October 2020
John Logan, KC, is one of the founding partners and is the managing partner of Jenkins Marzban Logan LLP. He restricts his practice to the areas of construction and commercial litigation and alternate dispute resolution.
How did you first get involved with CLEBC?
Somebody at CLEBC mistakenly thought I knew something about builders’ liens, and asked me if I would teach it. I said I would only do it if PLTC would guarantee that if it went well, I could do it for 25 years. And so it was.
What are you currently working on (or have most recently worked on) with CLEBC?
Over those 25 years, I also moved into other construction and commercial litigation topics for CLEBC. CLEBC recently asked me if I would chair a course on builders’ liens. Having forgotten most of what I ever knew about buiIders’ liens, I agreed to co-chair the upcoming Builders’ Liens Update 2020 course with David Mckenzie of my firm (who knows more than I ever knew about the subject) on October 28, 2020.
What inspired you to focus your practice on construction law?
When I first started practicing, I was an ambitious commercial litigator with limited organizational skills, and accordingly had no life outside law. I thought maybe I should focus on one area. This decision led to my finding and marrying a wonderful woman with excellent organizational skills. It also led to three children who have consumed all the time freed up by focusing on construction law.
What are some of the rewards and challenges of your practice?
Wonderful, colorful clients and a relatively small and collegial construction bar which gives a big city practice a small-town feel.
What is the most valuable piece of advice that you have received in your career?
That the Golden Rule can apply in litigation, and that it is compatible with all of our obligations as lawyers.
So, you play the drums?
You bet, with a band called Still Living at Home which features some great musicians who put up with me, including lawyers Mark (Elvis) Slay also on drums and percussion, and our fearless leader and lead singer Howard (The Hit Man) Mickleson. We can be seen monthly in non-pandemic times at Malones or the Cambie with ringers Les Toth and Chris Ainscough on lead and bass guitar.
Other than law, what are you passionate about?
My wife, my kids, music, hockey, road riding, and helping people resolve disputes in a reasonable way.