Paul McLennan, JD, LLM

Barrister, Solicitor, Mediator, Arbitrator, Notary

PAUL MCLENNAN holds a Juris Doctor (JD) from the University of Victoria (2003), a Master of Laws (LLM) from the University of Toronto (2006) and a Bachelor of Fine Arts – Honours (BFA) from the University of Manitoba (1985). He is accredited as both a mediator and arbitrator by the Law Society of British Columbia.

Paul began his legal career at Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP in Toronto, where he summered, articled, and later practiced as an associate in corporate commercial and commercial real estate law. In 2006, he co-founded Contreras McLennan – Barristers & Solicitors in Toronto’s financial district. In 2011, he relocated to Victoria, British Columbia, where he initially established McLennan Law Office and later re-established Contreras McLennan Law Corporation.

While studying at the University of Victoria Faculty of Law, Paul received numerous prestigious awards, including:

• The David Roberts Prize in Legal Writing
  • Awarded by The Advocate, the journal of the legal profession in B.C.
  • Recognizes excellence in persuasive legal writing.
• The Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP Award for Excellence in Intellectual Property Research – For outstanding academic research in intellectual property law.
  • Criteria for the award:
    • Originality of research;
    • Impact on the field of intellectual property; and
    • Quality of presentation and argumentation.
• The Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP Award for Excellence in Real Property Transactions – Recognizing the top performance in real estate law.

During his LLM studies, Paul was also awarded a Bell University Laboratories Scholarship in recognition of his academic achievements.

Paul has successfully represented clients at all levels of court in British Columbia and Ontario, including the Provincial and Supreme Courts, the Courts of Appeal, and the Federal Court of Canada. He has also appeared before numerous administrative boards and tribunals. With significant experience in litigation, negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and collaborative law, Paul offers a comprehensive and practical approach to dispute resolution. He is a fully trained mediator, arbitrator, and collaborative family lawyer.

Paul is a member in good standing with the Law Society of British Columbia.

Prior to entering the legal profession, Paul worked as a professional artist, managing painting studios in Toronto, Montreal, Winnipeg, London (UK), and other international cities—a background that contributes to his creativity and adaptability as a legal professional.

Outside of his legal practice, Paul is an avid cyclist, passionate basketball coach, enthusiastic world traveler, and a naturally curious lifelong learner.

Contact Paul:

📞 778-440-3588

📧 pm@contrerasmclennan.com

Or submit a message via the form below.