About our mediators

Leisha Murphy^**

After being a family lawyer for over 14 years, coupled with my own personal experience with divorce, I have come to understand the difficult transition that comes with the end of a relationship. Through my personal and professional knowledge of family law, I bring separating couples clarity, education and options to assist them in reaching workable and enduring resolutions. I assist clients with or without counsel and deal with all areas of family law (including child support, spousal support and parenting), specializing in the division of businesses and trusts (including the tax implications of those divisions).

In helping clients reach agreement, I am keenly aware of future potential roadblocks separating couples should consider at the time of settlement. This experience comes from routinely going to court in my first decade as a family lawyer, where I witnessed the unraveling of well-intended agreements and protracted disputes over the interpretation of agreement terms. This court experience also led me to see how destructive that process can be for families, both financially and emotionally. That is the reason my practice is focused on reaching out-of-court settlements, through collaborative divorce, mediation/negotiation or assisting clients as a mediator. These processes reduce legal fees, stress and anxiety and allows parents to maintain a workable relationship going forward.

On the personal front, now that I am of an age where life is full of stressors, I have taken up meditation (and try to do it daily) as well as recently adopted a dog, which I have read is supposed to bring calm and love. The jury is out on whether either endeavor is working, but all we can do is try.

Geeta Gill

I am a collaborative family law lawyer, mediator and parenting coordinator.  I was drawn to family law because of its interaction among people, family and relationships, and having an undergraduate degree in psychology.  With more than 18 years of legal experience, I have dealt with all aspects of family law, whether it be through the separation and divorce process or in the preparation of cohabitation and marriage agreements.

I am committed to bringing not only experience and skill to my practice, but also genuine compassion for every client and their family.  Each client has unique circumstances and I work with them to provide practical solutions to meet their individual needs.  In my practice, I prefer to take a non-adversarial approach through negotiations, mediation and the Collaborative divorce process to minimize conflict, cost and stress for my clients.

I have been interested in law since I was a child, and to this day enjoy being involved in and contributing to the legal community.  I am a member of the Canadian Bar Association – Family Law Subsection, having previously served on the executive and as co-chair of the section for two years. I am also a member of the B.C. Parenting Coordinators Roster Society and previously sat on its board of directors for a two-year term. In addition, I am a previous author of updates for the Continuing Legal Education Society of B.C.’s Family Law Practice Manual and have been a member of the Practice Manual’s editorial board.  I have enjoyed speaking at meetings of the Canadian Bar Association and presenting at CLE courses.

Outside of my family law practice I love travelling and exploring new places and people, running and yoga, spending time with family and friends and, after a hard day, unwinding with a glass of wine and a good book.

Mark Chiu^**

I have practiced law in British Columbia since 2014. I use my skills as a negotiator and trial lawyer to solve family law problems. I am also a certified Family Law Mediator.

I became a lawyer after learning during my undergraduate studies in psychology that the most stressful life events are the death of a spouse, divorce, marital separation, and imprisonment. I find purpose and meaning in assisting others through their most difficult and stressful times.

In addition to my involvement in family law cases, I have represented the Public Prosecution Service of Canada, and have acted as criminal defence counsel, including in the jury system.

I have experience in family law cases that involve the Family Maintenance Enforcement Program and the Ministry of Children and Family Development.

I find the practice of law rewarding. I enjoy putting a “deal” together without the need for judicial intervention. I also enjoy using the formal trial process.

My current family law practice includes:

• division of family property, including assets held by corporations or those held in a trust;
• parenting disputes, including those involving parental alienation or estrangement;
• cases which also intersect the criminal justice system;
• relocation and mobility cases;
• support issues, including imputation or determination of the parties’ income;
• conducting and participating in settlement meetings and mediations; and
• conducting any necessary appeals.

I am an active volunteer for Access Pro Bono. I have also acted as Family Law Duty Counsel for Legal Aid BC.

As it relates to my practice style, my goal is to make decisions like an entrepreneur, prepare and compete like an athlete, and have the soul and integrity of a humanitarian.

During the summer, I am often cycling, paddle boarding, and walking. During the winter, I am often snowboarding. Year-round, my commitment to a yoga practice is deeply rewarding.

I also enjoy indulging in music, spoken audio, and film. I enjoy watching combat sports, basketball, and the Olympics. I prefer to read non-fiction.

I value traditional family values, respecting elders, and caring for the young.

Raman Sehmbi

I strive to live life in accordance with the Zoroastrian principal of “good thoughts, good words, good deeds.” When I take on a file, my main objective is to determine how I can help this family stay out of Court and create true resolution that is functional and prioritizes healing. While court is sometimes necessary, my belief is that a resolution that the parties have a say in is often one that has longevity. As an accredited family law Mediator and collaboratively trained family lawyer, I see the value in discussing issues as opposed to being adversarial. My passion for collaborative family law is what drives me to help families settle their matters as amicably as possible so we can keep grieving families out of court and focused on healing and what is most important: family.

I can assist you with issues pertaining to property and debt division, spousal and child support, parenting arrangements, and divorce. I offer mediation, Collaborative family law services, and a settlement-oriented family law practice. I also draft cohabitation, marriage, and separation agreements; provide independent legal advice, and offer limited scope services when suitable.

Outside of the office, you can find me out on the open road, in the passenger’s seat of my partner’s car, with no destination. I have a love for life and am always looking for the next adventure, which is why I studied international relations and commerce during my undergraduate degree at the University of British Columbia and completed a semester abroad through the BISC program during law school at Queen’s University. I serve on the National Board of Directors for Celiac Canada and enjoy experimenting with gluten-free recipes. When I’m not planning my next adventure, I’m likely on a reformer at my favourite Pilates studio or enjoying a cardamom-rose tea or coffee with my loved ones.