Business Details
37 Years
experience
Continuing Education & Professional Development in British Columbia
Founded in 1989, the Pacific Business & Law Institute (PBLI) is a Vancouver-based organization dedicated to delivering interdisciplinary educational programming that bridges legal, social, and policy developments. With over 30 years of experience, our close-knit team of lawyers and professionals fosters collaboration, consultation, and informed debate to address pressing industry challenges. We prioritize research-driven insights and community impact, offering cutting-edge forums that empower professionals across sectors.Our programs, designed in consultation with expert faculty and delegates, emphasize practical knowledge transfer, ensuring participants stay ahead of evolving trends. PBLI remains committed to excellence, building long-lasting relationships through high-quality events that inspire shared understanding and drive positive change.
Services
Continuing Education
Professional Development
Legal Forums
Interdisciplinary Programming
Community Engagement
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- We offer over 30 years of experience in interdisciplinary legal and policy education.
- Our programs are co-developed with industry-leading experts and practitioners.
- We prioritize actionable insights for navigating complex, real-world challenges.
- Our events combine academic rigor with practical, industry-specific applications.
- We foster collaboration between professionals, governments, and Indigenous communities.
What people say
Expert faculty
Actionable insights
Strong Indigenous focus
Excellent networking
Well-structured events
Services
Continuing Education Programs
PBLI delivers specialized continuing education programs for legal and industry professionals. Our curriculum focuses on emerging legal trends, policy changes, and practical applications. Participants gain actionable insights through expert-led discussions, case studies, and networking opportunities. Programs cater to lawyers, government officials, Indigenous leaders, and corporate stakeholders seeking to enhance their expertise in dynamic regulatory environments.
Interdisciplinary Conferences
We host interdisciplinary conferences addressing cross-sector challenges in infrastructure, taxation, Indigenous law, and business succession. Events feature panels of nationally recognized experts, interactive workshops, and peer-to-peer learning. Our conferences emphasize collaboration between legal professionals, policymakers, and industry leaders to develop innovative solutions for complex issues affecting modern enterprises and communities.
Indigenous Law Training
PBLI offers comprehensive training on Aboriginal and Indigenous law developments in Canada. Programs cover treaty negotiations, land rights litigation, and Crown consultation obligations. Attendees learn from leading practitioners and Indigenous leaders about recent court decisions, regulatory reforms, and best practices for working with First Nations communities on economic development and governance matters.
Tax Planning Seminars
Our tax planning seminars address domestic and international tax challenges for professionals and businesses. Topics include cross-border estate planning, corporate tax compliance, and strategies for family-owned enterprises. Participants receive practical guidance on navigating Canada-US tax treaties, minimizing liabilities, and adapting to legislative changes affecting multinational operations and succession planning.
Family Business Succession
PBLI provides specialized programming on family business succession and wealth preservation. Seminars cover tax-efficient transfer strategies, governance structures, and conflict resolution techniques. Experts address legal and financial considerations for multi-generational businesses, including estate freezes, trust arrangements, and philanthropy planning to ensure long-term sustainability and family harmony.
People
Karen Martin
Partner, Dentons Canada LLP
Karen Martin is a construction law specialist with over 30 years of experience in dispute resolution. She has acted as counsel in numerous high-profile infrastructure cases and is a past President of the Canadian College of Construction Lawyers. Her expertise includes P3 projects, procurement disputes, and risk management strategies for construction stakeholders.
Morgan Burris
Partner, Dentons Canada LLP
Morgan Burris focuses on construction litigation and dispute resolution, representing owners, developers, and contractors. With engineering expertise and extensive courtroom experience, she advises on complex claims involving delays, design defects, and Aboriginal title issues. She has appeared before all levels of Canadian courts and specialized tribunals.
Robert J. M. Janes
Principal, JFK Law Corporation
Robert Janes is a leading Aboriginal law litigator with over 25 years of experience. He has appeared in landmark Supreme Court cases on Indigenous rights and title. His practice includes advising First Nations on environmental law, consultation obligations, and treaty negotiations, combining legal advocacy with strategic community development counsel.
Bernd Christmas
Principal, Bernd Christmas Law Group
Bernd Christmas specializes in Aboriginal law and resource development agreements. He has negotiated impact benefit agreements and advised Indigenous communities on economic development strategies. His work focuses on bridging Indigenous legal traditions with Canadian regulatory frameworks to advance self-determination and sustainable growth.
Ian Humphries
Partner, Thorsteinssons LLP
Ian Humphries is a tax law expert specializing in corporate reorganizations, estate planning, and cross-border transactions. He represents private corporations and shareholders on complex tax matters, including mergers and acquisitions. His practice combines technical expertise with strategic advisory services for high-net-worth individuals and family businesses.
Questions
What areas of law does PBLI focus on?
PBLI specializes in construction law, tax planning, Aboriginal and Indigenous rights, family business succession, and related regulatory developments through its interdisciplinary forums.
Are PBLI programs eligible for continuing education credits?
Yes, most conferences qualify for 6-12 hours of Law Society of BC CPD credits. Check specific programs for other jurisdictions' accreditation details.
Can I attend PBLI events online?
Most programs offer live webinar options alongside in-person attendance in Vancouver, with some events available exclusively online.
Does PBLI offer scholarships?
Yes, we provide Pay It Forward Scholarships for early-career lawyers and Indigenous Scholarships for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis participants.
How can I access event materials?
All conference materials are distributed electronically. Registered attendees receive access to presentation slides and supplementary documents.
What payment methods are accepted?
We accept Visa, Mastercard, and cheques made payable to Pacific Business & Law Institute for event registrations.
