Our firm got its start in local government law in the 1880s.
Since 1885 Fulton has represented local governments of all sizes on issues ranging from single matters through to acting as general legal counsel for large municipalities and regional districts.
The depth and diversity of our experience means that we are well versed in assisting our clients with complex, time-sensitive matters. At the same time, we help you plan for and develop long-term policies and procedures to mitigate risk and minimize legal complications.
The Fulton Difference
Effectively representing local governments means matching skill and expertise with sensitivity and nuance – thus, our service model is based on three areas of focus:
Understanding Our Clients
We understand that local government legal work draws together issues, personalities, back histories and local flavours. We communicate with you to understand these factors so that our work and advice is both relevant and tailored to your specific needs.
Legal Skill
At the heart of what we offer as lawyers – whether it be strategic advice, completing a transaction or conducting litigation – is our skill as legal counsel. We constantly develop and improve the legal skills of all our lawyers to ensure we are always delivering the highest level of service.
Legal Knowledge
We maintain a current and in-depth knowledge of the complex body of statutory, regulatory and common law impacting local governments, including emerging legal trends and new laws on the legislative horizon.
We offer competitive service rates and are open to alternate billing arrangements, without exclusivity requirements.
Local Government Law Services
- Council and board procedure
- Corporate governance
- Conflicts of interest
- First Nations engagement and consultation
- Labour and employment matters
- Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy
- Establishment and operation of municipal corporations
- Loss prevention and risk management
- Statutory Interpretation
- Prosecution and defence of claims, including those relating to: property, construction, contracts, negligence, defamation, nuisance, injuries, bylaws and procedures tendering and regulatory disputes
- Trials, tribunal hearings and appeals, including injunctions, mediations and arbitrations
- Expropriation
- Human rights matters and environmental claims
- Employment Law
- Local government bylaws, including interpretation, drafting and review
- Procurement/tendering – preparing/reviewing procurement documents; defending/prosecuting procurement-related claims
- Property taxation and tax sale
- Land use and development matters
- Real property transactions and land title matters
- Partnering and other Agreements
- Inter-governmental servicing agreements
Our Local Government Law Team
Devin is the calm in the storm.
Sam is calm, but not quiet.
Rick gets people.
Chelsey thrives on challenge.
Denise embraces complexity.
Tyson digs into details.
Kendra is persistent.
Casey is discerning.
Ayla fixes problems.
Caleigh is intentional.
Jessica is more than a lawyer.
Recent Case Briefs
Local Government’s Powers Regarding Homeless Encampments The BC Supreme Court recently issued a decision that impacts local governments’ ability to address homeless encampments that pose a fire risk: Vandenberg v.…
Introduction BC Courts have previously confirmed that a property owner cannot be held liable in negligence for injuries sustained by a third party when a property owner fails to clear…
Introduction Fulton recently acted for the Regional District of North Okanagan (“RDNO”) in litigation concerning a dispute involving public lands and Provincial foreshore licenses. The resulting decision, which dismissed all…
Introduction On October 16, 2023, the Province announced new legislation regarding short-term rentals: The Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act. This Act was brought into force on October 26, 2023. This new…