I have a collaborative approach to my law practice, as I see my clients working with me as a team. It is essential that counsel and client build a rapport and trust between them, in order to do the best for that client. My preference is to look for creative solutions through negotiation, as this route is usually the most cost-effective and least taxing option. However, at times court action is necessary and it is important to know when and how to use that venue effectively. I am known for my advocacy skills, and believe in being focused, succinct, and vigorous in pursuit of my clients' best interests. My success is largely built on recommendations from previous clients, and those clients retaining me for multiple issues as they arise. I am an active listener, and believe it is my role to assess whatever problem-solving is necessary with compassion and honesty. In recent years, I have had occasion to develop expertise in the handling of large negotiation and litigation files on behalf of many clients at one time in neighbourhood and land lease concerns. This challenging form of advocacy has been particularly rewarding.

Background and Professional Activities

Ms. Findlay was appointed Queen's Counsel in 1999. She has been successful counsel on reported cases in B.C. Provincial, Supreme and Appeal Courts, as well as the Supreme Court of Canada. Active in the Canadian Bar Association, she has served on the National Task Force on Court Reform in Canada and as Chair of the national Constitutional Law Section. Ms. Findlay also served on the Provincial and National Councils of the CBA for many years, chaired a variety of legislation and law reform and administrative committees and was elected as the President of the Canadian Bar Association (B.C. Branch) in 1997-1998. In total, she served on the B.C. Branch Executive for ten years. Ms. Findlay has a considerable background advising on corporate restructuring and assisting charitable and non-profit organizations. She is a certified family law mediator and completed the program of Instruction for Lawyers at Harvard Law School in 1990. She graduated from the University of British Columbia with a B.A. (Honours) in History in 1975 and her L.L.B. in 1978, and was called to the Bar of British Columbia in 1979. She has authored numerous Continuing Legal Education papers and articles, some published in Bar Talk, mostly through the auspices of the Canadian Bar Association on the various topics listed below. Ms. Findlay has appeared before both the House of Commons and Senate Committees on Aboriginal Affairs in Ottawa, with briefs filed and oral testimonies transcribed. Kerry-Lynne is a frequent keynote speaker, panelist, and media commentator on a variety of legal topics locally, nationally, and internationally. Those topics have included various family law trends and decisions, human rights issues, aboriginal land issues, municipal planning initiatives, constitutional accords and negotiation, mandatory retirement, women in politics and leadership roles, and the importance of professional mentorship. She has been featured in articles in publications that include Time, MacLean’s, and Homemaker Magazines as well as local newspapers including The Ottawa Citizen, The Globe and Mail, The National Post, the New York Times, and the San Francisco Chronicle. Ms. Findlay was the Founding Chair of the National Women Lawyers Forum (2005-2007) and currently serves as Immediate Past Chair. She was also the Founding Chair of the BC Women Lawyers Forum serving on that executive from 2002 - 2006. Her past community posts include Chair of the Vancouver City Planning Commission and Board member for Science World and the Federation of Junior Leagues of Canada. In May 2001, Ms. Findlay was named the 2001 YWCA Woman of Distinction in the category of Management, the Professions and Trades. In September 2006, Ms. Findlay was appointed by the Federal Minister of Justice as a Member of the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal for a five year term.