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 K. Grewal (she/her) 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 practice as a lawyer, Prab, is committed to achieving resolution for her client’s legal matters.

In her spare time, Prab enjoys spending time with friends, family, and her dog Kylo.

Danielle L.R. Nelson (she/her) 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.

Karla Siao (she/her) is a foreign-trained lawyer and soon-to-be articling student, bringing a deep commitment to client care and legal excellence. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication and a Bachelor of Laws from the Philippines, as well as a Diploma in Business Administration from the University of Victoria.

Before immigrating to Canada, she worked closely with a Justice at the Court of Appeals in the Philippines, gaining valuable insight into the judicial process. Since settling in Victoria, she has continued to build her legal and administrative experience, working with a recruitment and immigration firm where she sharpened her workflow management and client service skills. Recently accredited by the Law Society of Canada, she is preparing to begin her articling as part of her path to becoming a licensed lawyer in British Columbia. She is especially interested in learning more about family law and how it can be used to support families navigating challenging transitions.

Married and a proud mother of three, she brings warmth, balance, and a multicultural perspective to her work.

When she is not working, she enjoys exploring Vancouver Island with her family and two dogs and unwinds through reading, baking and cooking for loved ones.

Christine Johnston (she/her) 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-centered 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.

Melissa M. Phillips (she/her) has a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Victoria. Since 2022 she has been leading a creative art group for adults at the Esquimalt Neighborhood house. She has been working in the therapy field for many years and recently joined the Swiftsure Law firm to help assist the team. Originally, she was a shiatsu therapist before starting a family with her husband.  For the last twelve years she has been a volunteer peer counselor at the Esquimalt Neighborhood house, while raising her three autistic children. Melissa has a strong background in supporting individuals and is a skilled listener.

When she is not in the office, you can find Melissa gardening, walking her two Mastiff English/ bull dogs or spending time with children and husband.