THE ADVOCATE 737
VOL. 79 PART 5 SEPTEMBER 2021
root, which quite possibly triggered Jeff’s fascination with neuropsychology
cases. Among his many talents over his career, he developed a formidable
ability to cross-examine experts, particularly neuropsychologists, with an
understanding of the testing methodologies fully appreciated only by the
most talented neuropsychologists. He could argue with experts on their
own turf, a rare talent.
After Stewart & Company, old friend and former colleague Mary-Helen
Wright approached him with the idea of starting a boutique insurance
defence litigation firm. Jeff, with his customary enthusiasm, jumped in
with both feet and joined Mary-Helen, Terry Vos (now Master Vos) and Ken
Serné in what would become Pacific Law Group. Jeff toured many prospective
premises with Mary-Helen and her husband, John. Finally, they settled
at 815 Hornby Street.
Pacific Law Group was assembled from the ground up, including the
assembly of furniture, in an IKEA-like fashion. As was his custom, Jeff was
right in the middle of it. At some point it was decided that a firm named
after an ocean should have a fish tank. Soon a very robust tank was constructed
and installed. It is fair to say that Jeff probably knew little about
saltwater fish before the tank arrived; however, Pacific Law Group soon had
a local version of Jacques Cousteau. Jeff could tell you about everything in
that tank, whether it was food, life cycles, parasites, predators, etc.; he simply
knew everything about it. This tank graced the foyer of Pacific Law
Group’s original offices at 815 Hornby Street for many years and often provided
a colourful, bright and fascinating diversion from the legal issues that
otherwise could be a source of stress in the office.
While Jeff pursued passions that interested him, he continued to have
great success in the courtroom. He had significant contributions to many
leading cases while at Pacific Law Group. These included such leading
appellate cases as Perren v. Lalari, Steward v. Berezan and Stone v. Ellerman
as well as a wide range of trial decisions. Jeff tended to get the more difficult
and high-profile cases involving considerable risk. While not immune to the
stress of such a practice, he was resolute in his efforts and applied his formidable
intellect and common sense to secure many successful results,
both inside the courtroom and outside of it.
Jeff’s passion for philosophy, law and justice intersected with a passion
for hockey. Although he grew up in Alberta with the dominant Edmonton
Oilers on their ascendency, he became a fan of the Vancouver Canucks in
1982. He was so taken by the perceived injustices inflicted upon the
Canucks during their first Stanley Cup run (later immortalized outside
Rogers Arena with a statue of Roger Nielsen) that he became a fervent supporter
of the Canucks. His empathy for the underdog was readily apparent.