Gary Hagel

Gary M. Hagel, both a seasoned litigator and a mediator, has made his mark in the legal profession since stepping into the field in 1999. His extensive experience covers representing clients across all BC court levels, focusing on Estate Administration and Litigation, Wills and Estate Planning, Employment and Workplace Litigation, Real Estate Litigation, and Mediation across various civil disputes.

In the course of his career, Gary has pivoted towards areas he is most passionate about: mediation, Wills & Estates, and Employment Law. His journey in the legal realm has seen him tackle cases in Occupiers' Liability, Personal Injury (representing both plaintiffs and defendants), and broader Civil Litigation issues.

Gary's diverse background is not just professional but personal and geographical as well. He grew up in various locations, including the Cariboo, Vancouver Island, Calgary, and Greater Vancouver, influenced by the industrious spirits of his parents—his father a gasfitter and electrician, and his mother a bookkeeper. Before pursuing law, Gary held multiple jobs, painting houses, bartending, baking bagels, and working as an insurance adjuster, experiences that grounded him in the realities of different walks of life.

His upbringing in small towns instilled in him a love for the outdoors, a passion he carries to this day, evidenced by his certification as a SCUBA diver and his appreciation for wetlands and the ocean. Gary's move to the metropolitan area of Greater Vancouver broadened his horizons, allowing him to value the perks of city life.

Community involvement is a cornerstone of Gary's life outside the courtroom. He has dedicated over a decade to the Richmond Caring Place Society, serving as a past Chair, and is actively involved with the Canadian Satellite Design Challenge Management Society. His commitment to local initiatives extends to volunteering with the Kajaks Track and Field Club in Richmond.

Gary champions the philosophy that effective communication—preferably face-to-face or via phone—is key to resolving disputes. Nevertheless, he doesn't shy away from courtroom battles when necessary, boasting significant trial experience and a reputation as a pragmatic and compassionate advocate.

• Admitted to the Bar in British Columbia in 1999

• Holds an LL.B. from the University of British Columbia, 1998

• Completed "Mediating the Litigated Case" at Pepperdine University Caruso School of Law in 2020

• Completed the National Introductory Mediation Course from the Alternative Dispute Resolution Institute of Canada in 2021

• Member of several professional associations, including the Law Society of British Columbia and the Canadian Bar Association

• Volunteered extensively, including significant roles with the Richmond Caring Place Society and the Canadian Satellite Design Challenge Management Society

Gary M. Hagel's approach to law melds a deep understanding of legal complexities with a grounded, personable approach, making him a respected figure in both the courtroom and the community.