Legal Elite Awards 2017

24 NORTH AMERICA NEWS / Legal Elite Awards 2017 , he was able to obtain an order that his clients’ medical plants be returned to him directly from the Hope RMCP station. Dale has appeared on CBC radio on one occasion to discuss medical marijuana and child protection laws. Focusing on marijuana cases, Dale has been involved in cases with patients, commercial producer applicants and bylaw infractions for grandfathered patients with grow operations in their houses. Alongside marijuana trials and cases, Dale is also a family litigator, and assists in negotiation and mediation. He used to be a mediator, but no longer mediates family cases, preferring trial work. The family side of the practice primarily involves divorces, property division, spousal and child support and custody issues. Previously, Dale enrolled in the Honours Economic program at Western Law School before leaving the program to pursue a law career. Dale studied a few mandatory litigation courses which greatly peeked his interest in courtroom work. When undertaking his articles, he focused on solicitors work, as his principal had never appeared in the courtroom during his career. He describes his principal as an excellent mentor who taught him the importance of hard work and concentration under pressure Dale R. Pedersen provides quality legal services, and creative, cost-effective solutions for individuals and families requiring dependable legal counsel. We profiled himand his firm to find out more. Best Family Law Attorney - British Columbia Dedicated to providing the very highest standard of service to his clients, Dale is a hard working trial attorney who is thorough and meticulous in his planning for cases in order to present the best case at trial, trying to negotiate the best outcome. He also spends a lot of time reflecting how he can help his clients achieve that outcome with as little stress and uncertainty as possible. Specialising in various practice areas, Dale is a criminal and family lawyer. Dale is a member of the Westbrook Society. He is an honourary Alumni of the University of British Columbia. Currently, Dale has one student, Sunny Kaler, who is training to be a lawyer. Concerning his criminal practice, he practices all criminal matters, including holding a keen interest in domestic and agricultural animal cruelty cases, medical marijuana cases involving constitutional challenges and cases involving contentious credibility issues. The case law and legislation in medical marijuana cases has changed significantly over the past 20 years that Dale has to keep up to date with the changing environment in order to deliver the best results for his clients. Regarding his achievements, Dale notes that in early 2000, Dale finds cases within the industry are becoming increasingly complex, and there has been a noticeable trend in cases taking longer to resolve. With technology expected to play a larger role within the legal industry, Dale observes about adapting his methods in relation to getting the best results for his clients, mainly in the areas of document production. With technology evolving the way it is, artificial intelligence will develop and Dale is interested to see what effects this will have in the courtroom, particularly in cross- examination of a witness. With regard to how Dale represents his clients in the present, he keeps things relatively simple. “For now, I have keep things relatively simple. My primary goal has been to use technology that will streamline the entire process of law and leave the remainder for a more reflective patient analysis. This is where the facts are painstakingly assembled and distilled. This is done with a view that they will ultimately be taught to the jury, or a judge, where they may be examined under the microscope of the law. This is essential as the level of sophistication in technology has made the truth easier to conceal or distort yet at the same time easier to reveal. This approach has been found to satisfy the courtroom aspect of the file. Keeping in line with this traditional approach, I practice out of a historic building in Chilliwack.” Preparation is key for Dale, meticulously combing through data and treating the client with the upmost respect, learning about the client’s case and assessing which method would be the best approach. Dale does not discriminate and is always welcoming to clients, new and old. “While preparing for court, I address the human element of each file. This is achieved by listening as closely as possible and treating the client with compassion and without judgment. I recognise that the client is undergoing a temporary event which may have disastrous effects on all aspects of their lives, and I am willing always accept some legal aid cases, particularly old clients or those in dire need.” Recognising that reputation is important, Dale works hard to get the best results no matter who the person is, and lists execution of cases as the main asset which makes him stand out from other competitors in the legal industry. “Competing for results against others in the legal industry, I recognise that reputation is important, as most work is from word of mouth. I strive to be a lifetime lawyer, who represents many generations of clients with various matters. I recognise fundamentally that execution is what ultimately set me part from other lawyers, when presenting cases or cross-examining hostile