This month’s spotlight shines on G.C. “Scottie” Scott of Hamilton Duncan
How did you first get involved with CLEBC?
My first involvement with CLEBC was in 1986 when I was a law student on the executive of the Law Students Legal Advice Program (LSLAP) at UBC. We thought it would be a good idea to start assembling a small library of CLEBC materials that the law students could use in the centers where LSLAP provided free legal services. I approached the LSLAP supervising lawyer at the time, Jim Pozer, with the suggestion, and he essentially said, “Go for it.”
I contacted Jack Huberman, then the Executive Director of CLEBC, and he was incredibly supportive of the idea. For a nominal fee (essentially a token amount), a member of the LSLAP executive could attend a course and obtain the materials, which helped us begin building our library.
I was very impressed with CLEBC. After I had articled and was called to the bar, I continued to attend various CLEBC courses annually. I completed my initial training as a mediator through CLEBC with Gordon Sloan and Sally Campbell.
Over time, due to my involvement in family law, I was invited to speak at courses, chair or co-chair CLEBC courses, and coach at skill-based CLEBC courses. The rest, as they say, is history.
Over nearly 40 years of my association with CLEBC, I have been, and remain, deeply impressed with the dedication of CLEBC staff, both past and present. (And, for the record, I don’t “blow smoke”!)
What are you currently working on (or have most recently worked on) with CLEBC?
For the past several years, I’ve had the pleasure of coaching in CLEBC’s Mediation and Family Violence Screening Training programs, chaired by Carol Hickman, KC, and Arlene Henry, KC. Most recently, I participated in the Family Law Mediation Fundamentals program in December 2024 and am looking forward to the upcoming Intermediate Family Law Mediation program in January 2025.
You were once a teacher? And a counsellor as well?
Our past tends to catch up with us, doesn’t it? I’ve always wondered what I wanted to be when I grew up. After qualifying as a journeyman and working in the construction industry for a number of years, I decided I wanted a change of pace and attended Fraser Valley College (now the University of the Fraser Valley). There, I completed a two-year diploma program in both Criminal Justice and Social Services, focusing on counselling and counselling skills.
As a “mature” student with a family to support, I worked as a counselor in various capacities and, for a while, taught in Adult Basic Education. I later pursued further studies at SFU in the Department of Criminology and then headed to UBC for law school. During my time at both SFU and UBC, I taught as a sessional instructor in criminology and criminal justice at Fraser Valley College and occasionally guest lectured in law at another college.
When I was asked to present and teach for CLEBC and CBABC, my passion for teaching continued—and it continues to this day.
What inspired you to become a lawyer?
Wow. As a child, I wanted to be a lawyer—perhaps inspired by too many TV shows with their idealized portrayal of the profession. However, growing up in the early 1970s, I became acutely aware of my own privilege and the lack of privilege experienced by many around me. It seemed to me that the law often benefited the privileged while disadvantaging others. This realization left me disenchanted with the idea of becoming a lawyer, so I set aside those ambitions and spent several years working in the construction industry and related fields.
When I turned 30, I began to reconsider my worldview. Still wondering what I wanted to do “when I grew up,” I reflected on the societal disparities that had always concerned me. I realized that education or law could offer opportunities to make a positive impact. Like many others at that stage of life, I believed I could make a meaningful difference in the world. Ultimately, I chose the law, as it seemed to offer the greatest potential for effecting systemic change and contributing to a more just society.
What made you decide to focus your practice on family law?
To best answer this question, I recall the words of the late Madame Justice McLachlin, who once spoke at a National Family Law Conference. She remarked that the family is the key building block of society and the world. Her thesis, which I wholeheartedly support, is that everything turns on the family. As family lawyers, we often have the opportunity to effect societal change and reconciliation through our tireless work as advocates for families, particularly for children—even if it’s one step at a time.
In my 35+ years as a family lawyer, I’ve come to believe that while major change may not always be possible, incremental changes—small victories—do add up. Over time, they can lead to significant shifts. The evolution of family law since my first case in 1989 is a testament to this. The shift from litigation to out-of-court resolution as the preferred approach in 2025 shows that meaningful progress is possible.
What advice would you pass on to a newly called lawyer?
Always consider and acknowledge your privilege as a member of the Bar. You can learn something from every person you meet, day in and day out. Strive to build a reputation as an honest, fair, and honourable person. Be a strong advocate for your clients, but avoid taking unreasonable positions.
Be a good colleague, take time for yourself, volunteer in both your local and legal communities, and never forget to say thank you.
What’s better… dogs or baseball?
That’s a tough one! For years, my life partner Sandy and I were deeply involved in both the dog fancy and baseball as avid fans of the Blue Jays, Vancouver Canadians, and often the Mariners. While baseball (especially the Jays) has its moments of heartbreak, there’s nothing quite like the companionship of a good dog.
We’ve been fortunate to watch baseball games in places like Puerto Rico, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic, as well as cricket games in other tropical locales. But I digress!
The truth is, our five grandchildren—aged 7 to 16—have now taken over top billing, eclipsing both baseball and dogs. As I often say, children are great, but grandchildren are better.
What do you look forward to most in 2025?
In terms of my legal practice, I look forward to continuing my work as a parenting coordinator and collaborative lawyer, always prioritizing the best interests of children and supporting out-of-court resolutions for family law matters. I’m also eager to continue my involvement with CLEBC and the many dedicated lawyers and support staff who give so much to our profession.
On a personal level, I look forward to spending time with my grandchildren, enjoying quality time with my life partner Sandy, traveling to tropical destinations, working in my garden, and striving for a more relaxed lifestyle.
And, of course, go Jays!