J.D. in November 2011. Her expected date of call is January 2013.
During law school, Jessica participated in the co-op program, which allowed her to gain a broad range of experience in areas including immigration, tax, wills and estate planning, and international business law. She further had the opportunity to work for the Law Centre in Victoria, where she was able to work directly with clients in areas including family, criminal, small claims and human rights.
Outside of the law, Jessica is a pianist and accompanist. She enjoys traveling, having been to Portugal, Spain, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Japan. Jessica also enjoys many different sports, including yoga, weight training, volleyball, basketball, softball, and rollerblading. She has been involved as a key volunteer with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation on Vancouver Island for the past 6 years.
Email: jkoch@nanaimolaw.com
Patrick J. Giroday
Areas of Practice
Personal Injury and Commercial Litigation.
Areas of Practice
Personal Injury and Commercial Litigation.
Biography
Pat graduated from UBC Law School in 1987. He completed his articles with Jones McCloy, a Vancouver firm, and was called to the Bar in 1988. He continued to practice in Vancouver until 1991, when he moved to Nanaimo, which has been home for Pat and his family ever since.
Throughout his career, Pat has practiced in the field of civil litigation, involving a wide variety of cases, and a special focus on motor vehicle personal injury claims. He has appeared before the Supreme Court of British Columbia and the B.C. Court of Appeal on numerous occasions. He is a member of the Trial Lawyers Association of British Columbia, for whom he has previously served on their executive.
Pat has been actively involved in youth sports in Nanaimo, as a coach in soccer, hockey and baseball. He also serves as the president for The Farm at Cedar Woods , a non-profit society which provides horticultural therapy and other services for patients with mental health issues.
For hobbies, Pat enjoys golfing, hockey, spending time with his family and attending his sons' various events.
Email: pgiroday@nanaimolaw.com
Pat graduated from UBC Law School in 1987. He completed his articles with Jones McCloy, a Vancouver firm, and was called to the Bar in 1988. He continued to practice in Vancouver until 1991, when he moved to Nanaimo, which has been home for Pat and his family ever since.
Throughout his career, Pat has practiced in the field of civil litigation, involving a wide variety of cases, and a special focus on motor vehicle personal injury claims. He has appeared before the Supreme Court of British Columbia and the B.C. Court of Appeal on numerous occasions. He is a member of the Trial Lawyers Association of British Columbia, for whom he has previously served on their executive.
Pat has been actively involved in youth sports in Nanaimo, as a coach in soccer, hockey and baseball. He also serves as the president for The Farm at Cedar Woods , a non-profit society which provides horticultural therapy and other services for patients with mental health issues.
For hobbies, Pat enjoys golfing, hockey, spending time with his family and attending his sons' various events.
Email: pgiroday@nanaimolaw.com
