Nerissa Yan

Nerissa Yan, a partner with a unique linguistic capability, stands out in Vancouver's legal landscape for her proficiency in Mandarin, making her a go-to lawyer for both domestic and international clients, as well as her peers. Her command of English and Mandarin, along with conversational Japanese skills, bridges cultural gaps, offering her clients a nuanced understanding of their legal challenges.

Admitted to the Law Societies of British Columbia and Ontario in 2016, Yan's academic journey began with a B.A in Communication from Simon Fraser University, followed by a J.D from the University of Ottawa. This diverse educational background equips her with a broad perspective on legal and communicative strategies, enhancing her litigation tactics.

Yan's legal prowess extends across a spectrum of civil and commercial litigation areas. She is well-versed in handling intricate disputes such as contractual disagreements, shareholder conflicts, and creditor/debtor issues. Her expertise also covers real estate and strata quarrels, construction disagreements, commercial lease issues, fraud, professional negligence, estate litigation, foreclosure procedures, and defamation cases. Yan has carved a niche for herself in enforcing foreign judgments and arbitral awards within British Columbia, showcasing her adaptability and depth of knowledge in international legal procedures.

Beyond the courtroom, Yan's representation stretches to administrative and regulatory realms. She skillfully advocates for clients before a variety of bodies including the British Columbia Human Rights Tribunal, Employment Standards Branch, Residential Tenancy Branch, and professional regulatory councils. Her adeptness in navigating through these different jurisdictions highlights her comprehensive understanding of the legal system.

Yan's contributions to the legal community have not gone unnoticed. In 2020, she was honored as one of the Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers in Canada in the Young Influencer category. Moreover, she has been recognized by Best Lawyers as one to watch in 2024, further testament to her impact and expertise in the field.

Her ability to provide legal services in multiple languages, coupled with a deep appreciation for cultural subtleties, makes Yan a distinctive figure in the legal profession. Her appearances at all levels of court in British Columbia, as well as the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, underscore her versatile litigation experience and commitment to justice.

Yan's multifaceted approach to law, underpinned by her language skills and cultural sensitivity, not only enriches her client relationships but also enhances her ability to advocate effectively in a globalized world.