Russell S. Tretiak Q.C. B.A., LL.B.

Russell is one of six discrete law practices at Quay Law Centre. He has practiced for over 30 years. His practice is confined to family law litigation and representation before professional bodies and is conducted throughout B.C. with staff lawyers Lori Gerbig and Erik Chapman. It is modeled on the barrister/solicitor system extant in England which is designed to provide more economical services to clients.

Education and Bar Admission:

◦B.A.: Simon Fraser University, 1972
◦LL.B.: University of British Columbia, 1975
◦Called to the Bar: British Columbia, 1976
◦Appointed Queen’s Counsel, 1998

Professional Service:

◦Law Society of British Columbia, Bencher (1992 - 2003); Unauthorized Practice Committee (1992-2001, and Chair, 1995- 1999); Competency Committee (1996-1997); Complainant’s Review Committee (1993-1994, and Vice-Chair 1995-1996); Credentials Committee (1993 and Chair 2002-2003); Practice Standards Committee (1999 and Chair 2002); Discipline Committee (2001); Ethics Committee (2006); Conduct Review Task Force (2005); Life Bencher (2004 to present)
◦Canadian Bar Association, Westminster Family Law Subsection (Chair 1987-1988, 1988-1989); Member, New Westminster Bar Association and Family Subsection and past member of Lower Mainland General Practice Subsection, Burnaby, Chilliwack, Abbotsford, Fraser Valley Bar Associations; Westminster Family Law Subsection Committee on submissions to Justice Reform Committee (Chair, 1988); Westminster Family Law Subsection Committee on Submissions to Law Reform Commission on Pension Reform (Chair, 1991); Family Law Practice Advisory Panel (1989-2002); Member Westminster Family Subsection Report on BC Justice Review Task Force (May 2005)
◦Supervising lawyer, Law Student’s Legal Advice Program (1977-1982)
◦Participant, Justice Institute Video on Registrars Practice
◦Past member Vancouver Community Legal Assistance Society

Publications:

Continuing Legal Education:

◦A Cross-Examination Skills Workshop for Family Lawyers: Cross-Examining the Expert, 1995
◦Family Law for Ordinary People: Interim Advances on Assets, 1996
◦Family Law Conference: Case Management and Chambers Pilot Project, 1997
◦Workshop Leader: Advocacy Skills in Family Law, 1998
◦Family Law Conference: Chair with Carol Hickman of chapter entitled Vertical Mosaic – Melting Pot vs. Multiculturalism, 2001
◦Family Law Conference: Agreements or Court Order or Minutes of Settlement, 2007

Recognition:

In recognition of participating 10 years on the Lawyer Referral Service, a public service to increase access to justice.