Profile
A recognised leader in the legal field with a distinguished career in criminal trials, human rights and community advocacy. More than twenty-five years of legal experience gained through trial courts, predominantly in criminal law, and which includes 11 years on the bench and appointment as one of the youngest judges in Canada. Demonstrated the independence, impartiality and sound judgment as well as the verbal and written communication, and articulate legal skills necessary to be a successful jurist and advocate. Wrote important and leading judgments. Participation in thousands of cases of varying complexity.
Strategic and results oriented with the proven ability to research, understand and analyze complicated fact patterns and complex, multifaceted issues. Possesses the interpersonal skills to engender trust, confidence and respect, as well as to manage sensitive and emotional matters with tact and diplomacy while maintaining objectivity. A highly motivated individual whose commitment to human rights and cultural diversity, has inspired the combining of this passion with seasoned legal experience to advance a career in International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law.
Key Related Experience and Knowledge
- Extensive Criminal Law experience in defence, prosecution, appellate and judicial roles with knowledge of the Criminal Code of Canada (Adult): Youth Criminal Justice Act; Firearms Act; Narcotics and Drug Trafficking; Mental Disorder and Fitness; Dangerous Offenders and Long-term Offenders.
- Comprehensive and applied knowledge of judicial and legal systems and issues including: search warrants (general, financial, commercial, DNA, electronic and telecommunication); preliminary inquiries; criminal procedure and substantive law; rules of evidence and admissibility; fact-finding and credibility assessment; forensic evidence; and expert and vulnerable witnesses; judicial interim release; and sentencing.
- Criminal Offences: Murder, Manslaughter, Assaults, Rape and Sexual Offences, Pornography, Robbery, Fraud, Theft, Dangerous and Impaired Driving, Counterfeiting, Burglary, Possession and Trafficking in Drugs, Proceeds of Crime, Firearms and Weapons, Conspiracies and Offences Against Administration of Justice.
- Significant Family Law experience in the areas of spousal and child rights; child custody; guardianship and access; preservation of property; restraining and safety orders; domestic violence and enforcement procedures; child protection and rights; and inter-jurisdictional matters.
- Experience in Aboriginal and Indigenous Law including: Treaty Rights; Crown Fiduciary Duties; Hunting and Fishing Rights; Residential School Abuse; Restorative Justice; and Circle Sentencing.
- Considerable Constitutional Law and Civil Law experience including: the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms; contract; tort; employment; personal injury; construction; defamation; and insurance.
- Proven mediation and alternate dispute resolution skills in family (child, gender, cultural and spousal) and civil legal disputes.
- Comprehensive knowledge of International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law in areas such as: the growth of international humanitarian concern; philosophical, systems and political issues; international standards; mechanisms for implementing human rights/norms; regional human rights systems; international criminal tribunals; human rights treaties; the Hague Convention; Terrorism and National Security; minority and cultural rights.
- Demonstrated experience in a variety of other legal areas including: fisheries; wildlife; worker safety; environmental protection; harassment and human rights investigations; discrimination; and civil liberties.
Professional Experience
Barrister, Law Office of B. William Sundhu,
Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada
2010 - present
Barrister, Cates Carroll Watt
Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada
2007 - 2010
Expertise in criminal justice and includes, civil litigation, ADR (mediation & arbitration), human rights, professional discipline, harassment investigations, trial and appellate practice, and international human rights law.
Key responsibilities include:
- Client and case management, draft pleadings, preparation of and trial strategy, research and prepare legal factums.
- Conduct investigations, fact-finding and write reports.
- Negotiations, mediations and arbitrations.
- Trial and appellate advocacy.
- Conduct rights based and complex litigation.
Judge, Provincial Court of British Columbia
Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada
1996 - 2007
Presided over Criminal, Youth, Family, Child Protection and Civil Law Cases.
Key responsibilities included:
- Court of primary criminal jurisdiction: approving search warrants; holding preliminary inquiries; conducting bail, forfeiture and general hearings; making decisions in pressurized and heavy docket system; fact-finding and credibility assessment; evidentiary and procedural rulings; writing judgments; determine and impose sentencing.
- Preliminary motions and applications in Family, Child Protection and Civil division.
- Mediation and Hearings of Family, Child Protection and Civil Law disputes.
- Case management and administrative duties.
Barrister and Solicitor, Sole Proprietor
Williams Lake, British Columbia, Canada
1985 - 1996
Established and managed a private legal practice specialising in criminal, family, constitutional law and human rights.
Key responsibilities included:
- Meeting with clients, gathering facts, interviewing witnesses, researching law and policy, developing a case, and advocating/ litigating in courts.
- Managing all business operations and requirements necessary for a small business.
- Community advocacy and education.
Note: on sabbatical between January 1988 and March 1989 to backpack through Asia and Europe including a study term in France.
Panel Member and Adjudicator, Medical and Health Care Services Appeal Board of BC
British Columbia, Canada
1995 - 1996
Appointed to adjudicate appeals under the Provincial Medical and Health Care System.
Key responsibilities included:
- Appeals involving substantial quantum (hundreds of thousands or million dollars);
- Hear preliminary motions and applications; and, direct hearing and appeal processes.
- Adjudicating appeals by oral hearings or a review of the file information and written submissions.
- Obtaining further evidence and/or conducting research in order to decide the issues in an appeal.
- Issuing a verbal or written decision.
- Establishing rules, forms, jurisprudence, procedures and administrative model.
Articled Student and Associate at Law, McAllister, Berg, Barristers and Solicitors
Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada
1983 - 1985
Education
2011 - Certificate, Negotiation Workshop
Harvard Institute of Negotiation, Harvard Law School
2010 - Masters Studies in International Human Rights Law
University of Oxford, United Kingdom
Dissertation - Terrorism Trials and the Judiciary: Does Diversity Matter?
1988 - Certificat d'Etudes Francaises, Institute Universitaire Americain
Centre d'Avignon, France
French Language Studies
1984 - Call to the Bar, Supreme Court of British Columbia
Call to the Bar and admission as Barrister & Solicitor of Supreme Court of British Columbia
1983 - Bachelors of Laws, University of Windsor
Windsor, Ontario
1980 - Bachelors of Arts, International Relations, University of British Columbia
Vancouver, British Columbia
Personal
Nationality: Canadian
Languages: English, French (conversational), Punjabi (spoken), Hindi (basic)
