Professional Background
After completing his mechanical engineering and law degree, Mr. Urquhart practised in the field of landscape architecture for several years before practicing law in Winnipeg. From 1968 to 1973 he was a Legal Consultant with a Vancouver firm working on a major construction case for BC Hydro. Mr. Urquhart subsequently joined another Vancouver-based law firm and eventually became a partner in 1978. In 1986, he became one ofthe founding partners of Singleton Urquhart.
Mr. Urquhart has practised as litigation counsel since 1967 and has appeared in all Courts of British Columbia, as well as in the Supreme Court of Canada. Mr. Urquhart's practice as a litigator is varied. He has acted as counsel for architects, engineers, contractors and owners, property and casualty insurers, accountants, dentists, other professionals, and in cases concerning directors and officers liability, and errors and omissions claims.
Mr. Urquhart has represented many insurers of professionals, acting as defence counsel and in subrogated actions.
Mr. Urquhart also acts as a mediator and arbitrator in actions involving construction claims, commercial disputes andinterpretation of insurance policies.
Education
- Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering, University of Manitoba: 1962
- Bachelor of Laws, University of Manitoba: 1966
- Called to the Manitoba Bar: 1966
- Member of the Law Societies of British Columbia (1969) and Alberta (1986)
- Chartered Arbitrator and Member of the Arbitrators Institute of Canada
Career Highlights
- Adjunct Professor in Construction Law, University of British Columbia
- Appointed Justice of the Peace (2008)
- Coordinator of courses on construction and accounting law
- Active lecturer, as well as panelist, on television and video workshops on arbitration, construction and accounting litigation practice and procedures
- Former Western Canadian editor of Construction Law Reports
- Editor-in-Chief of Professional Liability and Discipline Litigation Quarterly
- Fellow of the College of Canadian Construction Lawyers
- Lecturer for the B.C. Arbitration and Mediation Institute
Avocations
Skiing, farming and tennis.
