Why Swiftsure Law?

At Swiftsure Law, we believe in providing transparency and clarity to our clients. Every client receives an upfront, candid conversation where we assess the strength of their legal position and discuss the anticipated costs and timelines for resolution. For litigation clients, we create a personalized legal map that outlines the detailed steps to reach a final resolution and identifies the necessary actions along the way. Trust Swiftsure Law in Victoria for comprehensive guidance tailored to your specific needs.

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.

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.

John D. Nelson
Senior 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.

Stephanie Weidmann
Associate Lawyer

Headshot of Raymond Dieno, lawyer at Swiftsure Law

Ray is a senior lawyer who was called to the BC Bar in 1998. He hails from Edmonton, Alberta originally. He is a graduate of UVic Law and achieved a Bachelor of Arts in Pacific and Asian studies. He lived and worked in Japan before Law school but decided to get his Law degree and returned to B.C. He has practice in both family and criminal law. He has successfully represented 100s of clients in all levels of Court in B.C., Alberta and the Yukon. Ray is a devoted husband, father and grandfather who enjoys spending time with his family when he isn’t busy fiercely defending his clients’ interests.

Raymond G. Dieno
Associate Lawyer

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 Calliste
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 Marais
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.

Christine Johnston
Paralegal

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.

Danielle L.R. Nelson
Office Manager

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 Ilagan
Receptionist/Administrative Assistant

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