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Our Team

Our Philosophy/Approach

At Coastal Family Law and Mediation, we recognize that every family is unique. That’s why we take a personalized approach to every file. Our team will work with you to create a custom legal strategy to resolve your family law matter that meets your unique needs and helps and your family reach the most efficient, equitable, and timely settlement possible.

Our team will work with you to understand your goals and requirements, and help you navigate the legal challenges you face.

We know that family law matters can feel overwhelming, especially during times of transition. That’s why we focus on setting a clear path from the start, with open communication, working to find practical solutions that will allow you to move forward with our comprehensive support.

Meet Our Team

Laura Atkinson - Lawyer

Alana Zanbilowicz - Lawyer

Catherine Steele - Designated Paralegal

Kaytlyn Steele - Designated Paralegal

Customer Reviews

Reviews

5.0

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Anna Richards

1 month ago

Alana is a very thorough and knowledgeable lawyer who works very hard for her clients.

Rosemarie Fisher

2 years ago

After first conversation with Laura I felt very comfortable and confident in my choice of lawyer. She treated me like a friend more than a client. As a newish Canadian and English is not my primary language, I felt very confused on the rules and laws surrounding a divorce. She led me through the steps and encouraged me to open my world up to her. I moved forward with a leader and partner facing my fears. I would highly recommend Laura as a lawyer and a counselor 🙃 (emotional support) I am now through it and not sure I could’ve got here without her. Rosemarie

Cory Bakker

2 years ago

From the moment I walked in, full of anxiety, Laura's demeanor quickly calmed me and my family law file down. Even with divorce looming overhead, meetings began and ended with smiles, and reassurance. There was even laughter in the room. Laura knows her stuff, and even in the thick fog of war she maintained a superhuman ability to explain processes and nuances of separation and divorce. - All this to just say that I came into her office stressed out of my mind, but left tremendously happy.

Brian Iron

3 years ago

This team of awesome ladies help me threw some of my worst days . If your like me and don't know much about separation legal advice hire laura she's the best with out them I couldn't go threw it thanks girls

Bill Cozzens

3 years ago

Laura provided outstanding legal assistance, and gave me the keys to manage my family matter successfully going forward. As I was operating on a limited budget, she did great work giving me directions on doing what legwork I could, and combining it with her experience and training to drive a great result. One of her best contributions was seeing through the complexities of the legal/Courts in BC to help keep me focused on finding the best and fairest outcome. Very highly recommended.

Beatriz

4 years ago

Amazing lawyer. Highly recommend her. She supports women and empowers them when they feel like they have no power or control over their situation, giving you the tools to find that fire and igniting it.

Christian Penney

5 years ago

Laura, I can not say enough about how great it was to have you for my independent legal advice aswell as mediation coaching.you were and are very knowledgeable there to guide me through the whole process and understanding my situation to the fullest and explaining what I needed to do. We had a mediator which I will not say the name but Laura found many mistakes and loop holes which could have lead to myself being in a very tough spot going forward. She was very responsive to all emails and calls. Laura has to be the best on the island when it comes to caring and knowing the situation. I will always have you in this new chapter of my life that I'm writing as I was so afraid but with your knowledge and commitment. This new start is nothing but great and I feel you played a huge role. Thanks so much. Best money ever spent in my entire life.

Amy Yorke

6 years ago

Laura is an AMAZING lawyer. She is genuinely passionate, professional, smart, and very helpful. 100/10 would definitely reccomend!

Chris Reid

6 years ago

A flawless professional with a big heart. Absolutely recommend her service.

Erin Sherry

6 years ago

Laura has provided insightful, empathetic, and skillful legal services to me since 2011 during all phases of my family law journey. My experience with Laura is incredibly positive; she is very easy to talk to, is timely and responsive to my calls and emails, and always makes me feel listened to and understood. Laura is an outstanding professional who cares a great deal about her clients and knows her stuff. Her dedication, kindness, knowledge, and perseverance ensure the best outcomes for those she represents. She shepherded me through an extremely difficult divorce with custody and safety issues with the best interests of my child and myself at the forefront. I feel fully supported by Laura and am constantly impressed by her ability to resolve challenging, complicated situations. She is a warm, considerate person with a grounded, calm demeanour. I highly recommend her to friends, family, colleagues, or anyone seeking legal assistance from a compassionate, smart advocate.

Cathy C

7 years ago

I would highly recommend Laura for legal assistance in any family law matter. Laura is extremely knowledgeable, thorough, and will be your best advocate through a most difficult time. Laura has taken the stress away from me on many occasions. She has helped in looking after my legal rights and my entitlements. Laura dealt with my children’s father before and after our divorce regarding continued child support and spousal support and was a brilliant advocate for both. I remember a time when it was extremely challenging and Laura took away all my stress by saying something like “ Cathy, that is why I am here to deal with this so you don’t have to”. I felt like I was fighting the bully all by myself until she said that. I realized I was not alone and that Laura really had me and was looking after me. I am so very grateful to Laura for her expertise and skills over the years. She has a most gentle manner with you while being extremely effective in getting results in a timely manner and fashion. If you are needing an advocate for yourself and children I would not hesitate to use Laura. She will help you navigate through the difficulties and not waste your time and money doing so.

SusyQ SusyQ

7 years ago

Laura Atkinson provided legal advise during a difficult separation and divorce through collaborative law. Laura was always informed, knowledgeable and fair when providing information and encouraged me to ask lots of questions. She helped me seek balance and fairness in my separation and I felt I was always in trustworthy hands. Laura did not lead me astray during this very stressful time in my life and my separation agreement has covered any issue that has come up over the last five years. I would highly recommend Laura to anyone seeking legal representation that is fair, honest and keeping your best interest and unique need at the forefront of negotiations. Should the need arise I would not hesitate to seek representation from Laura again. Sheilah Frost

Bill Bradley

7 years ago

I certainly recommend Laura Atkinson as she worked closely with me to get my separation agreement and divorce completed in a timely fashion. She carefully explained all the different scenarios. Laura is an effective problem solver and a very skilled negotiator.

Cathy Petch

7 years ago

Laura has provided excellent on-going service to me for nearly ten years. She's extremely knowledgeable and well-versed in all aspects of family law. She is compassionate and caring and made me feel - from our very first meeting all those years ago - that she would be by my side to help me every step of the way. Thank you Laura!