Zahra Jimale | Richmond Divorce & Family Law Lawyer

I am a family law lawyer, certified collaborative family law practitioner, and the founder of Jimale Law Corporation. I practice exclusively in the area of family law representing clients engaged in disputes involving business and personal property and debt division, child and spousal support, guardianship and parenting issues. I have extensive experience drafting complex cohabitation, marriage, and separation agreements and have appeared before all levels of court in British Columbia. At Jimale Law we are here to assist you and your family transition through this difficult period of time with the provision of legal services in a timely and cost effective way. Above all, we adhere to a “do no harm” approach; we believe that conflict resolution does not have to be damaging emotionally and/or financially or be prolonged. It can and should be strategic and thoughtful process where relations are preserved and interests protected.

Lawyer.com Member Questionnaire
What should clients look for in a lawyer?
Clients should look for competence, empathy and frankness. Clients should have confidence in their lawyer's ability to address their legal issues and feel at ease. They should always feel informed about their case and the range of legal solutions available for their legal problems.

How important is local knowledge to the success of your cases?
It is very important to have local knowledge of the legal community and applicable laws. Having a good rapport with the lawyer on the other side of the case can make a significant difference - it means your lawyer already knows how to work with the other lawyer and does not need to spend time and your money trying to build rapport. It is also very important for your lawyer to have good rapport with local judges who may hear your case - having the judge's respect for your lawyer means you are already ahead, because the judge knows and expects your lawyer is a good lawyer that will not advance unreasonable positions.

What information can you provide in a free phone consultation?
Brief Overview of the applicable law, brief information on process, and point out any looming deadlines and imminent steps that must be taken.

What information do you need in a free phone consultation?
Basic details - date of cohabitation or/and marriage, date of separation if already separated, kids and their ages if any, each party's income, number and type of assets. Most importantly if any legal documents have been delivered/served.

What differentiates you from other lawyers in your community?
I approach each case in a thoughtful way keeping in mind that, like me, my clients do not want to spend their hard earned money on a lawyer. With that in mind I work with my clients to find the most creative and cost effective legal solutions to their legal concerns. Not only do I consider the legal fees payable to me , but also tax implications and other financial costs that may arise. I also consider the emotional costs and the importance of reducing present and future conflict between my client and his/her former spouse.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
Seeing separating families still able to work together for the sake of their children and for their own financial and emotional benefit. Finding win-win solutions, which are very possible.

What are your other interests in addition to law?
Being a parent - I'm a mom of two teens- teaching, and sharing information on family law matters with separating individuals and families so that they better understand how to avoid costly and protracted litigation. I also enjoy reading, swimming and yoga.

Are you involved in your community?
Very much - giving back to my community is very important to me and members of my firm. I am involved with the following organizations: Steveston Merchants Association - member and boats member. Steveston Rotary Club - member Canadian Bar Association BC- member of the provincial council Access Probono Canada - roster member - provide free legal services. CHIMO - provide legal advice through the advocacy clinics to low income individuals

Position	Organization	Location	Duration
Lawyer, Collaborative Family Law Practitioner	Jimale Law Corporation	Vancouver, Richmond, & Victoria British Columbia	2010 to Present

School	Degree	Major	Graduation
University of Victoria	LLB	Law School	N/A
University of Victoria	Bachelor of Laws	Law	N/A

State / Court	Date
British Columbia	2010

• Collaborative Divorce Vancouver

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