Liana Self

Liana has concentrated her practice on Family Law and related matters since 1992. She brings her considerable experience to resolving the difficult and contentious issues faced by families in transition. Previous careers in the banking and insurance fields have given her a solid background in the often complex process of dividing family property and personal estates.

Family matters remain Liana’s primary focus including Mediation and Collaborative Law in addition to negotiation and litigation. Liana also handles Adult Guardianship matters like committee appointments, which enable the legal care of loved ones suffering from incapacity and other illnesses. A significant part of her practice includes drafting plain language agreements for Cohabitation, pre-Nuptial and Separation agreements. She appears at Provincial and Supreme Court regularly, and one of her reported trial decisions is still cited with authority concerning cases of “undue influence” in the making of a will.

With her straight forward client-centred approach Liana seeks to provide creative solutions to complex problems. Her strong academic qualifications and significant court experience provide her with a wide range of options for solving problems, whether through negotiated settlement or court process when necessary.

Liana obtained her First Class Honours degree in History and International Relations from the University of British Columbia before moving on to obtain her Juris Doctor from UBC Law School. Her achievements there included winning the scholarship prize for best performance in the Grand Moot, an appeal court litigation competition.

Liana maintains a strong commitment to both her legal and local community. She has appeared as a panellist and contributing author for Continuing Legal Education and has participated in editing family law manuals or many years. She has demonstrated a commitment to higher learning, having previously been an instructor in the Paralegal Program at Capilano University. Liana is proud to be a member of the North Shore Dispute Resolution Group, a voluntary multi-disciplinary association of lawyers, psychologists, counsellors and financial advisors who meet regularly to address the difficult issues facing separated families. Liana has found this to be an invaluable resource in connecting with like-minded individuals committed to reducing the negative impact of separation on the modern family.

A lifetime North Shore resident, Liana loves the scenery and amenities of her Deep Cove neighbourhood, and likewise that of her second home in her spouse’s native Colorado.

       Direct:   (778) 945-3971

       Cell:       (604) 763-6662