Civil Litigation Lawyers in BC
Complex Disputes Resolved.

When the Stakes Are High, Experience Matters.

ATAC LAW's civil and commercial litigation experts have resolved thousands of disputes for individuals, businesses, and corporations in contract disputes, commercial claims, shareholder conflicts, strata matters, and court proceedings across British Columbia, both in trial and outside of court.

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Top RatedCivil Litigation Firm in British Columbia
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Litigation is Won Long Before Trial

When litigation hits, the cost of delay, mistakes, or weak representation compounds fast. One missed deadline, one poorly drafted affidavit, one lawyer who does not understand leverage — and your position can deteriorate quickly.

Winning litigation is about strategy, leverage, and execution. Many clients come to us after frustration because a relationship collapsed, the other side is not responding, or money is owed and excuses keep coming. The legal system rewards preparation, pressure, timing and credibility. This is where experience has an outsized impact on a case: our firm is tried and tested in court and knows the strategies that apply pressure to gain the advantage in litigation.

Whether you are enforcing a commercial contract, recovering a debt, defending a shareholder claim, or stopping a party from dissipating assets, the decisions made in the first days define the outcome.

Take control of your dispute. Speak to a civil litigation lawyer at ATAC LAW.

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Our Expertise in Civil and Commercial Litigation

We represent plaintiffs and defendants in breach of contract claims involving commercial agreements, service contracts, purchase agreements, and professional retainers. ATAC LAW builds pleadings that close off defences before they are raised.
We pursue unpaid debts through BC Supreme Court proceedings, obtaining judgment and enforcing it through garnishment orders, seizure of assets, and charging orders against real property.
We apply for injunctions to stop harmful conduct, freeze assets before they disappear, or preserve evidence critical to your claim. Time-sensitive applications require a lawyer who can move in hours.
We litigate disputes involving real property ownership, easements, encroachments, boundary conflicts, and co-ownership disagreements through BC Supreme Court.
We represent strata corporations and unit owners in disputes over bylaws, special levies, depreciation reports, common property access, and enforcement of strata rules under the Strata Property Act.
We pursue civil fraud claims, negligent misrepresentation, and deceit. Where assets are at risk, ATAC LAW applies for Mareva injunctions and Anton Piller orders to freeze and trace funds.
We represent shareholders in oppression remedy applications, derivative actions, and buy-sell disputes under the Business Corporations Act. ATAC LAW enforces shareholder agreements and protects minority shareholder rights.
We resolve conflicts between directors, officers, and co-owners involving management decisions, profit distributions, unauthorized transactions, and breaches of fiduciary duty.
We pursue and defend commercial claims involving supply agreements, franchise disputes, distribution contracts, licensing agreements, and service level failures between BC businesses.
We represent buyers, sellers, developers, and investors in real estate disputes: failed closings, title disputes, developer disclosure obligations, pre-sale contract enforcement, and vendor take-back disputes.
We handle commercial disputes arising out of construction and engineering contracts, including payment claims, scope disputes, delay cost recovery, and arbitration under CCDC and bespoke project agreements.
We represent clients in commercial arbitration from the initial notice through to the final award. Arbitration resolves disputes privately and confidentially, typically faster than BC Supreme Court.
We prepare and advocate for clients in facilitated mediations, entering with a clear position and an outcome strategy. Settlement only happens on terms that protect your interests.
Not every dispute requires court proceedings. ATAC LAW assesses leverage, risk, and timing to negotiate settlements that close matters efficiently and at a fraction of the litigation cost.
Under BC's Limitation Act, most civil claims must be commenced within 2 years of the date the claim is discovered. Missed deadlines permanently bar otherwise valid claims.
When litigation hits, the cost of delay, mistakes, or weak representation compounds fast. We identify risk, leverage, timing, and the pressure points that can define the outcome.
One missed deadline or one poorly drafted affidavit can weaken your position quickly. ATAC LAW prepares evidence with the precision needed for contested litigation.
Limitation periods close and injunction windows are narrow. ATAC LAW moves quickly when the first days of a dispute define the outcome.
ATAC LAW builds pleadings that close off defences before they are raised and frame the dispute around the facts, remedies, and leverage that matter.
We pursue judgment and enforce recovery through garnishment orders, seizure of assets, and charging orders against real property.
We apply for court orders to stop harmful conduct, freeze assets, preserve evidence, and protect your claim before the other side gains an advantage.
The other side knows we will take a case all the way through trial if the settlement is not what our client deserves.
We review commercial agreements to identify the clauses that create liability before they become litigation.
We enforce shareholder agreements and protect minority shareholder rights when ownership, information access, or buy-sell issues become disputed.
Our knowledge of how disputes arise informs our practice of helping clients find issues before they turn into litigation.

