Michelle Ma is a lawyer in Klein Lawyers’ personal injury practice. Ms. Ma’s practice is focused entirely on personal injury matters, aiding individuals whose lives have been adversely affected by automobile accidents. Ms. Ma has significant settlements that have been used as precedents in many other cases.
Ms. Ma graduated from Simon Fraser University in 1983 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree and in 1989 from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Law Degree. She was called to the Bar in British Columbia in 1990.
Ms. Ma is the co-author of two articles on motor vehicle law titled “Requirement That Surveillance Tapes Be Disclosed” and “Calderbank Letters” published by The Continuing Legal Education Society of British Columbia.
Practice Areas
Education
- University of British Columbia, Bachelor of Laws, 1989
- Simon Fraser University, Bachelor of Arts, 1983
Bar Memberships
- British Columbia, 1990
Work Experience
- Associate at Klein Lawyers, 1997- current
- North Shore Law
- Family Maintenance Enforcement Program
- McGee & Company
Professional Affiliations
- Law Society of British Columbia
- Canadian Bar Association, BC Branch
- Trial Lawyers Association of British Columbia
- Vancouver Bar Association
Selected Decisions
- Abbott v Gerges – Ms Ma was lead counsel in a trial lasting 8.5 days. This was a complicated trial with significant pre-existing medical issues and a subsequent fall in a grocery store. Madam Justice Warren awarded $246,044 plus costs.
- Jopling v Brodowich – this started as a 10 day jury trial. The jury was dismissed on the 5th day due to the fact that Ms. Jopling’s former family physician related a story on the witness stand of how after another patient’s ICBC case settled, she never saw him again for her injuries. This was too prejudicial to Ms Jopling’s case. Damages awarded over $130,000.
- Clarke v Stricker – co counsel with David Klein – an unusual case in that the trial judge awarded damages for the effect of the accident on a music teacher’s “singing voice”. Judgment over $90,000.
- Williams v Foster – ICBC offered $5,000 prior to trial, judgment over $70,000, liability problems.
- Numerous settlements over $500,000 – severe psychological injuries, mild traumatic brain injuries.
Charitable & Civic Involvement
- Pro Bono work in the legal community/Access Justice.
- Volunteering at Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) educational events.
Publications
- Requirement That Surveillance Tapes Be Disclosed published by The Continuing Legal Education Society of British Columbia.
- Calderbank Letters published by The Continuing Legal Education Society of British Columbia.
