Our team

Litigation department

John D. Nelson

Senior Lawyer

Headshot of John D. Nelson, Senior Lawyer at Swiftsure Law Firm

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.

Stephanie Weidmann

Associate Lawyer

Headshot of Stephanie Weidmann, Associate Lawyer at Swiftsure Law Firm

Stephanie A. Weidmann joined the Swiftsure Law legal team in the summer of 2020 as John D. Nelson’s articled student and is now an Associate Lawyer. With a Bachelor of Communications from Mount Royal University and a Juris Doctorate from Thompson Rivers University, Stephanie brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Swiftsure Law legal team.

She has worked with leading scholars on the issue of Trans Legal Rights, has published an article, and assisted the guest editor of a special issue of the Canadian Journal of Law and Society on legal issues facing Trans folks in Canada. She is the recipient of the Grace McDonell Scholarship for her commitment to enhancing the diversity of Canadian society. Stephanie’s sense of humour and vibrant personality are a pleasure to work with. She is a tenacious and intelligent advocate and shines in the courtroom while also maintaining a gentle touch for negotiation.

In her spare time, Stephanie enjoys theatre, good books, knitting, and time with her friends and family.

Raymond Dieno

Associate Lawyer

Headshot of Raymond Dieno, lawyer at Swiftsure Law

We are proud to introduce Raymond Dieno, a criminal defence lawyer who has joined the Swiftsure legal team – a trusted advocate for 25 years in criminal defence cases in BC, Alberta and Yukon.

Are you facing serious criminal charges? Look no further! With extensive experience in BC, Alberta, and the Yukon, Raymond Dieno is here to provide unwavering support and expert representation at all levels of court.

From murder cases to dangerous offenders, our dedicated team is committed to fighting for your rights. We understand that being accused of a crime can be an incredibly stressful experience, which is why we prioritize open, effective and consistent communication with our clients.

Contact our office today for a consultation. Whether you need assistance with bail hearings or trial representations, Raymond Dieno will ensure your defence strategy is strong and effective. Don’t let anxiety consume you – trust us to resolve your legal matters with the utmost professionalism.

Kellisha Calliste

Paralegal

Headshot of Kellisha Calliste, Paralegal at Swiftsure Law Firm

Kellisha comes to us from Toronto, Ontario, where she has worked as a Paralegal for 5 years. She obtained her professional certification from Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning in 2012, along with an Honours Degree in Criminology with a Minor in Psychology from York University in 2019.

Kellisha is passionate about helping families achieve a resolution to their family law legal matters. Her strong family ties and commitment to excellence in law are what give Kellisha her unique perspective on client experience.

As John Nelson’s Paralegal, Kellisha is looking forward to supporting Swiftsure Clients through the complex world of family law. Kellisha enjoys time outdoors with friends and is looking forward to exploring beautiful Vancouver Island in the coming months.

Jocelyn Marais

Paralegal

Headshot of Jocelyn Marais, Legal Assistant at Swiftsure Law Firm

Jocelyn Marais is originally from the mainland and is now proud to call Victoria home. With her Legal Administrative Assistant Certificate from Camosun College, a degree in English and History from the University of Victoria, and her Paralegal Certification from Capilano University, she is a valuable asset to the Swiftsure Law legal team.

Jocelyn is focused on document and file management. She keeps us all organized and all the essential documents carefully archived and at our fingertips.

In her spare time, Jocelyn enjoys spending time with her husband and extended family as well as exploring our beautiful province.

Christine Johnston

Paralegal

A headshot of Christine Johnston, paralegal at Swiftsure Law

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

Headshot of Danielle L.R. Nelson, Admin

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.

Maureen Ilagan

Receptionist/Administrative Assistant

A headshot of Maureen Ilagan, receptionist at Swiftsure Law

Maureen Ilagan is originally from the Philippines, where she obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. Her work experience in the UAE spans more than a decade, with a particular emphasis on administrative support, executive assistance, and travel coordination and management. She relocated to Victoria as an international student at the University of Victoria, where she completed her two-year program in Business Administration and earned Professional Development Certificates in Business Communication and Administrative Technology.

Maureen is business-savvy, detail-oriented, adept in technology, and has strong interpersonal, organizational, and prioritization abilities.

Maureen has a great passion for visiting different countries and discovering diverse cultures. She also likes spending weekends outdoors with her spouse and friends.

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.

Appeals

While it’s natural for people on the losing end of a judgement to feel like they’ve been slighted, there are legitimate situations where a judge, master, or arbitrator “got it wrong” based on the information they had available to them at the time.

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.

Criminal law

As a seasoned criminal law practitioner, our senior lawyer Raymond G. Dieno brings a wealth of experience and a steadfast commitment to defending your rights. We provide a comprehensive range of legal services to navigate the complexities of the Canadian criminal justice system. Our dedicated team is here to ensure you receive the best possible defense, regardless of the charges you face.