Civil Litigation Basics for Paralegals and Legal Support Staff 2025

Course Chair
Brandon D. Hastings — Northpoint Legal LLP, Vancouver

About the Course Chair
Brandon Hastings is a lawyer, mediator, and writer based in New Westminster, BC. His litigation experience spans all levels of court, including multiple precedent-setting appeals at the BC Court of Appeal. Brandon earned his Master of Laws in Law, Technology and Entrepreneurship from Cornell Tech, where he was recognized with the CALI Excellence for the Future Award for academic excellence. His writing and public speaking focus on the thoughtful use of technology in legal and dispute resolution settings—drawing on a strong foundation in programming, design thinking, and court reform.

Brandon co-founded Vancouver Legal Hackers and launched The Justice Hack initiative, which brings together legal professionals, technologists, and community members to develop practical solutions to access-to-justice challenges. He regularly contributes to the CBABC's BarTalk magazine and has delivered numerous CLEBC presentations on mediation, ethics, and innovation. Known for his clarity, curiosity, and collaborative approach, Brandon brings both depth and accessibility to every conversation—qualities that make him a welcome presence in legal education, innovation spaces, and courtrooms alike.

Faculty
Kenneth Armstrong, KC — Icon Law Group, Vancouver
Kiran Deol — Client Relations Manager, Veritext Legal Solutions, Vancouver
Lindsay Morgan — Alexander Holburn Beaudin & Lang LLP, Vancouver
Gurminder Sandhu, KC — Hamilton Duncan Law Corporation, Surrey
Jaime Sarophim — Slater Vecchio LLP, Vancouver
Nathan J. Wells — Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP, Vancouver

Click here for full faculty bios

Course Introduction and Land Acknowledgement (9:00 – 9:10)

Mary Kingston — Programs Production Manager, CLEBC, Vancouver
Brandon D. Hastings — Northpoint Legal LLP, Vancouver

Pre- and Post-Examination for Discovery (9:10 – 9:50)

Kiran Deol — Client Relations Manager, Veritext Legal Solutions, Vancouver

Drafting Bulletproof Affidavits (9:50 – 10:35)

• overview
• reasons for affidavits
• style and substance of affidavits
• content of affidavits
• pitfalls in drafting

Gurminder Sandhu, KC — Hamilton Duncan Law Corporation, Surrey
Jaime Sarophim — Slater Vecchio LLP, Vancouver

Break (10:35 – 10:50)

Court Binders that Win Cases: Best Practices and Tips (10:50 – 11:35)

• practical tips on organizing binders for lawyers and for the court 
• overview of how the court handles application and petition records once they are received/how they are used by judges and lawyers in court
• how to correctly prepare application and petition records, including an overview of the specific requirements of the SCCRs and the SCFRs:
  • SCCR 8-1(15) [Application Records] (I will also refer the equivalent rule under the SCFRs)
  • SCCR 16-1(11) [Petition Records]

Lindsay Morgan — Alexander Holburn Beaudin & Lang LLP, Vancouver

How to Work Effectively with Lawyers: Common Pitfalls for Junior (and Senior) Support Staff (11:35 – 12:20)

Kenneth Armstrong, KC — Icon Law Group, Vancouver

LUNCH (12:20 – 1:15)

The Document Discovery Process: An Overview (1:15 – 2:10)

Nathan J. Wells — Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP, Vancouver

BREAK (2:10 – 2:25)

Ethical Dilemmas on the Front Line: What Would You Do? (2:25 – 3:25)

• Front-line support staff often work directly with clients and field questions that blur the line between information and legal advice—this fast-paced, scenario-driven session helps you spot that boundary and understand what to do when you're near it, while helping you understand other ethical hotspots lawyers worry about.
• Through live polls and real-world vignettes, you'll practice recognizing red flags, deciding when (and how) to escalate, and using phrasing that protects the file, the firm, and the client.
• You'll leave with practical instincts and adaptable strategies you can put to work right away.

Brandon D. Hastings — Northpoint Legal LLP, Vancouver

Ask Me Anything—Panel Discussion (3:25 – 3:55)

Kenneth Armstrong, KC — Icon Law Group, Vancouver
Kiran Deol — Client Relations Manager, Veritext Legal Solutions, Vancouver
Brandon D. Hastings — Northpoint Legal LLP, Vancouver
Lindsay Morgan — Alexander Holburn Beaudin & Lang LLP, Vancouver
Gurminder Sandhu, KC — Hamilton Duncan Law Corporation, Surrey

Closing Comments and Questions (3:55 – 4:00)

Brandon D. Hastings — Northpoint Legal LLP, Vancouver