Business Details
40 Years
experience
Your Trusted Legal Partner in North Vancouver
Lakes & Whyte LLP has been a trusted legal partner in North Vancouver since 1986, offering comprehensive legal services across litigation, estate planning, real estate, business law, and employment law. Our firm combines decades of experience with a client-centric approach, ensuring personalized attention to every case. We pride ourselves on delivering straightforward, sound legal advice tailored to individual client needs while maintaining deep roots in the North Shore community.Our team of seasoned litigators, estate planners, and business law specialists works tirelessly to protect client interests in court and alternative dispute resolutions. With a focus on transparency and ethical practice, we guide clients through complex legal challenges, from personal injury claims to corporate transactions, always prioritizing their long-term interests.
Services
Litigation
Wills and Estates
Real Estate
Business Law
Employment Law
Details
- Year established: 1986
Highlights and features
- We offer 38+ years of legal experience since 1986.
- Our team provides personalized service for every client.
- We handle complex litigation across multiple jurisdictions.
- Our lawyers specialize in North Shore-specific real estate issues.
- We combine local knowledge with comprehensive legal expertise.
What people say
Professional and walked through every step
Caring and professional
Highly recommend
Successful outcomes
100% in my corner
Services
Litigation
Our litigation team represents clients in commercial and personal disputes across all court levels. We specialize in business conflicts, personal injury claims, and employment law matters. With experience in alternative dispute resolution, we provide strategic advocacy while maintaining cost-effective solutions for individuals and corporations throughout the North Shore region.
Wills and Estates
We offer comprehensive estate planning services including wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. Our lawyers guide executors through estate administration while addressing complex succession planning needs. With compassionate counsel, we help families protect assets and navigate probate processes specific to British Columbia's legal framework.
Real Estate
Our real estate practice handles residential and commercial transactions, financing, and disputes. We specialize in North Shore property issues including zoning conflicts, co-ownership agreements, and construction disputes. As local experts, we streamline property transfers and leasing arrangements while protecting client interests in every transaction.
Business Law
We support businesses from formation through growth with contract drafting, governance, and acquisition strategies. Our services include commercial leasing, partnership agreements, and risk management tailored to Vancouver's business environment. We provide practical legal solutions that align with long-term corporate objectives.
Employment Law
We represent employers and employees in all employment matters including termination disputes, severance packages, and human rights claims. Our proactive approach helps businesses establish compliant workplace policies while advocating for fair treatment in litigation and negotiation processes across British Columbia.
People
John Lakes
Partner
John Lakes specializes in estate planning and business law with over 30 years of experience serving North Shore clients. He focuses on creating comprehensive succession plans and advising local businesses on corporate matters.
John D. Whyte
Partner
John D. Whyte leads litigation cases with expertise in personal injury and commercial disputes. With decades of courtroom experience, he has secured significant settlements for clients in complex legal matters.
Clark Hartnett
Partner
Clark Hartnett handles real estate and litigation matters, combining property law expertise with dispute resolution skills. He represents clients in residential and commercial transactions across Vancouver's North Shore.
Nathan Rayan
Partner
Nathan Rayan specializes in employment law and business disputes. He advises employers on compliance while representing employees in wrongful dismissal claims, ensuring balanced workplace solutions.
Giorgio Verdicchio
Associate
Giorgio Verdicchio supports business and real estate clients with transactional law and corporate governance. He assists in structuring deals and maintaining regulatory compliance for growing enterprises.
Questions
What areas of law does Lakes Whyte LLP specialize in?
We specialize in litigation, wills and estates, real estate, business law, and employment law, serving both individuals and corporations.
Do you offer services outside North Vancouver?
While based in North Vancouver, we handle cases across British Columbia and provide legal counsel tailored to local regulations.
How experienced is your litigation team?
Our litigators have over 30 years of combined experience handling cases from ICBC claims to complex commercial disputes in all court levels.
Can you assist with estate administration?
Yes, we guide executors through probate processes, asset distribution, and estate disputes with specialized knowledge of BC's legal requirements.
Do you provide business succession planning?
We offer comprehensive succession planning services, including corporate restructuring and transition strategies for family-owned businesses.
Are consultations available for urgent legal matters?
We prioritize urgent cases and offer prompt consultations for time-sensitive legal issues like eviction notices or immediate litigation needs.
