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.

She has worked with leading scholars on the issue of Trans Legal Rights, has published an article, and assisted the guest editor of a special issue of the Canadian Journal of Law and Society on legal issues facing Trans folks in Canada. She is the recipient of the Grace McDonell Scholarship for her commitment to enhancing the diversity of Canadian society. Stephanie’s sense of humour and vibrant personality are a pleasure to work with. She is a tenacious and intelligent advocate and shines in the courtroom while also maintaining a gentle touch for negotiation.

In her spare time, Stephanie enjoys theatre, good books, knitting, and time with her friends and family.

We are proud to introduce Raymond Dieno, a family lawyer and criminal defence lawyer who has joined the Swiftsure legal team – a trusted advocate for 25 years in criminal defence cases in BC, Alberta and Yukon.

Are you facing serious criminal charges? Look no further! With extensive experience in BC, Alberta, and the Yukon, Raymond Dieno is here to provide unwavering support and expert representation at all levels of court.

From murder cases to dangerous offenders, our dedicated team is committed to fighting for your rights. We understand that being accused of a crime can be an incredibly stressful experience, which is why we prioritize open, effective and consistent communication with our clients.

Contact our office today for a consultation. Whether you need assistance with bail hearings or trial representations, Raymond Dieno will ensure your defence strategy is strong and effective. Don’t let anxiety consume you – trust us to resolve your legal matters with the utmost professionalism.

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.

During law school, Adele developed an interest in family law. She wrote her major paper on the treatment of family violence in court proceedings involving parenting time and has written several other papers on child protection issues. She also worked with the Transform the Family Justice System Collaborative to come up with ways to decrease Adverse Childhood Experiences exacerbated by the family justice system and to integrate teaching about trauma-informed practice into law and medical school curriculums. Adele taught sailing for 10 years, and hopes to be able to integrate her love for working with kids into her family law practice.

In her free time, Adele spends as much time as possible on or around the ocean. Throughout law school, she worked part-time for the Royal Victoria Yacht Club and BC Sailing, teaching kids how to sail/race and how to coach sailing. She is now on the Board of Directors for BC Sailing.

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.

In her spare time, Prab enjoys spending time with friends, family, and her dog Kylo.

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 is focused on document and file management. She keeps us all organized and all the essential documents carefully archived and at our fingertips.

In her spare time, Jocelyn enjoys spending time with her husband and extended family as well as exploring our beautiful province.

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.

She is focused on client-centred care and is motivated to achieve success when supporting others in the community. Her experience helps assist individuals experiencing trauma while balancing her ability to understand their tribulation and remain professional. Christine’s experience as an Occupational Health and Safety Specialist for 6 years brings extensive knowledge in document control, safety standards, and regulation. With her knowledge and experience, we can further support our fast-growing organization.

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.

Married to our senior lawyer and a proud mother of four, she brings a unique perspective to our team. Danielle is passionate about local BC families and she works tirelessly to ensure that Swiftsure Law meets the goal of effectively helping its clients navigate the legal system to achieve resolution.

When she is not in the office, you can find Danielle reading a good novel or playing with her children.

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 is business-savvy, detail-oriented, adept in technology, and has strong interpersonal, organizational, and prioritization abilities.

Maureen has a great passion for visiting different countries and discovering diverse cultures. She also likes spending weekends outdoors with her spouse and friends.