Firm News
Announcing Overholt Law LLP
Since June 18, 2012, Overholt Law LLP has been a trusted workplace law and litigation boutique in downtown Vancouver. Today, we are excited to announce that Preston Parsons and Jennifer Kwok have joined Carman J. Overholt, Q.C. to form Overholt Law LLP, effective January 1, 2021.
Before founding Overholt Law LLP, Carman (he/him/his) practiced for 26 years in two large Vancouver law firms including a national law firm, where he was an equity partner and Chair of its Employment and Labour Relations Practice Group for many years. His practice was and continues to encompass all areas of workplace law and commercial litigation. He has appeared before the BC Supreme Court and Court of Appeal in numerous notable cases including the defence of an employment law class action in the mining sector. Carman has advised and represented clients in nearly every industry in the course of his career.
Throughout his years of practice, Carman served the legal community in several significant ways, including as President of the BC Branch of the Canadian Bar Association (the “CBABC”) and as Chair/Co-Chair of the Continuing Legal Education BC Society’s annual Employment Law Conference. Working with many lawyers, Carman was also the founding Chair and President of Pro Bono Law of BC, which is now Access Pro Bono. After his service to the CBABC, Carman committed himself to coaching hockey and soccer, and to volunteering his service to the West Vancouver Otters Swim Club. That service included 10 years on the Board of Directors of the Club, 4 years of which he served as its President.
When Carman started Overholt Law LLP, the firm consisted of himself and one paralegal. Seven months later – in January 2013 – Carman was joined by Preston Parsons and Jennifer Kwok. Today, the team at Overholt Law LLP consists of 6 lawyers, an articled student, and 6 staff, and is committed to carrying on the values of Overholt Law LLP, which include: a commitment to our clients, to practicing according to the highest standards of the legal profession, diversity, and service to our communities.
Preston Parsons (he/him/his) hails originally from a farm in Alberta, but moved to the West Coast in 2007. He graduated from the UBC Faculty of Law in 2010. Collectively, he has summered, articled, and practiced in downtown Vancouver since 2009, first at a large regional firm, and then at a mid-size class action litigation boutique, before joining Overholt Law LLP. Preston has spent the vast majority of his time at the bar practicing in all areas of workplace law, including advising and representing employers and employees in a variety of industries, and before various court and administrative forums. In the past few years, Preston has developed a growing practice defending professionals in disciplinary proceedings before their associations and regulatory bodies.
Preston is an accomplished figure skater and coach. In addition, he too has demonstrated a true commitment to the legal community through various positions with the CBABC and CBA National that began while he was in law school. His early service to the CBA was recognized with the CBA National Edward K. Rowan Legg Award for exemplary service as a student member, and his contributions had only just begun. Preston would go on to serve on the executive of the CBABC SOGIC Section for 6 years, including 4 years as its Co-Chair, championing LGBTQ2S+ issues in the profession and beyond. He also served on the CBA National Young Lawyers Executive for 5 years, including 1 year as the National Chair of the CBA Young Lawyers Section during which time he represented the CBA with trips to the United Kingdom and the United States of America. Preston was also the founding Vice-President/Chair of the Vancouver Region of Start Proud, a national organization dedicated to the professional development of LGBTQ2S+ students and young professionals. He held that role for over 3 years. Preston is currently in his 6th year as an Elected Vancouver County Representative of the CBABC.
Jennifer Kwok (she/her/hers) is a graduate of the Faculty of Law at the University of Alberta. She clerked for the Federal Court of Canada prior to articling in Vancouver with a national law firm. After practicing for a period of time, Jennifer left the legal profession to join the Vancouver Police Department where she was a patrol constable for almost 7 years. Upon deciding to return to the practice of Law, Jennifer joined Overholt Law LLP in early 2013. Since joining Overholt Law LLP, Jennifer has developed many strong relationships with our clients who appreciate her practical and straightforward advice on all types of issues that arise in the workplace, including advising clients on workplace harassment, discrimination, and accommodation matters, as well as conducting independent workplace complaint investigations. Jennifer strongly believes that the most effective advocacy occurs when there is trust in the lawyer/client relationship, and as such she takes great care in getting to know our clients, and ensuring that her advice fits their specific needs and objectives.
Outside of her legal practice, Jennifer is a competitive Ultimate player, and has represented Canada in a number of World Championships, as well as the World Games. She believes strongly in volunteerism, the power of sport, particularly in the lives of young women, and is currently the coach of the women’s UBC Ultimate Sports Club.
Together, we commence this new chapter in our practice very grateful for the support of the people we work with, our clients, and the legal community.
Although 2020 was a challenging year for all of us, we begin 2021 with excitement for the future. We look forward to working with you.
