Michael Silva

Since his arrival at Whitelaw Twining in June 2003, Michael Silva has carved a niche for himself in the realm of general litigation, honing a particular expertise in transportation law. By 2009, his dedication and skill had elevated him to the position of Partner. Silva's leadership extends to overseeing the firm's specialized groups in Marine & Transportation, Road Maintenance, and Subrogation.

Silva's legal prowess is evident through his successful representation of clients across various courts in British Columbia, including Provincial and Supreme Courts, as well as the Court of Appeal. His expertise also spans Federal Court appearances and numerous administrative tribunal cases. Silva's case portfolio is diverse, covering a range of complex disputes from vessel and motor carrier collisions to helicopter crashes and cargo claims, showcasing his adeptness in navigating the intricate landscape of transportation law.

Beyond the courtroom, Silva's acumen extends to corporate legal affairs, particularly for clients in the marine and trucking sectors. He excels in crafting tailored risk management strategies and drafting contracts that address the unique needs of these industries. His work includes negotiating and formulating bespoke carriage and towage agreements, creating multimodal transportation contracts for the shipping of aircraft fuselages from Asia, and advising on the transport of hazardous cargo by truck. Silva also specializes in drafting contracts for the food and beverage industry, advising on insurance matters, and preparing documentation for the shipbuilding sector, among other solicitor tasks.

Silva's educational background is as impressive as his professional achievements, holding degrees from the University of Southampton, Queen's University, and the University of British Columbia, where he pursued a double major in History and Psychology. His legal acumen has been recognized continuously from 2016 to 2024, marking him as a leading figure in Maritime Law, Transportation Law, and Insurance Law.

His professional affiliations are vast, including significant roles within the British Columbia Maritime Subsection of the Canadian Bar Association, the Canadian Maritime Law Association, and several other key organizations within the maritime and transportation sectors.

Michael Silva's contributions to legal literature and his involvement in pivotal seminars, such as the Coverage, Construction & No Fault Webinar, underscore his commitment to advancing the field of transportation law. His insightful analyses and articles, ranging from freight forwarding nuances to international transportation law, further establish him as a thought leader in his domain.