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Fasken is a "top-tier firm" with a "good, solid team and quality individual practitioners," states an interviewee.
The firm is said to have "some of the smartest people for estate litigation in the country," who are "very smart, professional and practical, which helps to get resolutions." One source says the Fasken lawyers "do the job right - they get from start to finish effectively and efficiently, and clients are very happy with them." Another says that Fasken is "my number-one choice for clients needing estate work."
Notable practitioners
Corina Weigl is "easily one of the top people in her field and in the country," and is "incredibly smart and detailed, very client-oriented and practical." Weigl is "personable and charismatic" and "operates at a high level," a source says. Another adds: "She has an amazing practical and tax knowledge. She cuts to the chase quickly and is all about finding solutions."
Vancouver-based Edgar Frechette advises high net worth clients on estate, tax and succession planning. Frechette is "regarded as a leading lawyer in this area for Vancouver," says one of his peers. "He is a very, very good practitioner, very thoughtful and deliberate, he knows this area well," an interviewee says, adding: "He is very strong dealing with charities and foundations. He is someone you can rely on. If I was in a conflict, I would refer to Edgar - I have no hesitation referring a matter to him."
Senior statesman and private client specialist Howard Carr "is one of the strongest practitioners in the country," and "handles extremely complicated matters and large estates with business issues very well." Carr is considered to have "a personality that is really good for this kind of work - he inspires confidence in clients easily and is so thoughtful." Another source says Carr is "very knowledgeable, very technically strong and also very good at client relations."
Maureen Berry advises affluent individuals and families on a range of matters, including domestic and international trusts and estates and tax planning. "I have seen her in action and I think she is fantastic," one source enthuses; "she is bright, able and solid in trust and tax law, she is an excellent tax planner." Another source says that "Maureen is knowledgeable of current tax and trust law and is forward-looking," and continues: "Maureen is my go-to expert for Canadian trust law."
