My passion for family law stems from a strong desire to help clients during a tumultuous time. I pledge to help clients regain their peace and protect the best interests of the children involved. Raised in a Cantonese-speaking household, I bring an understanding of Chinese cultural values when working with Mandarin and Cantonese-speaking clients.
Vanessa Lam completed her undergraduate studies at the University of British Columbia majoring in European History before earning her LLB (Hons) at the University of Kent in 2021. Subsequently, she completed a Masters of Law (Common Law) degree at the University of British Columbia.
During summer break between her first and second year of law school, Vanessa volunteered at Access Pro Bono. She participated in the Residential Tenancy Program that provides free legal assistance and representation to low and modest-income tenants. Under the supervision of a lawyer, Vanessa dealt with cases which involved contesting eviction notices, seeking compensation for loss of quiet enjoyment, and recovering a security deposit. Vanessa later returned to Access Pro Bono as a client in-take volunteer. Being the first line of contact for tenants phoning in, she dealt with the callers professionally and with compassion.
While studying at the University of Kent, Vanessa developed an interest in criminal defense. She joined the Criminal Justice Project, which partnered with a local grassroots campaign, Joint Enterprise Not Guilty by Association (“JENGbA”). Working alongside her peers, she reviewed cases of prisoners who were convicted under the controversial joint enterprise doctrine, trying to identify where there might be potential grounds for appeal. Her experience in JENGbA led her to apply for an Articling position in criminal defense. Since then, she has gained experience advocating for clients’ rights in provincial court and drafting letters to Crown counsel. Through her Articles, Vanessa also negotiated on behalf of clients to get the best possible results in traffic courts across the province.
During her time at UBC, Vanessa joined the immigration clinic at the Law Students’ Legal Advice Program where she conducted client interviews and provided free legal advice to clients with immigration and refugee matters.
In her spare time, Vanessa enjoys skiing, playing racquet sports and travelling.
Education
- 2021: Master of Laws (Common Law), Peter A. Allard School of Law, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
- 2019: Law (LLB) Honours – The University of Kent
credentials
- Member of the Law Society of British Columbia
