Since 2008, Graves & Russell has been providing legal services from our offices in Richmond and in 2014, White Rock. A fresh yet familiar face, we are redefining the relationship between lawyers and their clients / family through a more person-centred approach to law.

What makes us different from many is our people centred, relationship based approach to our clients and their families. With a shared special interest in working with persons and families with members who have special needs or disabilities, we hold it as a great honour to be able to help people through the difficult times related to transition. We invest a great deal of time developing relationships because we believe it is a critical part of the process, especially working with families, family relationships and all of the surrounding sensitivities.

Many people find the whole process of talking about Wills & Estates to be simply awful. One of the biggest barriers to estate planning is the general lack of knowledge around what is required from each individual participant in the process, along with and the associated financial costs. We recognize this and aim to give our clients a new level of comfort and understanding.

To address the stress, frustration and resulting lack of cooperation that comes from not knowing, “how much”, or “how long” a certain situation will be, we bill by Service not by Time - and have always done it this way. As a special service for select clients, we are also mobile within the Lower Mainland and make home visits.

Our experience has shown us the importance and the benefits of people being given the time to make informed decisions based on the fullest disclosure of information. Committed to a team approach, we understand the need to include our clients’ other advisors (accountants, tax lawyers, financial planners), and the value that comes from taking into consideration the bigger picture and drafting a well-rounded solution.

It is with pride that we say our growth and success has come solely from the referral and recommendation of our clients. Thank you. We believe our people focused approach has enabled us to build long term lasting connections with many individuals, including multi-generational families. For many, we are the “family lawyer”, and we are pleased to say that invitations for lasagne dinners and surprise gifts of fresh baking are not uncommon.

 

Douglas B. Graves

Doug received his LL.B. from UBC and articled at Cowan & Company in Vancouver. He was called to the B.C. Bar in 1976. After practising for two years in Vancouver he saw the light and moved to Richmond where he practised from 1979, at first as a partner in a three-lawyer firm and then as a sole practitioner/general solicitor until 2009.

Our resident history buff, Doug is well versed on all things related to the Royal Family. He is also an avid reader and theatre goer, and has a real love for pets. Doug likes to travel and has been to some incredible places including Iceland and The Falkland Islands.

Doug enjoys helping others by giving time along with sharing his knowledge. For nearly 15 years he was a successful contractor and full time instructor for the Law Society’s Professional Legal Training Course (PLTC). Active in the community, he is a past Director on the Board for The Gateway Theatre in Richmond and for the Richmond Society for Special People.

Doug resides where he was born and raised, in Vancouver, along with his wife and their beloved cat, Stella.

Nicole D. Russell

“The Russell”, in Graves & Russell, Nicole was born and raised in the Lower Mainland and has been a resident of S. Surrey for 20 years. She is wife to an elementary school principal, mother of two, and an active community volunteer.

Nicole sits on the Board of Directors for Semiahmoo House Society , is a member and past Secretary of Seniors Platinum Pro-Connect, and is hockey mom & volunteer with the Semiahmoo Hockey Association. She has also given her time to help produce a local school play and to organize various fundraisers for members of the community.

Nicole was called to practice in 2003, after graduating with distinction with her B.A. in Psychology at the University of Victoria and obtaining her Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from the University of British Columbia. She insists that she practices a “helping profession” and has long held a special interest in estate planning for families with special needs/disabilities. Growing up with a sister with special needs, she has an intimate and personal understanding of the challenges and complexities that come from this arena.

Frequently, she facilitates seminars and participates in speaking engagements for organizations or individuals including (The Canadian Association of Retired People -CARP, Coast Capital, Victory Memorial Gardens, along with various real estate offices, and independent or associated Financial Planners).

Nicole considers herself to be a good listener – she loves a great story. Her hobbies include reading, gardening, and travelling (especially in Europe - where she met Bono). If you’re ever feeling brave, ask her about the cruise ship.

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