"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."
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.
Sending...
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.
Contact Our Team →

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
ATAC LAW pursues and defends commercial claims involving supply agreements, franchise disputes, distribution contracts, licensing agreements, and service level failures between BC businesses.
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.
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.
Plaintiffs and defendants, individuals and corporations. We know the opposing strategy before it is deployed, because we have used it ourselves.
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.
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.
Successfully resolved civil and commercial disputes at BC Supreme Court and in private arbitration, with recoveries ranging from $50,000 to $1,000,000+.
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.
"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."
"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."
"Excellent knowledge of construction and Strata law. Partners educated in Engineering and Law, a perfect match for construction litigation. Would highly recommend."
"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."
"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."
"James Un handled my pre-sale contract dispute professionally and kept me informed throughout. The case settled smoothly. Quick, concise responses with genuine expertise."
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Have another question? Our civil litigation team is here to help.
Contact Our Team →Don’t make the mistake of hiring a generalist. Your case deserves specialized advice. Book your confidential case review now.
Sending...