Business Details
13 Years
experience
Your Trusted Legal Partner in Richmond, BC
Bernard Lau is a boutique law firm based in Richmond, BC, specializing in real estate and conveyancing, civil litigation, builders liens, defamation, notarization services, and wills and estates. Our team of experienced legal professionals brings multilingual expertise in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese, serving individuals and businesses with tailored solutions for complex legal challenges. With a focus on integrity, respect, and professionalism, we deliver efficient, high-value legal services grounded in decades of combined experience and a commitment to client satisfaction.Our practice spans BC Supreme Court and Court of Appeal proceedings, including notable successes in defamation cases and real estate disputes. We prioritize clear communication, cultural sensitivity, and practical legal strategies to resolve matters ranging from property transactions to estate planning, ensuring clients receive accessible, reliable representation aligned with their unique needs.
Services
Real Estate Law
Civil Litigation
Wills & Estate Planning
Notarization Services
Defamation Law
Details
- Year established: 2013
Highlights and features
- We offer 10+ years of specialized experience in real estate and civil litigation.
- Our team provides multilingual legal services in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese.
- We prioritize clear communication and cultural sensitivity in client interactions.
- Our lawyers have successfully handled complex cases in BC Supreme Court and beyond.
- We combine technical expertise with cost-effective, client-focused legal strategies.
What people say
Prompt legal advise
Knowledgeable team
Responsive and professional
Smooth transactions
Great communication
Services
Real Estate Law
Our real estate practice covers property transactions, title disputes, and litigation. We assist with purchases, sales, mortgage refinancing, and complex issues like deposit forfeitures and builders liens. Clients benefit from our expertise in resolving property co-ownership conflicts and navigating BC's legal landscape, ensuring secure and compliant transactions for residential and commercial properties.
Civil Litigation
We represent clients in civil court matters including contract breaches, defamation, and property disputes. Our approach combines negotiation and trial advocacy to protect client interests. With experience in Provincial and Supreme Court proceedings, we handle cases involving real estate litigation, debt recovery, and enforcement of legal judgments, prioritizing efficient resolutions while preparing for courtroom advocacy when necessary.
Wills & Estate Planning
We help clients create comprehensive estate plans through wills, power of attorney, and advance directives. Our services include probate applications and estate administration support. We guide executors through legal requirements while helping families avoid disputes through clear documentation, ensuring assets are distributed according to client wishes while minimizing tax implications and family conflicts.
Notarization Services
As qualified notaries, we authenticate signatures and certify document copies for domestic and international use. Our services cover property transfers, affidavits, and travel consents. We ensure documents meet legal standards for acceptance in foreign jurisdictions, particularly supporting cross-border transactions and immigration-related paperwork with accurate, fraud-preventive notarization.
Defamation Law
We specialize in defamation cases involving online reviews, social media, and traditional media. Our team handles both plaintiff and defense matters, securing remedies for false statements that damage reputations. Recent successes include a landmark $90,000 award for a client defamed on review platforms, demonstrating our ability to navigate digital-age reputation challenges through strategic litigation.
People
Bernard Lau
Founding Lawyer
Bernard Lau established the firm with expertise in real estate litigation, conveyancing, and civil law. A UBC graduate with dual degrees in law and commerce, he has appeared in all BC court levels and contributes to legal publications. Fluent in three languages, he combines technical knowledge with cultural insight to serve diverse clients.
Isabella (Rong) Gao
Articled Student
Isabella brings international experience from China's energy sector and Canadian legal clinics. She assists with real estate transactions and corporate matters, offering bilingual (Mandarin/English) support. Her background in economics and public administration enhances her ability to handle complex legal issues across cultural contexts.
Questions
What real estate services do you offer?
We handle property purchases, sales, mortgage refinancing, title searches, and dispute resolution including deposit forfeitures and liens.
Do you provide notarization for international documents?
Yes, we notarize documents for use in China, Hong Kong, and other Asia-Pacific jurisdictions with proper authentication.
Can you assist with estate planning if I have young children?
We help create wills that appoint guardians and establish clear asset distribution plans for families with dependents.
What happens during the conveyancing process?
We conduct title searches, prepare legal documents, coordinate with lenders, and ensure proper registration of property transfers.
Do you handle defamation cases from online reviews?
Yes, we represent clients in defamation claims involving social media, Google, and Yelp reviews with proven courtroom success.
