Shahnaz Jamal

Shahnaz received her Bachelor of Science degree in Behavioural Neuroscience  from the University of British Columbia and her Juris Doctor from the University of Calgary.  Shahnaz is a Lawyer and an Alternate Dispute Resolution Professional, holding certifications as Family Mediator, Family  Arbitrator, and Parenting Coordinator.

After articling with a national law firm, Shahnaz was called to the bar in both British Columbia and Alberta, and has been practicing for over 20 years, predominantly in the area of Family Law. Shahnaz focuses on all aspects of Family Law (pre-nuptial/marriage agreements, divorce, separation agreements, custody, access, and other parenting arrangements) with a view to resolving disputes for her clients.

Since the inception of JLG in 2008, Shahnaz has applied her business model and obtained successful resolutions for her clients. Her versatile approach has proven to serve BC Families and couples well as 90% of her new clients come from referrals of past clients or opposing parties who have been at the receiving end of Shahnaz’s legal strategies. People from all over the province have retained Shahnaz, and she continues to expand her offices to service her increasing local and out of town clients.

In addition to mentoring her associates and students, Shahnaz shares her skills and experience as Duty Counsel for litigants in Vancouver Justice Access Centre and was a volunteer mediator for the Conciliation and Arbitration Board of BC.

LANGUAGES: English

PERSONAL INTERESTS: Being born and raised in North Vancouver, Shahnaz enjoys hiking the mountains and walking the seawall. Now settled in the Yaletown area of Vancouver, Shahnaz enjoys the innovative restaurants, shops, and culture that surrounds her home and makes sure to spend time with her family. When she is not busy working or volunteering, Shahnaz enjoys travelling to other parts of the world to learn about different cultures.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

• Member, Professionals Alliance 2008 – Present
• Vice Chair, Ismaili Legal Professionals of BC 2013 – present
• Member, Conciliation and Arbitration Board, BC 2009 – 2015
• Member, Conciliation and Arbitration Board, National 2019-2023
• Board of Directors, BC Disability Games 2006 – 2014
• Member, Association of Family and Conciliation Courts
• Member, Law Society of British Columbia
• Member, Law Society of Alberta
• Member, Canadian Bar Association – BC Branch
• Member, Vancouver Bar Association
• Member, Family Mediation Canada