Toll Free: 1.877.338.9440
Local: 250.338.9440
A. W. McGarvey, his staff, and out-of-office consultants are a dedicated team of professionals who work diligently to represent your best interests. We provide the highest level of personal legal service and clients are frequently referred to us on serious files from other legal counsel throughout Vancouver Island, when our level of service and expertise is required. We have the experience, resources, and connections to handle the most complex cases.
A.W. McGarvey
A. W. (Al) McGarvey was proudly born and raised in East Vancouver, B.C. (Commercial Drive). In the eighth grade he parted company with a traditional high school. He then spent eight years occasionally at a number of schools and mostly travelled in North America. He obtained a form of education not offered in the formal school setting. From age 12 to 20, and during the turbulent sixties, Al “broadened his horizons” by travelling extensively throughout Canada and the United States, obtaining interpersonal skills through dealing with people “from all walks of life” and acquired extensive mechanical, motorcycle, and automotive skills through his numerous employment experiences.
Education
Following his return to Vancouver, Al pursued his high school equivalency, via night-school classes at the King Edward college campus while working days driving tow truck and doing auto body repairs. He then attended Langara College (East Vancouver) and subsequently U.B.C. where he continued his major in Psychology and completed his Bachelor od Arts Degree. He had the rare privilege of completing a one year directed studies program, with the distinguished professor, Dr. Jerry S. Wiggins, at U.B.C., and he also participated in a 2-year community psychology program with placements at Riverview Mental Hospital and Willington Youth Prison. Following receipt of his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1977, he was offered a position at a number of law schools across Canada, and chose to attend the University of Windsor in Ontario. He received his law degree in 1980. Previous to continuing with his legal career, he then elected to spend two years in the pursuit of alternate interests, “because there would be no opportunity to pursue that after starting a practice". He then spent two years working in sawmills along the Fraser River, managing an auto body shop, managing a motorcycle repair shop, and working as a child care worker and key counsellor in a residential treatment centre caring for a group of significantly disturbed and criminal youth.
In 1983, Al articled with a local Courtenay lawyer, Ted Holekamp, and was called to the bar in 1984, when he then joined Holekamp, Greyson & McGarvey. He continued in that law firm until 1986. From 1983 to 1986, Al practised in criminal defence and personal injury. From 1987 and to 1994 he also worked as an ad-hoc (assigned) Crown Prosecutor, while maintaining his private practice in criminal defence and personal injury. He has practised on the lower mainland, throughout British Columbia, and on Vancouver Island.
Al has appeared before the Provincial Court, Supreme Court, and Court of Appeal. He is an advisor for treatment programs for offenders and advises victims of crime or the wrongful acts or negligence of others. He is fortunate to be able to draw on his life experiences across a broad spectrum of society.
Memberships and Associations
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Canadian Bar Association – member for 45 years: former executive of CBA Criminal Bar Subsection (Nanaimo County)
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Founding member of the North Island Criminal Lawyers Association (NICLA)
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Member: Association of Criminal lawyers (Ontario)
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Benefactor Level Member of Trial Lawyers Association of British Columbia (Personal Injury and Criminal Law– current member since 1983
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Law Society of British Columbia – current member (since 1984)
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Washington State Trial Lawyers Association – former member
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American Bar Association – former member
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Association of Trial Lawyers of America – former member
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National Association of (American) Criminal Defence Lawyers – former member
Interests
On the rare occasion that he is not at work, Al can be found long distance motorcycle riding - 200,000 km (Harley Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, BSA).
He also enjoys motorcycle and automobile customising, and he has a significant interest in film history and film production (directors: Hawks, Capra, Rossellini, Scorsese, Lynch, Tarantino, Montiel, and Hama-Brown), and architecture (Frank Lloyd Wright).
Natasha Lindsay-D’aoust
Natasha is our legal assistant with primary conduct of our client files, and assists with court preparation. She maintains contact with clients, Crown Counsel, lawyers, the judiciary, court registry staff, agents, investigators, and our numerous consulting experts. She organises and maintains client files and keeps clients up-to-date regarding upcoming court dates, assessments, deadlines, and other appointments. Natasha has completed a Bachelor of Arts degree program in criminology and a forensic studies certificate program. She has an ongoing interest in the causes of criminal behaviour.
Marissa Demoe
Marissa is our legal assistant with primary accounting duties.
She has similar duties of contact with clients, Crown counsel, other lawyers, the judiciary, court registry staff, agents, investigators, and our numerous consulting experts.
She manages all criminal and personal injury client accounts.
Marissa receives and records all client information and documentation, and provides financial management by collecting, analysing, and summarising accounting information. She also assists with daily administrative tasks and duties.
Marissa has a Bachelor of Arts degree in criminology with a particular interest in alternative dispute resolution.
Laura Thomson
Laura is our legal assistant with current duties similar to Marissa and Natasha, and with less day-to-day involvement in client files. In the past she has assisted with the duties handled by Natasha and Marissa. She is currently employed on a part-time basis with our firm and is available for task specific assignments as well as holiday relief.
Laura has attended a criminology degree program, and is continuing her university degree studies.
Shilyn Reimer
Shilyn is a 10 years experienced legal assistant.She has performed the position of lead assistant for us and is currently available to us on a remote basis.
Delia-Valentina Rugea
Delia is our Office Representative with a strong background in law, including a Bachelor’s Degree in Law and a Master’s Degree in Business Law from Romania.
She combines organisational skills with keen attention to detail in assisting in managing our offices, she has recently supervised the company website, keeping its digital presence current and engaging.
Alongside her current responsibilities, Delia is actively pursuing further education and certifications, including project management, to enhance her skills and contribute even more effectively to our team.
Douglas J. Marion K.C.
IN MEMORIAM
Our practice dedicates this memorial to Douglas J. Marion (Big Doug), in recognition of his lifelong dedication to the practice of criminal law.
We acknowledge him as our beloved friend and colleague, as well as acknowledging his service to the people of Vancouver Island throughout his distinguished career.
We remember and honour him.
