“BM Law is the call to make, when your rights are at stake.”
Bobby Movassaghi
Principal, Owner Born and raised in Vancouver BC, Criminal Defence and Family Law Lawyer Bobby Movassaghi graduated with a business degree from the Sauder School of Business from the University of British Columbia (UBC). Bobby then obtained his Law Degree (JD) in Southern California before obtaining his Masters of Law degree (LLMCL) from UBC. His legal studies were focused on Criminal Law and Trial Advocacy.
Bobby started his legal career at one of the largest Criminal Defence and Family Law firms in BC where he worked for more than seven years. Since then, he has established his own practice and currently employs a strong legal team comprised of associates, students and paralegals to assist him in zealously advocating for the rights of his clients. Bobby regularly appears before all levels of Court in British Columbia. He has successfully defended clients in Provincial Court, Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal, and has argued in just about every courtroom in the province of British Columbia.
Today, as the principal and owner of BM Law, Bobby has an established Criminal Defence and Family Law practice, assisting individuals all over the province. He is a skillful negotiator, an assertive advocate and a zealous proponent of your liberties and rights.
James Macdonnell
Associate Born and raised in Kelowna, BC, Family Law and Civil Litigation lawyer James Macdonnell graduated from the University of British Columbia (UBC) with dual BAs in History and Political Science and later obtained his Law Degree (LLB) with honours from the college of law at Cardiff University in Wales, United Kingdom. Upon returning to British Columbia in 2006, James took positions with the Provincial Government – Liquor Control and Licensing and Adult Corrections Provincial - under the purview of the Solicitor General’s Office as a senior legal analyst based out of Victoria, BC.
In early 2010, James took a position with the leading Family Law litigation firm in BC. Since then, he has focused on complex Family Law litigation and has appeared as counsel at all levels of court (Provincial, Supreme and Court of Appeal) in BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario, as well as skillfully guiding his clients through mediation and other alternative dispute resolution services.
James has also appeared as associate amicus counsel in the circuit courts of Nevada, Kansas City Missouri (complex employment matters) and the 11th Circuit Court Cour for Miami-Dade County, Florida (child relocation Family Law matters). Additionally, he has appeared before the BC Human Rights Tribunal, WorkSafe Worker’s Compensation Appeals Tribunal, IIROC and MFDAC panels. Although James’ practice focuses primarily on Family Law and Wills & Estates matters, he does take on the odd challenging civil litigation matter.
As a seasoned trial lawyer, James has extensive experience in every aspect of Family Law from initial orders through settlement or trial. James has worked on some of the most complex family and ultra high net worth Family Law litigation in BC throughout his career and he has translated his vast experience into real results for his clients.
Mona Zarbafian
Associate Mona is an associate at BM Law. She graduated from the Sauder School of Business from the University of British Columbia (UBC) in 2009 with a specialization in Finance. She has worked in both private and public practice in the financial industry prior to completing her law degree from UBC’s Allard School of Law. Since her call to the bar in 2015, Mona has gained a broad range of experience as litigation counsel including experience as solicitor counsel. Mona has held numerous teaching and senior counsel positions including acting in an executive capacity for various enterprises.
These positions have equipped Mona with the ability to quickly and knowledgeably assess risk and analyze the strengths and weaknesses of each case she is retained to advance. Beyond her financial and business acumen, her in-depth knowledge of the law allows her to protect her client’s interests on multiple levels – personal and professional. She understands that each client’s objectives are different and multifaceted and, for this reason, whether inside or outside of the courtroom, she aims to resolve matters for her clients in the most efficient manner possible.
Mona is fluent in English and Farsi and understands the importance cultural implications have on cases, especially family law matters.
Tom Spettigue
Associate Tom is an Associate at BM Law. He obtained his law degree (JD) from the University of British Columbia (UBC) where he was a member of the Criminal Law Club and assisted low-income Vancouver residents with their criminal defence and civil matters by volunteering with the Law Students’ Legal Advice Program (LSLAP).
