Krista Johanson

Krista's legal expertise primarily lies in the realm of civil litigation, where she excels in handling disputes related to construction, engineering, and surety. Her practice encompasses a broad spectrum of civil actions, including those arising from tort and contractual disagreements. Throughout her career, Krista has successfully represented a diverse client base, ranging from sureties and owner-developers to contractors, sub-trades, and strata corporations. Her portfolio of cases includes intricate matters involving large-scale infrastructure, alongside both commercial and residential construction disputes.

Her courtroom prowess is evident as she has confidently represented clients across various judicial levels in British Columbia, including the Supreme Court, and has also navigated the complexities of commercial arbitration. Notably, Krista has taken on the role of lead counsel in several pivotal trials, underscoring her ability to steer cases with precision and authority.

Before her tenure at BLG, where she started as an articling student, Krista's foundational legal skills were honed through her clerkship for two justices at the Court of Appeal of British Columbia. This early exposure to appellate courts provided her with a unique perspective on legal advocacy and judicial processes.

Krista's legal acumen has not gone unnoticed in the professional community. Her contributions to construction law have been consistently acknowledged, with accolades including her listing as a Leading Lawyer to Watch in The Canadian Legal Lexpert® Directory of 2023, and her recognition in The Best Lawyers in Canada™ for construction law, a distinction she has held since 2021. Additionally, her potential and prowess in litigation have been highlighted in Benchmark Canada as a Future Star since 2019 and in the "40 & Under Hot List" by Benchmark Litigation Canada starting from 2020. Her early recognition as a CLE BC 'Rising Star' in 2018 further attests to her significant contributions to the legal education and community in British Columbia.

Krista's commitment to excellence in legal practice is backed by a solid educational foundation. She was admitted to the bar in British Columbia in 2011 after completing her JD at the University of British Columbia in 2009, where she earned several prestigious awards for her outstanding academic achievements. Prior to her legal studies, she graduated with honors from the University of Toronto's Trinity College in 2004.

Her legal practice spans a variety of key areas, including but not limited to, professional negligence, commercial arbitration, and commercial litigation, with a particular emphasis on construction disputes, P3 contracts, public infrastructure, and surety and bonding. Krista's multifaceted expertise and dedication to her clients' best interests have positioned her as a distinguished figure in the field of civil litigation, particularly in the construction and engineering sectors.