Leah Pence
Associate, Mandell Pinder LLP
Phone: 604.566.8565
leah@mandellpinder.com
Assistant: Jennifer Allan | jennifer@mandellpinder.com
Profile
Leah joined Mandell Pinder LLP as an Articling Student in 2009, and has quickly
developed a diverse Aboriginal law practice. Her work includes advocacy,
negotiations, research, and strategic advice. She has been involved in
litigation
involving election codes and issues of self-governance, property and taxation,
and a variety of environmental issues. In addition, Leah has assisted with a
number of criminal files, including fishing prosecutions, and sentencing.
Leah grew up on Vancouver Island. Prior to attending law school she obtained a
degree in English and professional writing. In 1999 Leah moved to New York City
to work as an editor at Blue, an adventure travel magazine. Eager to apply her journalistic skills to the realm of social
justice, Leah decided to return to British Columbia to pursue a law degree.
During law school, Leah participated in UVic's co-operative education program,
through which she worked for the Law Commission of Canada, in the field of
immigration law, and with the Nunavut Court of Justice in Iqaluit. She also
participated in the Environmental Law Clinic, and completed a directed study in
Aboriginal law focusing on the concept of the honour of the Crown.
Leah believes in the possibilities of the law for advancing First Nations rights
and prosperity and is committed to finding creative ways to assist her clients
to meet their goals.
Education
| LL.B | University of Victoria, 2009 |
| B.A. | University of Victoria, 2002 |
Professional Standing
Member, Law Society of BC (2010)
Other Activities
Mooting coach, UBC Law, National Kawaskimhon Aboriginal Law Moot (2009-2011)
Pro-bono students Canada and West Coast LEAF (2007-2008)
Victoria Separation and Divorce Resource Centre (2005-2007)
Greater Victoria Police Victim Services (2003-2006)
In her life outside the legal world, Leah enjoys dancing, practicing yoga,
hiking and traveling.