Meet the Lawyers
Behind Our Clients' Success

Mike C. Stewart
Mike C. Stewart
Partner, Engineer, JD, Q.Arb, Q.Med
Mike C. Stewart
Partner, Engineer, JD, Q.Arb, Q.Med

Construction lawyer. Dual designated lawyer and engineer with over 10 years of experience in construction law, procurement, construction contract drafting and dispute resolution.

Roy D. Kim
Roy D. Kim
JD, Engineer., Barrister & Solicitor
Roy D. Kim
JD, Engineer., Barrister & Solicitor

Roy combines passionate legal advocacy with hands-on engineering experience in complex technical disputes, civil litigation, and criminal defence.

Dan H. Griffith
Dan H. Griffith
Q.Arb, Construction Lawyer, Partner
Dan H. Griffith
Q.Arb, Construction Lawyer, Partner

Dan is a true litigator specializing in CCDC contract enforcement, delay claims, and construction deficiency disputes at the BC Supreme Court and BC Court of Appeal.

Gurpal Sandhu construction lawyer
Gurpal Sandhu
Associate Lawyer
Gurpal Sandhu
Associate Lawyer

Gurpal specialises in commercial and construction litigation, representing clients from individuals to multinational corporations across BC and Ontario courts.

David Milojkovic construction lawyer
David Milojkovic
Associate Lawyer
David Milojkovic
Associate Lawyer

David is known for securing rapid payment for subcontractors through builders lien filings and effective negotiation with general contractors.

James Cain construction lawyer
James Cain
Associate Lawyer
James Cain
Associate Lawyer

James has built a reputation for delivering clear, strategic advice and exceptional results in construction and strata contract disputes.

Rodolfo Assinger construction lawyer
Rodolfo Assinger
Associate Lawyer
Rodolfo Assinger
Associate Lawyer

Rodolfo is a multidisciplinary lawyer with experience in construction law, employment law, immigration, torts, and more. His prior background in construction management gives him an edge when advising owners, contractors, consultants, and suppliers.

James Un lawyer
James Un
Senior Lawyer
James Un
Senior Lawyer

James Un is a senior lawyer at ATAC LAW. He focuses on real estate litigation, commercial and residential tenancy matters, debt collection, and commercial litigation. His practice also includes family law.

Raymond Jin lawyer
Raymond Jin
Lawyer
Raymond Jin
Lawyer

Raymond Jin is a courtroom litigation lawyer at ATAC LAW. He focuses on civil litigation, commercial litigation, family law, estate litigation, and residential tenancy disputes.

Linting Zhang lawyer
Linting Zhang
Lawyer
Linting Zhang
Lawyer

Linting has provided legal services to low-income and vulnerable communities across Greater Vancouver in matters involving residential tenancy, employment, immigration, human rights, and small claims. Through this work, he has developed extensive litigation experience and is able to quickly understand clients' legal needs and develop efficient, cost-effective litigation strategies.

Siwei Xu lawyer
Siwei Xu
Lawyer
Siwei Xu
Lawyer

Siwei Xu focuses on civil and commercial litigation, construction disputes, family law litigation, and residential tenancy disputes. He has represented clients in proceedings before the BC Supreme Court and Provincial Court, and has handled settlement and enforcement matters.

Client Victories

Contract Disputes
Owner wins CCDC contract dispute: full payment enforced

An owner engaged ATAC LAW after their general contractor abandoned the project mid-build. Our team reviewed the CCDC 2 contract, identified clear breach provisions, and filed a formal demand within days. The contractor returned to site and completed the project. The owner recovered full holdback amounts under the contract.

Commercial Arbitration
BC pipeline supplier recovers significant payment through fast-track arbitration

ATAC LAW represented a supplier to a BC pipeline operator in Northern British Columbia who was not paid a significant portion of their contract price due to a contractual interpretation issue. ATAC LAW quickly pursued arbitration and pressed the opposing parties on the strength of the client's case, achieving a large settlement in less than a year for the client, well before the arbitration hearing date.

