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Congratulations

We are excited to announce that Cody Kessler has become a principal of our firm effective January 1, 2026. Cody joined the firm in February 2020 and has consistently demonstrated excellence in his practice. He is widely recognized for his legal acumen, sound judgment, and deep commitment to serving our clients and supporting the firm.  Over the years, Cody has built a reputation for reliability, professionalism, and thoughtful advocacy.  Beyond his technical contributions, Cody has played an important role in strengthening the firm’s culture and presence. Through his leadership, collaborative approach,…

Congratulations

We are pleased to offer our congratulations to Legacy alumna, Amy Francis, who was elevated from the Supreme Court of British Columbia to the British Columbia Court of Appeal on November 17, 2025. Madam Justice Francis was appointed to the British Columbia Supreme Court in March of 2019, after 13 years of a successful estate litigation practice with the firm. We wish Madam Justice Francis every success in her new role and are confident that her thoughtful approach and commitment to excellence will serve British Columbians well.

Tips and Traps in Making Trust Amounts ‘Payable’

Cody Kessler and Charlotte Tan

Cody Kessler & Charlotte Tan, “Tips and Traps in Making Trust Amounts ‘Payable’” (May 2025) 15:2 Canadian Tax Focus. Please read the full article here: Tips and Traps in Making Trust Amounts ''Payable''

Post-Mortem Pipeline Update: CRA Allows Payments in First Year to Fund Taxes

Cody Kessler

Cody Kessler & Susan Lin, “Post-Mortem Pipeline Update: CRA Allows Payments in First Year to Fund Taxes” (May 2025) 15:2 Canadian Tax Focus, 1-2 Please read the full article here: Post Mortem Pipeline Update: CRA Allows Payments in First Year To Fund Taxes

New Measures Discourage Short-Term Rentals

Cody Kessler and Laura M. Peach

Cody Kessler & Laura Peach, “New Measures Discourage Short-Term Rentals” (February 2024) 14:1 Canadian Tax Focus 10. Please read the full article here.

Avoiding the Riptides of Non-B.C. Trusts and Section 94

Christine M. Muckle

“Avoiding the Riptides of Non-B.C. Trusts and Section 94.” Presented on May 25, 2023. Please read the full article here.

In Memoriam

We are saddened to announce the sudden passing of our friend and colleague, James Shumka, on August 23, 2022. He was only 58. James was a founding principal of Legacy Tax + Trust Lawyers and was instrumental in its formation in 2000. In fact, James coined our name. James was a universally respected tax lawyer who excelled at devising and implementing creative legal and tax solutions for clients. He was a consummate professional, an exceptional colleague and a true gentleman. James was a delight to work alongside. James was also a devoted husband and father.

Estate and Charitable Gift Planning

Nicholas P. Smith and Stephanie Shi

Trusts are a useful tool for designing an estate plan that works within the constraints imposed by law and each client's unique set of circumstances. To view the full paper, click here.

British Columbia’s Land Owner Transparency Act

Laura M. Peach, Alistair G. Campbell and Peter Mennie

On November 30, 2020, British Columbia’s new Land Owner Transparency Act, S.B.C. 2019, c. 23 (“LOTA”) came into force. New applicants registering an interest in land may be required to file a Transparency Report setting out information about the applicant and the interest holders of real property. LOTA also requires most trustees, corporations, and partnerships that own land to file a Transparency Report before November 30, 2021. (1) What is LOTA? LOTA requires the registered owner of real property to report individuals with an indirect interest in land (i.e., ownership held through a corporation,…

The Case of the Complex Children

Christine M. Muckle

The Case of the Complex Children - Slides - Final The Case of the Complex Children - Paper - Final