Our team
Litigation department
John D. Nelson
Senior Lawyer

John D. Nelson is the co-creator of the Swiftsure Law brand. He is a skilled legal strategist, uniquely suited for complex and contentious matters as his approach cuts through the chaos and helps everyone to focus on resolution. He is a powerful speaker, with hundreds of hours of court time and many successful judgments. John has a vast knowledge of Canadian Law and its interpretations, and he uses it to advocate for his clients.
Raised in Victoria, BC, with an undergraduate degree in Political and Environmental Sciences from The University of Victoria, John obtained his Juris Doctorate from the Peter A. Allard School of Law in Vancouver, where he did an externship with the Provincial Court. John was called to the BC Bar in 2011 after articling with the Attorney General’s office. He spent many years working as a litigator in Vancouver, honing his skills both inside the courtroom and out. An active member of the Canadian Bar Association as well as the BC Bar Association, John is constantly striving to learn and grow through professional and personal learning opportunities. He is particularly proud to mentor his articled students and works closely with legal training programs.
John is dedicated to the quest for justice on behalf of his clients. Navigating an often-difficult legal system he guides his clients through the maelstrom until they achieve resolution and can move on with their lives from a position of strength.
In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and four children. He is an avid fly fisherman and a life-long environmentalist. John is a passionate advocate for local families.

Adele DesBrisay

Adele DesBrisay (she/her) joined the Swiftsure Law team in the Spring of 2024, first as an Articled Student and now as an Associate Lawyer. Adele received her Bachelor of Arts and Science in interdisciplinary environmental studies from McGill University in 2019 and her JD from the University of Victoria in 2023. She completed the first half of her articles with the Environmental Law Centre working on public interest environmental law files. This involved reports and memos in areas including administrative law, municipal law, constitutional law (including regarding jurisdiction and charter issues), competition law, and Indigenous and Aboriginal law.
During law school, Adele developed an interest in family law. She wrote her major paper on the treatment of family violence in court proceedings involving parenting time and has written several other papers on child protection issues. She also worked with the Transform the Family Justice System Collaborative to come up with ways to decrease Adverse Childhood Experiences exacerbated by the family justice system and to integrate teaching about trauma-informed practice into law and medical school curriculums. Adele taught sailing for 10 years, and hopes to be able to integrate her love for working with kids into her family law practice.
In her free time, Adele spends as much time as possible on or around the ocean. Throughout law school, she worked part-time for the Royal Victoria Yacht Club and BC Sailing, teaching kids how to sail/race and how to coach sailing. She is now on the Board of Directors for BC Sailing.
Prab Grewal

Prab Grewal is originally from Abbotsford, B.C and obtained her Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of the Fraser Valley. After spending several years working at the Canada Revenue Agency, Prab received her Juris Doctorate from Thompson Rivers University where she received the Dean’s Course Prize in Tax Law.
In her spare time, Prab enjoys spending time with friends, family, and her dog Kylo.
Christine Johnston
Paralegal

Christine Johnston received her Paralegal Diploma through CDI College all while raising her 2 young children. Christine has experience working with ICBC claims and personal injuries, wills and estates, and civil litigation. Christine’s background in social services gives her a dynamic view on the importance of family.
She is focused on client-centred care and is motivated to achieve success when supporting others in the community. Her experience helps assist individuals experiencing trauma while balancing her ability to understand their tribulation and remain professional. Christine’s experience as an Occupational Health and Safety Specialist for 6 years brings extensive knowledge in document control, safety standards, and regulation. With her knowledge and experience, we can further support our fast-growing organization.
Administration department
Danielle L.R. Nelson
Office Manager

Danielle L.R. Nelson is the co-creator of the Swiftsure Law brand. With a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Victoria and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Vancouver Island, Danielle has a broad range of experience and expertise. A dedicated entrepreneur, Danielle has a strong background in business, accounting, planning, and human resources. She is keenly focused on client care and business management. A skilled communicator and editor, Danielle uses her eye for detail to ensure all Swiftsure documents meet exacting standards.
Married to our senior lawyer and a proud mother of four, she brings a unique perspective to our team. Danielle is passionate about local BC families and she works tirelessly to ensure that Swiftsure Law meets the goal of effectively helping its clients navigate the legal system to achieve resolution.
When she is not in the office, you can find Danielle reading a good novel or playing with her children.
Areas of Focus
Family law
Swiftsure Law in Victoria has a proven track record of achieving positive results for its clients both inside and outside of the courtroom. Careful planning and a crafted strategic presentation win the day.
Divorce & separation
A separation agreement is a legally-binding document that is filed with, and fully enforceable by, the court. While you may be motivated to resolve your divorce or separation quickly, agreeing to something that hurts you can have costs that far outweigh the benefits of a speedy resolution.
Mediation
A mediator is a neutral facilitator who builds consensus between parties and then documents their agreement. Separation agreements made at mediations are legally binding and when filed with the court, are enforceable like a court order. A mediator neither gives legal advice nor makes the decisions for you. Mediation is a confidential process where a decision is made by the parties instead of being imposed upon you.
A Legal Center of Excellence
We are a family owned and operated office and are driven by the values of:
- Responsiveness
- Strategy
- Strength
- Experience