Overview

Pat is an accomplished Family Law Lawyer and was appointed King’s Counsel in 2019. Understanding how difficult separations can be on families, she specializes in Collaborative Law and mediation processes that aims to reduce the amount of stress and emotional trauma on partners and children going through a divorce. She practices in all aspects of Family Law including property, pension and asset division, how to meet the financial needs of children and the needs of separating partners. Pat aims to assist parents transition to effective co-parents for their children, and for all separating people, closure and stability so they can proceed with their lives in as healthy a way as possible.
A firm believer in clear communication, and assisting people in creating a firm foundation for their relationship, a large area of Pat’s practice is assisting partners create cohabitation and pre-nuptial agreements.
Pat is recognized as both a role model to her peers, and a passionate ally for the 2SLGBTQ+. She has won multiple distinctions for her advocacy work, and has demonstrated that legal professionals can create a lasting positive impact and legacy on their community.
Advanced Mediation Training with Jennifer Suzor, Family Arbitration Mediation Legal Institute (FAMLI) (2020);
Identifying, Assessing and Managing Power Imbalance & Family Violence in Family Dispute Resolution Processes (14 Hours), Riverdale Mediation Institute of Manitoba Inc. FAMLI (2019)
Collaborative Law Training from International Academy of Collaborative Professionals programs in Vancouver, Toronto, New Orleans, Minneapolis, Chicago, Vancouver, Washington and Seattle (2003, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2012, 2014, 2015, and 2018)
Ontario Collaboration Law Federation and Ontario Association of Family Mediators in Niagara and Ottawa (2017, and 2019)
Powerful Non – Defensive Communication Voice “Train the Trainers” six day courses, Mexico (2011), and Ontario (2018)
Diploma for Arbitration certification, Arbitration and Mediation Institute of Manitoba Inc. (2005);
Comprehensive Mediation Internship Pilot Project, Government of Manitoba (1999)

Practice Areas

• Family Law

Bar Information

Called to the bar: 1984 (MB)