Prior to law school, Tom received his BSc. from Cornell University in Policy Analysis, studied a semester in Russia at St. Petersburg State University, and served three years with the 2nd Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry in Shilo, Manitoba.
Tom practices Criminal Defence and knows legal issues can cause substantial anxiety and be one of the most challenging times in a person’s life. This knowledge is why Tom is dedicated to being a staunch advocate for his clients and their rights at every stage of the legal process. Outside of work, Tom enjoys spending time at the beach and playing pick-up basketball.
Ashleigh Singleton
Associate Ashleigh Singleton is an Associate at BM Law. Ashleigh graduated with a Bachelor of Science (Honours, Cum Laude) in Business Administration with a specialization in International Business. She then obtained her Paralegal Degree and further fueled her desire to become a lawyer. Ashleigh obtained her law degree in 2018, from the University of York, in England, with Honours.
During law school, Ashleigh exercised her strong negotiation and advocacy skills in the Dentons Negotiation Competition and placed second. She relies and capitalizes on these skills daily to achieve favourable outcomes in bail hearings and sentencings for clients. Aside from her strong academic side, Ashleigh has held numerous leadership roles including competing in the World Model United Nations 2012 and being elected Vice-president of her student body.
Active in both Criminal Defence and Family Law matters, Ashleigh understands that legal matters involving family and liberty are emotional and stressful. Ashleigh has appeared in both Provincial and Supreme Court for clients and is dedicated to vigorously advocating and guiding clients towards successful outcomes ranging from early legal advice through trials.
Stacie Ayukawa
Paralegal Stacie is a Paralegal at BM Law. Stacie has completed both her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees at Simon Fraser University (SFU), where she was awarded a Graduate Fellowship. Early in her career, Stacie was employed by a firm specializing in Family Law. Stacie’s passion in Family Law led her to enroll in the Paralegal Diploma Program at Capilano University where she earned several scholarships and distinctions for her academic achievements. She also obtained a professional designation of Member, Trust Institute from the Canadian Securities Institute to become an estate and trust professional.
Since initiating her paralegal career, Stacie has engaged in multiple volunteer programs and various speaking engagements, published articles, and chaired courses in Family Law. She regularly chairs courses for the Continuing Legal Education Society and instructed in the School of legal Studies at Capilano University.
With over 17 years of experience in Family Law and Wills & Estates, Stacie is skilled in all facets of both practice areas and lends a compassionate personality to those who are in need of legal assistance.
Kirsten Meers
Paralegal Kirsten Meers is a Paralegal at BM Law. Kirsten has worked in the Vancouver legal community since 2013 in various legal environments and has supported counsel in all areas of litigation. She has extensive experience assisting clients with spousal support, child support, protection orders and many other Family Law issues. Kirsten is a dedicated professional and enjoys helping clients work through the difficult times in their lives.
Kirsten's passion for Family Law and access to justice has fueled her desire to complete her Gladue Report Writer certificate and become an active member of the BC First Nations Justice Counsel. Outside of the office, Kirsten enjoys playing soccer, travelling, finding new recipes to cook and spending time with her friends and family.
Ingvar Suvorin
Articling Student Ingvar is an Articling Student at BM Law. He completed his Bachelor’s Degree in History at the University of British Columbia (UBC) and later obtained his Law Degree (LLB) with Honours from the University of Law in London, UK, where he was awarded an International Entrance Scholarship. He has completed his Master of Laws Degree (LLM) at Osgoode Hall Law School at York University in Toronto, with an emphasis on Criminal and Family Law.
Ingvar has over 7 years of paralegal experience with various law firms as well as LSBC. Most recently, he spent a few years working as a class action paralegal at one of the leading class action firms in Canada. During this time, Ingvar was the lead paralegal on several major national class actions, where he regularly represented the class counsel.
While Ingvar has enjoyed a diverse practice, his particular interest is in Criminal Defence and Family Law. Years of working in litigation combined with his drive for social justice is what underpins Ingvar’s desire to deliver legal assistance to the highest standards. Outside of work, Ingvar is a passionate hockey player and avid traveller.