A staple of the Vancouver market, Harper Grey elicits prestige owing to its rich history and earns plaudits based on its strategy for the future; the firm’s litigation bench is stocked top-to-bottom with talent ranging from senior statesmen to up-and-comers, all of whom elicit praise from peers and appreciation from clients. “Harper Grey has a 100-year-old profile in this market,” testifies one senior-level peer, adding, “but the talent there now is mostly all younger than me! The firm also has no shortage of fans among its clients. One raves, “They provide timely, sound and strategic advice. They learn our environment well, [they are] mindful of pressures and realities, and relationships that impact on the litigation.” Another summarizes, “[Harper Grey lawyers are] Fantastic, personable, responsive and well-trained counsel. They offer reasonable rates and have excellent local industry knowledge.” Harper Grey is known throughout the province (and, in certain circles, nationwide) for a prized insurance and medical/health capacity. “They are a great defense firm for both property damage and bodily injury losses and also provide meaningful coverage opinions,” confirms one insurance client. One local insurance-focused peer regards the firm as “our sister firm,” and notes, “We see them on a ton of files, particularly Nigel Trevethan, Jonathan Meadows, Kim Jakeman and David Pilley.” However, the firm also houses practitioners in the construction and engineering area, environmental, commercial litigation, insolvency and securities. “Harper Grey is more aggressive in their growth! They brought in Rose Keith and some other great people.”
Indeed, Harper Grey houses several dyed-in-the-wool trial lawyers. One peer crows, “If you have a drop-the-gloves, you’ve-gotta-do-it, big-stakes case, it has to be Michael Hewitt – he’s a real litigator. Compared to him, I feel like I never get into court.” Hewitt is an all-purpose litigator who represents both individuals and entities in a variety of commercial and professional liability cases. In the securities specialty, senior partner Rod Anderson is said to “remain very active still, because people need him, man! If your butt is on the line in the securities area, ‘Hot Rod’ is your life preserver.” One contemporary opines, “Rob presents as this rough-and-tumble, chippy hockey goalie type, and he relishes that, but believe me, underneath all that is one smart dude.” Despite Anderson’s continued role, it is noted that much of the practice is transitioning to Owais Ahmed, who is called “Rod’s protégé but also terrific in his own right.”Roselle Wu is generating plaudits for a thriving wills-and-estates practice. “She is incredibly brilliant,” extols a peer. “Even when she’s unsuccessful she commands a valiant argument.” Clients concur; one offers “Roselle is a brilliant lawyer, outstanding in the courtroom, with a photographic memory; [she is] very responsive and efficient and provides creative and pragmatic solutions to complex issues. Roselle needs to promote herself more; she is one of the top litigators in Vancouver!” Cameron Elder, another of the firm’s quickly risen stars, is described by a client as “very knowledgeable about our industry and about legal principles. [He provides] Timely practical advice and is very responsive. He is a good communicator, which really removes the stress for our people.” Steve Abramson, who operates in the construction and engineering niche, is also beloved by clients. “He has the ability to describe highly technical subject matter or complex legal issues and make them understandable to the report reader. He is responsive to inquiries, [provides] innovative solutions, [and is] cost conscious,” testifies one. Another declares, “Steve is a great communicator. His reporting is knowledgeable and informative, and his experience and skills have been very useful.”