Why Swiftsure Law?

At Swiftsure Law, we believe in providing transparency and clarity to our clients. Every client receives an upfront, candid conversation where we assess the strength of their legal position and discuss the anticipated costs and timelines for resolution. For litigation clients, we create a personalized legal map that outlines the detailed steps to reach a final resolution and identifies the necessary actions along the way. Trust Swiftsure Law in Victoria for comprehensive guidance tailored to your specific needs.

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Areas of Focus

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Family law

Swiftsure Law in Victoria has a proven track record of achieving positive results for its clients both inside and outside of the courtroom. Careful planning and a crafted strategic presentation win the day.

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Appeals

While it’s natural for people on the losing end of a judgement to feel like they’ve been slighted, there are legitimate situations where a judge, master, or arbitrator “got it wrong” based on the information they had available to them at the time.

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Divorce & separation

A separation agreement is a legally-binding document that is filed with, and fully enforceable by, the court. While you may be motivated to resolve your divorce or separation quickly, agreeing to something that hurts you can have costs that far outweigh the benefits of a speedy resolution.

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Mediation

A mediator is a neutral facilitator who builds consensus between parties and then documents their agreement. Separation agreements made at mediations are legally binding and when filed with the court, are enforceable like a court order. A mediator neither gives legal advice nor makes the decisions for you. Mediation is a confidential process where a decision is made by the parties instead of being imposed upon you.

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Criminal law

As a seasoned criminal law practitioner, our senior lawyer Raymond G. Dieno brings a wealth of experience and a steadfast commitment to defending your rights. We provide a comprehensive range of legal services to navigate the complexities of the Canadian criminal justice system. Our dedicated team is here to ensure you receive the best possible defense, regardless of the charges you face.

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A Legal Center of Excellence

We are a family owned and operated office and are driven by the values of:

Responsiveness
Strategy
Strength
Experience

Our Team

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Meet our team

John D. Nelson is the co-creator of the Swiftsure Law brand. He is a skilled legal strategist, uniquely suited for complex and contentious matters as his approach cuts through the chaos and helps everyone to focus on resolution. He is a powerful speaker, with hundreds of hours of court time and many successful judgments. John has a vast knowledge of Canadian Law and its interpretations, and he uses it to advocate for his clients.

John D. Nelson
Senior Lawyer

Stephanie A. Weidmann joined the Swiftsure Law legal team in the summer of 2020 as John D. Nelson’s articled student and is now an Associate Lawyer. With a Bachelor of Communications from Mount Royal University and a Juris Doctorate from Thompson Rivers University, Stephanie brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Swiftsure Law legal team.

Stephanie Weidmann
Associate Lawyer

Ray is a senior lawyer who was called to the BC Bar in 1998. He hails from Edmonton, Alberta originally. He is a graduate of UVic Law and achieved a Bachelor of Arts in Pacific and Asian studies. He lived and worked in Japan before Law school but decided to get his Law degree and returned to B.C. He has practice in both family and criminal law. He has successfully represented 100s of clients in all levels of Court in B.C., Alberta and the Yukon. Ray is a devoted husband, father and grandfather who enjoys spending time with his family when he isn’t busy fiercely defending his clients’ interests.

Raymond G. Dieno
Associate Lawyer

Adele DesBrisay (she/her) joined the Swiftsure Law team in the Spring of 2024. Adele received her Bachelor of Arts and Science in interdisciplinary environmental studies from McGill University in 2019 and her JD from the University of Victoria in 2023. She completed the first half of her articles with the Environmental Law Centre working on public interest environmental law files. This involved reports and memos in areas including administrative law, municipal law, constitutional law (including regarding jurisdiction and charter issues), competition law, and Indigenous and Aboriginal law.

Adele DesBrisay
Articled Student

Prab Grewal is originally from Abbotsford, B.C and obtained her Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of the Fraser Valley. After spending several years working at the Canada Revenue Agency, Prab received her Juris Doctorate from Thompson Rivers University where she received the Dean’s Course Prize in Tax Law.

Prab Grewal
Articled Student

Jocelyn Marais is originally from the mainland and is now proud to call Victoria home. With her Legal Administrative Assistant Certificate from Camosun College, a degree in English and History from the University of Victoria, and her Paralegal Certification from Capilano University, she is a valuable asset to the Swiftsure Law legal team.

Jocelyn Marais
Paralegal

Christine Johnston received her Paralegal Diploma through CDI College all while raising her 2 young children. Christine has experience working with ICBC claims and personal injuries, wills and estates, and civil litigation. Christine’s background in social services gives her a dynamic view on the importance of family.

Christine Johnston
Paralegal

Danielle L.R. Nelson is the co-creator of the Swiftsure Law brand. With a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Victoria and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Vancouver Island, Danielle has a broad range of experience and expertise. A dedicated entrepreneur, Danielle has a strong background in business, accounting, planning, and human resources. She is keenly focused on client care and business management. A skilled communicator and editor, Danielle uses her eye for detail to ensure all Swiftsure documents meet exacting standards.

Danielle L.R. Nelson
Office Manager

Maureen Ilagan is originally from the Philippines, where she obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. Her work experience in the UAE spans more than a decade, with a particular emphasis on administrative support, executive assistance, and travel coordination and management. She relocated to Victoria as an international student at the University of Victoria, where she completed her two-year program in Business Administration and earned Professional Development Certificates in Business Communication and Administrative Technology.

Maureen Ilagan
Receptionist/Administrative Assistant

About Swiftsure Law

At Swiftsure Law, we provide family law, appeals, mediation, and criminal law services in Victoria BC. We believe in providing transparency and clarity to our clients. Every client receives an upfront, candid conversation where we assess the strength of their legal position and discuss the anticipated costs and timelines for resolution. For litigation clients, we create a personalized legal map that outlines the detailed steps to reach a final resolution and identifies the necessary actions along the way. Trust Swiftsure Law in Victoria for comprehensive guidance tailored to your specific needs.

Family law is one of our core areas of expertise. We understand the deeply personal nature of family-related legal matters, whether it involves divorce, child custody, or support arrangements. Our team takes a compassionate and strategic approach, to help ensure that your rights and interests are protected every step of the way. We focus on achieving positive outcomes through meticulous planning, whether your case is resolved in court or through negotiation. By carefully considering both short- and long-term impacts, we help clients make informed decisions that set the foundation for a stable future. Whatever the nature of your legal matter is, Swiftsure Law is here to guide you with dedicated, experienced support.

If you’re seeking an appeal, we understand that judgments aren’t always perfect, and there are times when the legal process may have gone wrong. We’re here to help you navigate those situations and fight for a fair resolution.

For clients considering mediation, we offer a process that allows both parties to find their own solutions. Mediation is confidential, legally binding, and gives you the power to decide your outcome, with a neutral facilitator helping guide the way. Lastly, in criminal law, our senior lawyer Raymond G. Dieno brings years of experience and dedication to defending your rights. Whether facing minor charges or navigating complex cases within the Canadian criminal justice system, our team provides a robust defense, ensuring you receive the best possible representation.