Diane Bell

In the realm of dispute resolution, mediation offers individuals a unique advantage by granting them greater influence over the outcome and preserving the confidentiality of their often delicate matters. Many overlook the diminished control and public exposure inherent in courtroom battles.

Diane, with her role as a mediator, champions the path to equitable and prompt resolutions. She skillfully navigates the emotional and expectation-laden landscape of her clients, employing proactive risk assessments to secure optimal resolutions for all involved. Her expertise shines in untangling what seem to be intractable deadlocks, even surprising legal professionals by finding common ground where none seemed possible. This ability ensures that all parties can proceed with a clear understanding of the resolution.

Dedicating 80% of her professional life to mediation, Diane still nurtures a specialized practice in family law, drawing on over two decades of experience. Her expertise spans intricate tax matters, sophisticated business entities, corporate restructuring, and international investments, alongside trust, estate, and pension law. Such breadth equips her well for the emotionally charged arena of family law, where she adeptly manages heightened emotions.

Diane's work encompasses safeguarding children's financial interests post-divorce and resolving shareholder disputes in businesses, tackling issues that are intensely personal and complex. Her clients value her swift grasp of challenging situations, her ability to juggle seemingly opposing objectives, and her knack for navigating through adversarial stances to discover mutual concessions.

As a recipient of the King’s Counsel honor, Diane is celebrated for her effective mediation skills, bolstered by a pragmatic approach to business. Her excellence in mediation and family law is recognized by Best Lawyers and Lexpert, underscoring her esteemed position in the legal community.

Diane holds a conviction that almost no case is beyond resolution. She is driven by a passion for alleviating the stress of legal proceedings, dedicating herself to facilitating agreements that reflect the interests and desires of those involved.

Her accolades include recognition by Best Lawyers in Canada across multiple categories, including Alternative Dispute Resolution and Family Law Mediation, and multiple accolades as Vancouver’s Lawyer of the Year in various specialties. The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory has consistently recommended her for family law since 2010.

Diane's commitment extends beyond her mediation practice. She is actively involved in the legal community, contributing to the British Columbia Law Institute’s Pension Division Project Committee, holding memberships in several sections of the Canadian Bar Association, and participating in Family Mediation Canada and MediateBC. Her leadership has been evident in her past roles with the Canadian Bar Association Women Rainmakers Section.

Her legal journey began with her call to the British Columbia Bar in 1985, following her graduation from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Laws in 1984. Diane's practice areas, prominently featuring mediation and arbitration alongside family law, underscore her comprehensive approach to legal disputes and her unwavering commitment to the principles of mediation.