Howard Mickelson has extensive experience as a trial lawyer specializing in complex litigation. He has successfully acted on behalf of clients in cases ranging from commercial, public liability and professional negligence to medical malpractice and catastrophic injury litigation. His approach is creative, smart and thorough.
Howard was adjunct professor of civil litigation at the University of British Columbia from 1999 to 2003. He has authored and co-authored articles in the area of tort law and lectures at medical/legal conferences. He is a speaker and ongoing contributor to programs by the Continuing Legal Education Society.
Queen's Counsel in 2008
Called to the Bar (British Columbia) in 1986
University of British Columbia LL.B in 1985
University of Hawaii B.A. (Political Science with distinction)
Personal: Surfing, water-skiing and playing in a Rock and Roll band (Four times winner of Battle of the Bar Bands in Vancouver.) |
| |
| Representative matters in recent years |
| |
| Public Liability And Professional Negligence Litigation |
 |
• |
Represents an international chartered accountancy firm defending professional negligence claims involving issues of tax practice, preparation of financial projections, assurance engagements and the provision of business advice. |
| |
• |
Represents Government defendant in relation to a wide variety of public liability litigation. |
| |
• |
Defended the Province of British Columbia against a multi million dollar property and business loss claim arising out of a catastrophic train derailment. 2003 BCSC 1558. |
| |
| Defamation Litigation |
|
• |
Represented 11 Plaintiffs in an internet libel case in an action to protect the reputations of teachers, school trustees and parents. 2006 BCSC 65. |
| |
• |
Obtained judgment at trial for a plaintiff restaurant in a major defamation action. 2004 BCSC 294 [reversed by the British Columbia Court of Appeal on a finding of fact; leave to appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada denied]. |
| |
| Medical Malpractice |
|
• |
Represented a Plaintiff in a precedent setting decision from the B.C. Court of Appeal involving issues of medical negligence and informed consent. 1998 BCCA 0006. |
| |
| Business/Contract Litigation |
|
• |
Summary judgment for a Plaintiff in a substantial breach of contract claim. 2003 BCSC 1877. |
| |
• |
Represented a client in a lengthy fraud and civil conspiracy case obtaining one of the first (in Canada) worldwide Mareva injunctions (prejudgment assets seizure). 1995 BCSC 0735. |
| |
• |
Represented 70 leaseholders in Indian reserve lands in the Federal Court of Canada (Trial Division) in a multi-million dollar claim involving the interpretation of rent review clauses contained in long term lease agreements. This decision was upheld by the Supreme Court of Canada. |
| |
| Product Liability |
|
• |
Represented aircraft component manufacturer in litigation involving claims for personal injury. |
| |
• |
Represented an aircraft hull manufacturer in product liability litigation involving property damage, economic loss. |
| |
| Major Personal Injury |
|
• |
Represented plaintiffs and defendants in major personal injury litigation. |
| |
• |
Obtained a significant judgment in a negligence action against the Corrections Branch. 2006 BCSC 1903. |
| |
| Corporate And Society Governance Litigation |
|
• |
Successfully represented a Society’s Board of Directors in a challenge brought under the Society Act of British Columbia. 2000 BCSC 733. |
| |
• |
Represented minority members in a protracted voting dispute in connection with a religious society. 2007 BCSC 882. |
| |
• |
Represents litigants in oppression and other minority shareholder dispute litigation. |
| |
| Advisory Services |
|
• |
Provides counsel to various regulatory and other institutional clients; was Western Canada counsel to the Commission of Inquiry into the Investigation of the Bombing of Air India Flight 182. |
| |
|
| |
|
Howard Mickelson practices through
Howard A. Mickelson Law Corporation |
| |
