Our Team
Shahnaz Jamal – Founder & Principal
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Shahnaz received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biopsychology 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 Mediator, Arbitrater, 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 18 years, 16 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.
Oluwafunto (Funto) Odukoya – Articled Student
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Oluwafunto, popularly known as Funto graduated from UBC’s Peter A. Allard School of Law in 2022, having completed the LLM (Common Law) course. Before Law School in Canada, Funto obtained her Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and Legal Practice Course (“LPC”) Certificate from Nottingham Law School, United Kingdom, where she graduated with First Class Honours and Distinctions. During her LLM at UBC, she was the Ombudsperson for the AMS and was involved in conflict resolution, including providing mediation and negotiation services to AMS members. She was also a member of the UBC Black Law Student Association.
During Law School in the UK, Funto worked as a Legal Adviser at Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Refugee Forum, providing legal advice to refugees and asylum seekers on Family reunion issues. She also worked as a Free Representation Unit adviser where she was responsible for Social Security cases against the Secretary of State for work and pensions. Funto was elected course representative for two consecutive years during her undergraduate degree, where she also received an Award for her dedication to the role. After her LPC, Funto aworked as a Trainee Associate at a leading law firm in Lagos, Nigeria where she gained experience in dispute resolution and other areas of law.
MEMBERSHIPS: Canadian Association of Black Lawyers, and Canadian Bar Association – BC Branch.
LANGUAGES SPOKEN: English, Yoruba.
PERSONAL INTERESTS: Funto enjoys visiting new restaurants – including trying out diverse cultural foods. She enjoys music, including afrobeat, hip hop and R&B.
Stephanie Goldminc – Mediator, Designated Paralegal, & Commissioner for Taking Affidavits
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Stephanie works closely with and alongside her Principal, Shahnaz Jamal. Stephanie has worked in the area of family law for over 22 years. She completed her training as a Legal Assistant in 1996 and obtained her diploma as a Paralegal in 2003 from Capilano University. Stephanie has experience with all levels of the court system and alternative dispute resolution: she has appeared in Supreme Court and Provincial Court on interim applications, judicial case conferences, family case conferences, Registrar hearings, and settlement conferences; she has assisted her principals in preparing submissions, arguments, affidavits, applications, and pleadings for all levels of court, including the BC Court of Appeal and Supreme Court of Canada; and she has prepared files for and attended arbitrations.
Leanne Garrett – Director of Finance and Operations
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As the firm’s part-time Human Resources Director, Elizabeth oversees the Human Resources strategy. This includes recruitment, compensation, performance management, communication, learning and development, and health and wellness. With more than 30 years of experience within the professional services, financial/banking, and retail sectors, Elizabeth also runs a successful HR consulting firm. Additionally, Elizabeth is a seasoned director who presently serves on the Board of Governors for the Chartered Professional Accountants’ of BC Education Foundation. She holds a Master of Business Administration from Royal Roads University and the Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) designation.
Elizabeth Jackson – Director, Human Resources
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Leanne brings 30+ years of management and accounting experience in business, legal and non-profit environments. For the past 20 years, Leanne has worked specifically in law firms as an Office Manager and Accountant, and for the past 9 years as Controller of a respected commercial real estate firm in Vancouver.Leanne’s in-depth accounting experience, knowledge of PCLaw® software, productivity and people skills has allowed her to provide many client firms across the Lower Mainland with quality consulting services. She has gained a reputation for strong leadership, high standards, and an exceptional work ethic.
In her spare time, Leanne enjoys serving her community, reading and spending time with her grandchildren.