Peter Leask, KC
Peter Leask, KC: Family Law Mediator
Peter Leask, KC (King’s Counsel), is a Law Society accredited family law mediator and joined Pier Law & Mediation as a Family Law Mediator in November 2025. Leveraging his exceptional experience as both a Justice of the Supreme Court and a long-serving litigator, Peter is committed to constructive problem-solving; believing the court should always be the last resort.
Judicial and Dispute Resolution Expertise
- Justice of the Supreme Court of British Columbia (2005–2017): Served for 12 years, where he developed significant knowledge and insights by conducting many Judicial Settlement Conferences (mostly in family law cases), an experience he now brings to his mediation practice. Upon retirement, his last case involved a challenge to the constitutionality of solitary confinement.
- Post-Judicial Practice (2017–Present): Returned to the practice of law focused on problem-solving, negotiation, mediation, and arbitration, and appears before administrative tribunals. He intentionally avoids appearing as counsel in court to maintain impartiality.
- Part-Time Territorial Court Judge, Yukon (1979–1983): Gained early judicial perspective on litigation.
Commitment to Public Service and Legal Aid
Peter has a distinguished history of public and professional service, particularly in advancing access to justice.
- The Law Society Award for Leadership in Legal Aid (2019).
- Director, Association of Legal Aid Lawyers (2018–Present).
- Legal Aid Leadership: Served as Chair of the C.B.A. B.C. Criminal Justice Section, Legal Aid Committee (1975–1983), and later held key roles on the C.B.A. National Legal Aid Committee, including Chair (2004–2005).
- Justice System Reform: Was a member of the Justice Review Task Force (2002–2005), contributing to recommendations that included the establishment of a Community Court for Vancouver.
- Counsel to the Barrett Commission (1998): Acted as counsel to the Commissioner of Inquiry into the Quality of Condominium Construction (the “Leaky Condo” Inquiry), leading to significant improvements in construction quality.
- Chair, Legal Aid Task Force (1975): Led the task force for the Attorney General of BC’s Justice Development Committee to assess and suggest improvements to legal aid in BC.
Professional Background
- Life Bencher (1993–Present).
- Primary Work: Worked primarily as a criminal litigator from 1974 to 2005.
- Academia: Served as an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Law at UBC for three years, followed by seven years as an Honorary Lecturer.
- Education: Graduated from Harvard Law School.
- Early Career: Served for two years as an Administrative Officer in the Ministry of Finance in Malawi under an AfricaAsia Public Service Fellowship.
To explore how Peter Leask, KC, can bring his comprehensive experience to facilitate a constructive and cost-effective resolution to your family law matter, please contact Pier Law & Mediation today to schedule a consultation at 604-560-8285 or email info@pierfamilylawyers.com.