PAULINA KAM was called to the Bar in 2005. Before joining Lando and Company LLP in 2007, she had gained experience in a broad range of legal areas, including real estate, corporate/commercial, financing, wills and estates, family, intellectual property, civil litigation, criminal, and ICBC defence. Her practice now specializes in real estate development and acquisitions, general business law, commercial and residential conveyancing, and wills and estates.
Paulina is an active member of the Canadian Bar Association (BC) Real Estate, Wills and Estate, Banking, and Junior Lawyers sections. She is also an active participant with the Women’s Law Forum. She was a national caliber athlete and now enjoys participating in competitive volleyball in her spare time. Having traveled extensively abroad as well as having resided in Asia, Paulina appreciates experiencing the various cultures of the world. She is fluent in Cantonese and Japanese.
TIM LACK is a Vancouver lawyer and partner with Lunny Atmore LLP, Vancouver, and practices mainly in the areas of real estate and business law. In addition to his active real estate practice, he acts for many business people and companies, who utilize his services for all their commercial matters.
Before completing his legal training, Tim worked as a sales representative for one of Canada’s premier resource companies. Since his call to the BC bar in 1994, he has been the responsible lawyer for over 8,000 real estate transactions, acting for banks, credit unions, and private lenders. His work with private lenders is extensive and he has acted as a lecturer to other lawyers on the subject. Tim has presented at various CLEBC programs over the years and has served as chair of the Residential Real Estate Conference since 2013.
How and why did you get involved with CLEBC?
Paulina Kam (PK): Tim called with an opportunity to co-chair the Annual Residential Real Estate Conference with him. He sold it so well, I couldn’t say no.
Tim Lack (TL): I was attending a CLE course and the speaker was doing a case commentary on indefeasible title, and how it relates to mortgage lenders. I had some insight on the case and “picked up” where the speaker finished. The next year, I was asked to present on a related subject. So be careful when you ask questions or make comments on a speaker’s subject!
What are you are currently working on (or have most recently worked on) with CLEBC?
PK: The 8th Annual Residential Real Estate Conference. This is my second year co-chairing this conference.
TL: Paulina Kam and I will be co-chairing the Residential Real Estate Conference coming up in December. I will also be presenting on the issue of priorities facing mortgage lenders at the same conference.
What has been your most memorable CLEBC experience?
PK: Hands down, Ron Usher’s finale at last year’s Annual Residential Real Estate Conference. Ron is presenting again this year at the same conference, so we’ll see what he pulls out of his hat this time. No pressure!
TL: It must have been when my friend Ron Usher presented on the subject of Power of Attorney by way of singing and playing the ukulele. He closed out the CLE on a great note (pardon the pun).
What’s the most valuable piece of advice you have received?
PK: A dear and wise friend of mine always reminds me that we don’t grow as individuals and human beings unless we challenge ourselves. Never be content with complacency and never fear challenges. The universe will always take care of us.
TL: Someone once told me to “eat the frog” every morning. It was their way of describing staying on task, making the call, and getting to the file that you know you’ve been avoiding. In my busy practice, I sure have eaten plenty of frogs.
Who has influenced and inspired you in your career?
TL: UBC professor Robert Dieboldt, was a great law school professor and became a good friend. I admired his style, enjoyed his friendship and welcomed his advice.
What advice would you give newcomers who are interested in working in the legal profession?
PK: Take on any interesting opportunities and get yourself out there. You never know what it leads to.
TL: In our office, the lawyers and staff alike appreciate that perfection is rarely attainable but excellence is worth striving for in everything we do.
What has been the most rewarding part of your career?
PK: Being able to see and touch the buildings that I’ve done the development work on. It’s fun for me to be able to see how my clients have developed and changed the Lower Mainland area (and more!), knowing that I was a part of that process.
TL: As a real estate lawyer, I do lots of home purchases for singles, young couples, and new Canadians. Helping them to achieve their dream of home ownership is fun for me.
Other than law, what are you passionate about?
PK: Travelling, cooking, volleyball, and languages.
TL: Oysters, football and local beer. If it’s a Sunday afternoon in the fall, you will likely find me in my ‘man-cave’ garage/workshop with my family, friends and neighbours enjoying all three of these passions.
What are some of your favourite legal resources? (blogs, websites, etc.)
PK: CLEBC and CBA.
TL: The CLEBC binders are always all over my office, much to the irritation of the young lawyers in our office. After 21 years, I still go back them daily.
Anything you’d like to shamelessly promote? (favourite charity, social cause, etc.)
TL: Most of my charitable efforts are centered around my North Shore Catholic parish, but I also give my time to initiatives for fish habitat restoration and causes trying to end homelessness. Every time I have occasion to give honest and heartfelt dignity to refugees coming to our great area of a small planet, I know that my time is well placed. I encourage everyone to take a keener interest in these new Canadians.