Howard Mickelson, KC

Gudmundseth Mickelson

Partner

2525 – 1075 W
Georgia St. Vancouver
BC, V6E 3C9 Canada

+1 604 688 7400

Litigation Star

English


Jurisdiction:

British Columbia
Canada

Practice area:

Commercial
Defamation


Known for his bold courtroom presence and fierce commitment to his clients, Howard is a formidable advocate. He is involved in some of the province’s most complex cases and is well‑known as one of the top litigators in British Columbia.

He is called upon in high‑stakes and contentious disputes where smart, strategic advocacy and decisive action are required. Clients trust him to take control of difficult situations, advance their position forcefully, and do what is necessary to achieve results.

His practice is broad and high‑profile and includes matters involving business and contract disputes, professional negligence, defamation, major public interest, constitutional law and catastrophic injuries. He works on precedent‑setting decisions and argues matters at the British Columbia Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court of Canada.

A highly skilled and persuasive litigator, Howard combines sharp legal instincts with the confidence to make difficult calls. He’s unafraid to take strong positions when the circumstances demand it. His advocacy is confident and colorful, and he has earned the respect of the bench and bar over his 40 years of practice.

Clients value his ability, creativity and direction. He is prepared to challenge assumptions and push matters forward when others might hesitate. That approach has earned him a reputation as a trusted advisor in the most demanding situations. At the same time, Howard recognizes that the cost of litigation can skyrocket in high‑conflict matters. He uses his seniority and personality to de‑escalate where possible, thereby advancing the prospects of resolution for his client and maintaining cost control.

  • Corporate governance dispute. Howard Mickelson, K.C. and Arpal Dosanjh are counsel in a significant corporate governance dispute involving control and post‑departure conduct of a former CEO and Director. In related proceedings, they successfully obtained injunctive relief restraining the former principal from engaging in competitive activities contrary to the company’s interests.

  • Estates litigation. Howard Mickelson, K.C. and Clayton Gallant successfully defended a multi‑million‑dollar estate claim brought by an individual asserting spousal entitlement against the deceased’s estate and his adult children. The claim raised contested issues of what constitutes a spouse and the enforceability of prenuptial agreements.

  • Eisler v. Connor, Clark & Lunn Financial Group Ltd. Howard Mickelson, K.C. and Allan Dolittle were counsel in a significant private equity dispute concerning the entitlement of departing employees to ongoing profit participation. The matter engaged the evolving doctrine of good faith in contractual performance. Leave to appeal from an arbitration award was successfully obtained, positioning the case for further judicial scrutiny and contributing to a favourable resolution.

  • Meng Wanzhou v. Government of Canada. Howard Mickelson, K.C. and Allan Dolittle were counsel in a high‑profile constitutional and civil claim alleging breaches of Charter rights by the Canadian government through the CBSA and RCMP arising from detention and arrest. The litigation raised complex issues at the intersection of constitutional law, international relations, and law enforcement conduct and attracted significant global attention.

  • Huang v. Silvercorp Metals Inc. This matter became a leading authority on the successful use of the crime/fraud exception to solicitor‑client privilege. Howard Mickelson, K.C. was involved in multi‑jurisdictional litigation arising from allegations of false imprisonment against a Canadian mining company in connection with actions taken by its Chinese subsidiary. The case raised novel issues concerning jurisdiction, corporate separateness, and the extraterritorial reach of Canadian courts.

  • Appellate
  • Arbitration
  • Bankruptcy
  • Class action
  • Commercial disputes
  • Construction and real estate
  • Dispute resolution
  • Government and regulatory
  • Plaintiff
  • Product liability and recall
  • Public and constitutional law
  • Defamation
  • Administrative law
  • Professional negligence
  • Catastrophic injuries

  • Accounting
  • Government and public policy
  • Investment management
  • Media
  • Real estate
  • Family business and enterprise disputes

  • LL.B., University of British Columbia, 1985
  • B.A., Political Science with Distinction, University of Hawaii, 1982

  • British Columbia, 1986

  • King’s Counsel (appointed by the British Columbia Attorney General), 2008