Spencer’s practice consists of solicitor’s work, where he has a particular focus on agricultural law.
Spencer practiced for several years at a medium-sized firm in downtown Vancouver before joining Campbell Froh May & Rice LLP in 2009.
He works in agricultural law involving many different types of farms including dairy, berries and other field crops, poultry, greenhouse, and ranchers, located in the lower Fraser Valley and other parts of BC, including some remote locations. Spencer has significant experience in dealing with the land issues relating to farmers, including applications to the Agricultural Land Commission and other governmental and regulatory authorities.
In his litigation practice, Spencer conducted many trials at all levels of court in British Columbia, relating to commercial disputes, estates, expropriation compensation and environmental matters. He also conducted numerous arbitration and administrative hearings in various fields including crop insurance and consumer protection.
His family has deep roots in Richmond and Vancouver, dating back to the 1870’s. The family has been farming in the Lower Mainland since the 19th Century, and continues to be actively involved in farming.
Spencer resides in Richmond with his wife, another life-long resident of Richmond, and his four sons.
In addition to his general commercial litigation practice, Spencer has:
- Successfully defended a developer in one of the only 'leaky condo' disputes to go to trial in British Columbia (Kayne v. The Owners, Strata Plan LMS 2374 , 2013 BCSC 51)
- Successfully acted in two separate, but related, BC Supreme Court trials for the former owner of The Khamoro Pub, an establishment located in downtown Vancouver. This action was complex and involved multiple parties. The first trial resulted in a successful judgment on a claim based upon non-payment of the pub's sale price under a promissory note. The claim also alleged that the pub assets had been fraudulently conveyed by the purchasers to related companies in order to avoid paying the purchase price. This decision was rendered in January 2011. In the second trial, the purchasers and current owners of the Winking Judge pub alleged a variety of misrepresentations during the sale of the pub. In July 2011, the second trial was also resolved successfully with the dismissal of virtually all of the purchaser's claims related to the sale.
- Acted as counsel in numerous disputed and undisputed estate litigation matters, including several applications for the appointment of a committee pursuant to the Patients Property Act. In another matter, successfully upheld a Will from variation by a son under the Wills Variation Act, and showed that a joint bank account was meant as a gift to the daughter.
Professional Affiliations
- Elected Provincial Council Member, Canadian Bar Association, BC Branch
- Civil Chambers Pro Bono Duty Counsel, Access Pro Bono
- Canadian Bar Association, Civil Litigation, Environmental Law, Construction and Real Estate Law sections
- Law Society of British Columbia
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Publications & Presentations