Mikhael Magaril – Lawyer
Mikhael completed his undergraduate studies in mathematics and completed both honours level courses and graduate level courses. Mikhael was also one of the youngest lawyers to be called in British Columbia. Prior to forming Bear Creek Law LLP, Mikhael worked at a boutique criminal law firm in Vancouver which got him into court almost every single day. By the time Mikhael completed his articles he had already had sole conduct of numerous trials and appellate experience.
Mikhael is the recipient of numerous legal awards including:
- – The Law Foundation Scholarship
- – Malcolm MacIntyre Memorial Entrance Scholarship in Law
- – Harper Grey LLP Prize in Law and Medicine
In addition, Mikhael also has the notable achievement of winning a trial without asking a single question. The silence was deafening.
Mikhael’s analytical skills are matched up with extensive courtroom experience that he brings to Bear Creek Law LLP.
He has acted as counsel before:
- – The British Columbia Court of Appeal;
- – The Supreme Court of British Columbia;
- – The Provincial Court of British Columbia;
- – The British Columbia Securities Commission;
- – Tax Court of Canada;
- – Workers Compensation Appeal Tribunal;
- – RoadSafety BC;
- – B.C. Human Rights Tribunal; and
- – Numerous other administrative tribunals.
When not in Court Mikhael’s interests include theology, travel, woodworking, and spending time with his wife and children. Mikhael volunteers as a supervising lawyer with the Law Students’ Legal Advice Program, and volunteers with the Lawyers Assistance Program.
In addition to English, Mikhael is fluent in Russian and regularly provides full legal services to Russian speaking clients.
Favourite Series: Better Call Saul
Favourite Artist: Lil Dicky
Favourite Author: Robin Cook
Favourite Video Game: DOTA 2
Janice Lu – Lawyer
Janice recently graduated from Peter A. Allard School of Law at the University of British Columbia in 2021. During her time at law school, Janice demonstrated herself as a passionate access to justice advocate. She volunteered with the Law Students’ Advice Program and represented low-income clients in diverse legal areas, including employment, contractual dispute, and criminal defense. She also volunteered with Pro Bono Students Canada and provided legal resources to various non-profit organizations in the lower mainland including Sher Vancouver, YWCA, and the Lockout Society.
Prior to law school, Janice obtained her undergraduate studies in mathematics and philosophy from the University of Toronto, where she graduated with Distinction. She developed strong analytical skills and logical deduction. Janice moved to Vancouver due to her love for mountains and hikes. When not in school, Janice loves to enjoy what BC has to offer by spending time outdoors, cooking, and doing yoga.
Born in Taiwan, Janice is a native speaker in Mandarin capable of providing legal services to Mandarin-speaking clients.
Favourite Movie: Get Out
Favourite Artist: Yayoi Kusama
Favourite Author: Lori Gottlieb
Favourite Video Game: Clash Royale
Christina Ma – Lawyer
Christina graduated from Peter A. Allard School of Law at the University of British Columbia in 2021, and her undergraduate studies in Economics from Simon Fraser University. Prior to being called in British Columbia, she articled at Arbitration Place in Toronto, as part of the in-house legal team. She is passionate about finding solutions for individuals, families and businesses through the law. Christina has previously been called to the Bar in Ontario and is currently called in both B.C. and New York. She counts her multi-jurisdictional studies as strengthening her foundation in common law legal principles – and thus being able to weave knowledge into effective advocacy.
She has appeared as counsel before various tribunals in British Columbia, the Provincial Court of British Columbia, Supreme Court of British Columbia and the Court of Appeal for British Columbia. In addition, she has acted as arbitral secretary to a $1 million commercial arbitration case. During law school, she volunteered for the LSLAP south Vancouver clinic and the Business Law Clinic, which catered to small businesses.
When not in the courtroom or an office, she enjoys hiking, trying new recipes, travelling and dabbling in film photography.
Favourite Movie: Inception
Favourite Artist: Shad
Favourite Author: Hannah Arendt
Favourite Video Game: Kings Quest V
Jasjit S. Parmar – Lawyer
Jasjit graduated from the Faculty of Law at Thompson Rivers University in 2021. Prior to law school, Jasjit earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology from Kwantlen Polytechnic University. During his time in law school, Jasjit was a volunteer with Pro Bono Students Canada, a student case worker with the TRU Community Legal Clinic, and a graduate research assistant for a professor. One of the fulfilling highlights from his time in law school stems from his research work, some of which has been used in publications by non-profit organizations and some that have been referenced in legislature in developing countries.
When not in court or in the office, Jasjit enjoys spending his free time staying active, learning calligraphy, listening to music, and riding his motorcycle.
Favorite Movie: Saving Private Ryan
Favorite Artist: Bob Marley
Favorite Author: J. K. Rowling
Favorite Video Games: The Witcher and the Call of Duty collection
Kristina Pokhilko – Paralegal
Kristina completed her Paralegal Certificate in Litigation at Vancouver Community College. She has been working in Civil Litigation for eight years and is currently completing her Degree in Criminology at Simon Fraser University.
In her spare time, Kristina enjoys hiking, going to the gym, watching crime shows and spending time with her animals.
In addition to English, Kristina speaks Russian and Spanish.
Favourite Movie: Gone with the Wind
Favourite Artist: Sarah Brightman
Favourite Author: Neil Gaiman
Favourite Video Game: Horizon Zero Dawn
Rizelle Uy - Paralegal
Rizelle completed her Associate’s Degree in Psychology at Douglas College where she also competed on the Women’s Volleyball Team and then obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Forensic Science at BCIT. Rizelle has worked in the legal profession for more than 4 years with experience in various legal areas, such as litigation and criminal.
In her spare time, Rizelle enjoys playing volleyball, going to the gym, and watching true-crime documentaries.
Favorite Movie: 13 Going on 30
Favorite Artist: Luke Combs
Favorite Activity: Exploring new restaurants
Yasmeen Gill – Legal Assistant
Born and brought up in Punjab, India, Yasmeen came to Canada as a student in 2016. She graduated in business management from Humber College in Toronto, Ontario. She relocated to Surrey, British Columbia, in 2018, after completing her postsecondary education. Since that time, she and her family have made Surrey, British Columbia, their permanent home. Yasmeen has worked in administration for more than 4 years and she is presently gaining experience in preparation for a career in law. The two activities that Yasmeen enjoys the most are travelling and cooking.
Favourite Movie: PINK
Favourite Artist: Deepika Padukone
Favourite Book: How to win friends and influence people
Favourite activity: Baking
Alexa Porpaczy - Legal Support Staff
Alexa completed her Undergraduate studies in Political Science and recently obtained her Master’s of Legal Studies Degree at the University of Arizona. During her time at University, Alexa competed as a varsity Track and Field athlete specializing in High Jump. Alexa plans to continue her education and is currently gaining experience for a career in Law.
In her spare time, Alexa enjoys exercising, spending time outdoors and traveling to new places.
Favorite Movie: Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
Favorite Artist: Tame Impala
Favorite Author: Delia Owens
Favorite Video Game: Sonic Shuffle