Strata and Property Disputes
Strata corporation enforces bylaw: unauthorized renovation reversed

A strata corporation retained ATAC LAW after a unit owner completed unauthorized structural renovations to common property. ATAC LAW issued a formal demand, filed a petition in BC Supreme Court, and obtained an order requiring the owner to restore the common property to its original condition at their own expense.

Debt Recovery
Business debt recovered in full: judgment enforced within 90 days

ATAC LAW acted for a BC service company owed over $120,000 by a client who refused to pay and disputed the invoice. ATAC LAW filed a Notice of Civil Claim in BC Supreme Court, obtained default judgment within 30 days, and enforced recovery through garnishment of the debtor's bank accounts. Full payment received within 90 days of engagement.

Shareholder Dispute
Minority shareholder protected: buy-sell order obtained under Business Corporations Act

ATAC LAW represented a minority shareholder in a BC private company who was being systematically excluded from management decisions and denied information rights. ATAC LAW filed an oppression remedy application and negotiated a fair-value buyout of the client's shares, closing the matter without a trial.

Business Contract Enforcement
Commercial claims pursued and defended with litigation-ready strategy

ATAC LAW pursues and defends commercial claims involving supply agreements, franchise disputes, distribution contracts, licensing agreements, and service level failures between BC businesses.

Negotiated Resolution
Disputes resolved efficiently when court is not the best path

Not every dispute requires court proceedings. ATAC LAW assesses leverage, risk, and timing to negotiate settlements that close matters efficiently and at a fraction of the litigation cost.

Canadian Bar Association BC Engineers and Geoscientists BC Trial Lawyers Association of BC Professional Engineers Ontario

Why Choose ATAC LAW for Civil and Commercial Litigation

01

Experts in civil and commercial litigation

Every lawyer on our team handles litigation matters daily. We are specialists in BC civil procedure, not generalists learning your case as it unfolds. The other side knows we will take a case all the way through a trial if the settlement is not what our client deserves.

02

We represent both sides of every dispute

Plaintiffs and defendants, individuals and corporations. We know the opposing strategy before it is deployed, because we have used it ourselves.

03

Fast, strategic action when timing matters

Limitation periods close. Injunction windows are narrow. ATAC LAW moves quickly in the first 48 hours of a dispute, when the decisions that define outcomes are made.

04

Contract review before disputes arise

We review commercial agreements, shareholder agreements, and business contracts to identify the clauses that create liability before they become litigation. Our knowledge of how disputes arise informs our practice of helping clients find the issues before they turn into problems.

05

Proven results at BC Supreme Court and in arbitration

Successfully resolved civil and commercial disputes at BC Supreme Court and in private arbitration, with recoveries ranging from $50,000 to $1,000,000+.

06

Technically trained lawyers for complex disputes

Lawyer-engineers on staff bring technical expertise to commercial disputes involving construction, engineering, and infrastructure contracts, giving clients the advantage in complex multi-party litigation.

What BC Contractors and Property Owners Say About ATAC LAW

"Over the course of a year, James Cain provided clear guidance, accurate advice, and a steady, reassuring presence. His professionalism and commitment went far above and beyond what one would normally expect."
Shannon McGeehanGoogle ReviewVerified Review
"David walked me through all potential scenarios, put down my builders lien in a timely fashion, and within two weeks I was paid in full. Best decision ever."
Anything ConcreteGoogle ReviewVerified Review
"Excellent knowledge of construction and Strata law. Partners educated in Engineering and Law, a perfect match for construction litigation. Would highly recommend."
Trevor SmithGoogle ReviewVerified Review
"Mr. Kim helped me with my construction dispute. Very happy with the resolution and the price. Very professional and quick to respond. I've already recommended ATAC Law to friends and clients."
Zanyar The RealtorGoogle ReviewVerified Review
"For businesses in construction and engineering, ATAC LAW is an asset. Responsive, straight to the heart of the matter, and they never sugar-coat costs. Everyone I've referred has come back thanking me."
Chad GiffenGoogle ReviewVerified Review
"James Un handled my pre-sale contract dispute professionally and kept me informed throughout. The case settled smoothly. Quick, concise responses with genuine expertise."
Tru NguyenGoogle ReviewVerified Review

