Farris provides a comprehensive and diverse array of litigation services that ranges from commercial litigation, securities, family law and administrative law to labor and employment. While recognized as “a classic Vancouver firm,” Farris is noted by peers as being “well positioned because of the big group of younger partners that are coming up and complementing the more senior people that are Farris ‘lifers.’” One peer notes, “Farris is obviously not a national firm but. in this city, they are almost of a national-size bench – top-flight firm.” Another peer declares, “Farris historically been very strong in Vancouver for decades, and I see them broadening up a lot more and more and taking on a lot of high-net-worth family law cases that involve the transfer of wealth. They have always done a bit of this work but now they seem to be really doubling down on it.”
Ludmila Herbst is unanimously championed by peers, not only for her litigation prowess but also for her role as “really the cultural leader at Farris right now, who has put so much brains and energy into the evolution of the team.” In one novel matter, Herbst represents a title holder to a large-scale development project who challenged the application of a recently introduced additional tax to certain properties. After succeeding in this capacity in 2021, the BC provincial government joined assessor in an appeal, which an appeals court granted in February 2023 but, in March, refused to award costs to either the Assessor or the Province. Leave to appeal was granted in May 2023, but this appeal was abandoned by agreement after the provincial government issued an order in council remitting to the client for past and immediately upcoming tax years.
Mike Wagnerand Kevin Smith have emerged as two of the firm’s most prominent players, both individually and as team members attending to a diverse range of their own novel matters. Two recent examples illustrate the firm’s “sweet spot” of high-end family disputes that intersect with business-interest elements. This versatility is also demonstrated by
Robert Anderson, a more senior member of the team, is acknowledged as “still a ubiquitous presence, who does not seem to be stepping back at all” by one peer, who goes on to quip, “and you would definitely notice if he wasn’t there!”
Rebecca Morse attends to a practice that balances estates litigation, construction and insolvency. “She is really great,” extols a peer. “She really brings a solid work ethic and a pleasant demeanor.”
Marylee Davies, who makes her debut as a litigation star this edition, is praised for her acumen in the labor and employment area. A client confirms, “Marylee communicates well and has really taken the time to understand me and my business.”
Yun Li-Reilly, whose multi-pronged practice further typifies the commercial/family law intersection Farris is being increasingly sought out for, has also gained considerable traction. “I think she’s quite smart and has a lot of ‘upside’ to take that practice as far as she wants,” asserts a peer.
