Our Story

Strain and Company is led by Elisabeth A. Leith Strain, who was called to the bar in 1989 with a vision to provide compassionate and inclusive legal services. After articling with Richard T. Israels, Q.C., a prominent criminal defense lawyer in Vancouver, Elisabeth moved to Nanaimo. There, she served as a prosecutor for Nanaimo Crown Counsel until 1993, managing a variety of complex cases, including precedent-setting sexual assault and child sexual assault cases.

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During her tenure at Crown Counsel, Elisabeth also took on the role of Youth Court Coordinator, where she reviewed files and attended remand youth court. Her deep concern for the impact of family disputes on young people led her to transition to family law in 1994. Joining Johnston, Lewis and Company, she represented the Ministry of Children and Families, acted as parents’ counsel in child apprehension cases, and navigated various family law matters.

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In 1996, Elisabeth established her own practice, which laid the foundation for what would later become Strain and Company. Since 2003, she has served as the senior lawyer, focusing on family law, mediation, wills and estates, surrogacy, adoption, and indigenous and environmental law.

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Elisabeth is passionate about social justice and actively supports the duty counsel and family advice clinic programs offered through the Legal Services Society. Now semi-retired, she has chosen to step back from trial work, believing that most cases can be settled outside of the courtroom.

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At Strain and Company, we carry forward her commitment to accessible legal services, ensuring that every client receives the support and guidance they need. Explore our services to see how we can assist you.