Our Locations

Vancouver Office
Vancouver
375 Water St #650
Vancouver, BC V6B 5C6
Monday – Friday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
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Burnaby Office
Burnaby
8988 Fraserton Ct #308
Burnaby, BC V5J 5H8
Monday – Friday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Book a Consultation
Surrey Office
Surrey
15299 68 Ave #207
Surrey, BC V3S 3L5
Monday – Friday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Book a Consultation
Richmond Office
Richmond
#1020-6388 No. 3 Rd
Richmond, BC V6Y 0A2
Monday – Friday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Book a Consultation

Industry Insights

CPL Law

Certificates of Pending Litigation: Proper Use in Construction and Property Disputes

BC courts are increasingly scrutinizing improper CPL filings. A CPL is only valid where the claim asserts an interest in land. Simple debt or breach of contract claims do not qualify. In RStyle Enterprises Ltd. v. 1308879 B.C. Ltd. (2024), the court reinforced that a CPL is a protective tool, not a weapon of financial leverage.

CPL Law

When a CPL Survives Cancellation: Constructive Trust Claims

In Oikon Developments Inc. v. Chris and Mando Ltd. (2024 BCSC 1333), five CPLs were upheld where the plaintiff adequately pled a constructive trust arising from an oral joint venture for construction services. The court confirmed that the cancellation analysis focuses on the pleadings alone, making precise drafting of the Notice of Civil Claim essential.

New Legislation

BC's Construction Prompt Payment Act: A Landmark Shift for Commercial Disputes

Bill 20, the Construction Prompt Payment Act, received royal assent in November 2025, bringing BC in line with Ontario and Alberta. Once in force, owners must pay contractors within 28 days of a proper invoice, with funds flowing down the chain within 7 days. Adjudication will provide a fast-track dispute mechanism without costly litigation.

Limitation Act

2-Year Discovery Rule: What BC Businesses Must Know

Under BC's Limitation Act, most civil claims must be commenced within 2 years of the date the claim is discovered. Discovery begins when the claimant knows, or reasonably ought to know, that a claim exists and that legal proceedings are appropriate. Missed deadlines permanently bar otherwise valid claims. Courts show no flexibility.

Civil Litigation

Early Strategy Matters Before Trial

Winning litigation is about strategy, leverage, and execution. The legal system rewards preparation, pressure, timing and credibility, especially when a relationship has collapsed or money is owed.

Commercial Litigation

Contract Review Before Disputes Arise

Commercial agreements, shareholder agreements, and business contracts should be reviewed before liability becomes litigation. Identifying risk early helps clients find the issues before they turn into problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have another question? Our civil litigation team is here to help.

Contact Our Team →
What types of civil litigation does ATAC LAW handle?
ATAC LAW handles the full spectrum of civil and commercial litigation in BC, including contract disputes, debt recovery, shareholder and partnership disputes, real estate litigation, strata disputes, fraud claims, injunctions, and enforcement of court judgments. We represent both plaintiffs and defendants in BC Supreme Court proceedings and private arbitration.
What is the limitation period for civil claims in BC?
Under BC's Limitation Act, the basic limitation period for most civil claims is 2 years from the date the claim is discovered. Missing this deadline permanently bars your claim. Contact us immediately if you think your window may be closing.
What is the difference between civil litigation and commercial litigation?
Civil litigation covers any non-criminal dispute between parties, including property, contract, and personal matters. Commercial litigation is a subset focused on business disputes: contract enforcement between companies, shareholder conflicts, corporate fraud, and trade claims. ATAC LAW handles both in a single practice.
What should I bring to my initial consultation?
Bring any written contracts or agreements, correspondence with the other party (emails, texts, letters), invoices or payment records, and any court documents or notices you have received. The more documentation you provide, the faster ATAC LAW can assess your legal position.
How does ATAC LAW charge for litigation matters?
We offer transparent hourly rates, with a clear fee estimate provided after the initial consultation. For specific matters, fixed-fee arrangements may be available. We provide upfront pricing and do not run up your bill without your knowledge.
Can ATAC LAW help with commercial disputes between businesses?
Yes. Commercial disputes between BC businesses are a core part of ATAC LAW's practice. We handle shareholder disputes, contract enforcement, franchise disputes, debt recovery, and corporate fraud claims for companies of all sizes, from small businesses to corporations with operations across Canada.

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