Advanced Wills and Estates for Paralegals 2026

Course Chair
Stacie Ayukawa — Senior Paralegal, Heinrichs Richards LLP, Vancouver

About the Course Chair
Stacie Ayukawa is a senior paralegal and joined Heinrichs Richards LLP in 2025. Throughout her career spanning over 18 years, Stacie has practiced in the areas of Family Law and Wills and Estates. Stacie has a Bachelor's Degree from Simon Fraser University, where she majored in Humanities. Prior to commencing her Paralegal Diploma at Capilano University, Stacie was employed as a legal assistant and office manager by a sole practitioner who practiced in family law. Stacie thrives on being well-educated and has a commitment to lifelong learning. With respect to her studies, Stacie was awarded multiple awards, scholarships and distinctions for her academic achievements in the Capilano University Department of Legal Studies. Subsequent to initiating her legal career at a Family and Wills and Estates boutique firm, Stacie went on to obtain a professional designation as an MTI (Member, Trust Institute), as an Estates and Trusts professional.  Finally, Stacie pursued and achieved a Master's Degree from Simon Fraser University, from the Department of Graduate Liberal Studies, where she was also recognized with scholarships and a graduate fellowship.

With respect to Family Law, Stacie has experience in alternative dispute resolution and litigation in Provincial and Supreme Court. She lends a compassionate perspective to her clients and values listening to their unique stories. She communicates thoughtfully and analyzes problems thoroughly. In her Wills and Estates practice, Stacie's experience has brought her to explore the drafting of estate planning documents and the complete probate and intestate estate administration process. Stacie has a solid foundation in resolving matters as effectively and efficiently as possible, taking her clients' needs seriously and with a keen eye to organization and detail.

Beyond the office, Stacie volunteers with several organizations that she is passionate about. She regularly chairs and presents at courses for CLEBC in the area of Wills and Estates. She is also involved with the Indigenous Community Legal Clinic where she presents orientations to UBC Law students on Estate Administration. Additionally, Stacie provides workshops for the non-profit organization, Dress for Success Vancouver. Stacie is also affiliated with the Amici Curiae Friends of Court Society where she hosts a community of legal professionals in managing mental health and provides wellness initiatives that are accessible and inclusive.

Faculty
Kristine Brams — Paralegal, MLT Aikins LLP, Vancouver
Kate Kan — Deputy District Registrar, Supreme Court of BC, Vancouver
Elyssa Lockhart — MLT Aikins LLP, Vancouver
Edward F. Macaulay — North Shore Law LLP, North Vancouver
Rozel Nanda — Deputy District Registrar, Supreme Court of BC, Vancouver
Braeden J. Rahn — Geoffrey W. White Law Corporation & Clark Wilson LLP, Kelowna & Vancouver
Rose Shawlee — Boughton Law Corporation, Vancouver
Tara Wasney — Acting Legal Practice Leader, Public Guardian and Trustee of BC, Vancouver

Click here for full faculty bios

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

Mary Kingston — Programs Production Manager, CLEBC, Vancouver
Stacie Ayukawa — Senior Paralegal, Heinrichs Richards LLP, Vancouver

Blended Family Planning (9:10 – 9:35)

Elyssa Lockhart — MLT Aikins LLP, Vancouver

Corporate Asset Planning (9:35 – 10:10)

• why corporate succession planning matters
• the intersection of corporate law and estate planning
• family enterprise considerations

Kristine Brams — Paralegal, MLT Aikins LLP, Vancouver

BREAK (10:10 – 10:25)

Inter Vivos and Testamentary Trusts (10:25 – 11:05)

Rose Shawlee — Boughton Law Corporation, Vancouver

Estate Administration (11:05 – 11:45)

• cross border assets and conflict of laws

Elyssa Lockhart — MLT Aikins LLP, Vancouver

LUNCH (11:45 – 12:45)

Registry Perspective (12:45 – 1:25)

Kate Kan — Deputy District Registrar, Supreme Court of BC, Vancouver
Rozel Nanda — Deputy District Registrar, Supreme Court of BC, Vancouver

Passing of Accounts (1:25 – 2:35)

Braeden J. Rahn — Geoffrey W. White Law Corporation & Clark Wilson LLP, Kelowna & Vancouver

BREAK (2:35 – 2:45)

The Role of the PGT (2:45 – 3:15)

• overview of who the PGT and the GARS team are
• role they play in estates with assets in BC

Tara Wasney — Acting Legal Practice Leader, Public Guardian and Trustee of BC, Vancouver

Estate Litigation (3:15 – 3:55)

Edward F. Macaulay — North Shore Law LLP, North Vancouver

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

Mary Kingston — Programs Production Manager, CLEBC, Vancouver
Stacie Ayukawa — Senior Paralegal, Heinrichs Richards LLP, Vancouver