Cassandra Paterson

Profile

Cassandra is an experienced lawyer who represents a variety of clients involved in the construction industry. She strives to resolve matters by engaging in early negotiation and mediation processes, but knows when to utilize the courts. She works closely with clients to identify strategies to advance their interests, and is comfortable handling a range of matters, including complex multi-million dollar disputes. Cassandra has appeared at all levels of Court in British Columbia.

Her practice includes a range of construction matters, including risk allocation in contract drafting, builders liens, and negligence claims. She also works with owners, such as municipalities and First Nations, to assist them through the tendering process – including preparing tender documents, bid selection, and resolving issues that arise in the course of construction.

Cassandra has a Bachelor of Science, and enjoys working on matters that allow her to explore technical issues with her clients and experts. This interest extends into her involvement in disciplinary matters before the Architectural Institute of BC and Engineers and Geoscientists BC.

Cassandra worked with the Architect Institute of BC for several years to develop its Architect and the Law Course for intern architects. She continues to be a presenter of the course.

Prior to joining JML, Cassandra clerked for six justices of the British Columbia Supreme Court, articled at a large national firm, and then practiced at a litigation boutique with a focus on construction and insurance law.

Experience Highlights

  • Advising professionals involved in disputes arising from a variety of projects, including schools, roadways, coal processing plants, water treatment facilities, marinas, health care facilities, community centers, residential projects, and strata developments
  • Defence counsel in a claim of conversion: Lepage v Bowen Island Municipality, 2021 BCSC 1077, aff’d 2023 BCCA 308
  • Co-counsel for an engineer in a two-week disciplinary hearing before the EGBC with divided success: Fidel (Re), 2021 BCEGBC 11, and 2022 BCEGBC 1
  • Defence counsel advancing an application to dismiss claims against a municipality: Kamoto Holdings Ltd. v. Village of Nakusp, 2020 BCSC 606, aff’d, 2022 BCCA 282
  • Defence counsel on a statutory interpretation and bylaw enforcement appeal: 0940460 BC Ltd. v. Burnaby (City), 2020 BCCA 142
  • Counsel concurring with the BC Attorney General’s position in a constitutional challenge on the enforceability of a tender excluding contractors from bidding: J. Cote & Son Excavating Ltd. v City of Burnaby, 2017 BCSC 2323 & 2018 BCSC 1491

Education & Bar Admissions

  • B.Sc, University of British Columbia, 2011
  • J.D., University of Victoria, 2014
  • Law Clerk, Supreme Court of British Columbia, 2014-2015
  • Called to the Bar of British Columbia, 2015

Memberships & Associations

  • Canadian Bar Association, BC Branch
  • Law Society of British Columbia

Personal

Outside of the office Cassandra enjoys spending time with her young family, playing field hockey, and travelling around the province.