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Karalyn MacWilliam

Karalyn is a member of the Klein Lawyers personal injury practice, advocating on behalf of plaintiffs who have been injured in motor vehicle and other accidents. With a wealth of trial experience in both Provincial and Supreme Court, she is passionate about helping plaintiffs achieve fair compensation for their injuries.

Prior to attending law school, Karalyn achieved a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy and Political Science from the University of Alberta. She then completed her law degree at the University of Victoria, and was called to the bar in 2010 after articling at a criminal defence firm. She later worked the Public Prosecution Service of Canada as a drug prosecutor in Surrey, BC, and as plaintiff’s counsel for another well-respected law firm.

As each individual is unique, Karalyn works hard to ensure a full understanding of how injuries have affected each of her clients’ lives, and is committed to presenting the full picture on their behalf.

Practice Areas

Education

  • LL.B., University of Victoria, May 2009
  • B.A. in Philosophy and Political Science, University of Alberta, May 2006

Bar Membership

  • British Columbia, 2010

Work Experience

  • Associate Lawyer, Klein Lawyers
  • Associate Lawyer, Spraggs & Company Law Corporation
  • Associate Lawyer, Murchison Thomson & Clarke (Agents for the PPSC)
  • Articled Student, Carr Buchan and Company

Professional Affiliations

Selected Decisions

  • Gleason v. Yoon – Plaintiff was a 49-year-old woman who suffers from thoracic outlet syndrome as a result of her 2010 accident. She only missed a half day of work from her job at Value Village, and continued to work her way up in the company after the accident, eventually becoming the manager of a store. She was well-regarded by her employer, and continually earned positive annual reviews. ICBC’s offer prior to trial was $75,000. They refused to acknowledge a loss of earning capacity, as she had continued to work and continued to advance with the company. Mr. Justice Cohen awarded a total of $150,000 at trial, including $55,000 for loss of earning capacity and $75,000 for non-pecuniary damages.
  • Jiwani v. Borodi – Plaintiff was a 52-year old man who was involved in four separate accidents, resulting in lingering soft tissue injuries five years later. The pain affected his mood, his ability to sleep, and his disposition. He claimed that the loss of his job as a car salesman had been caused by the accident, due to his general malaise and lack of motivation, which he contended were caused by pain from his injuries. The defendant argued that the loss of his job had been caused by factors unconnected to the accident, such as the Plaintiff’s age and level of success in life. Mr. Justice Sigurdson awarded the Plaintiff $109,000, including $65,000 for pain and suffering and $40,000 for past income loss.

Charitable & Civic Involvement

  • Competitive springboard diver (ongoing attendance at international master’s competitions since 2010)
  • Volunteer Official for BC Diving (2010-Present)
  • Community Volunteer for Tri-Cities Youth Court and Family Justice Committee (2014)
  • Volunteer for International Institute for Child Rights and Development (2009)
  • Volunteer for Pro Bono Students Canada, worked on several projects throughout law school (2006-2009)