GET IN TOUCH
Matthew Nefstead
I have experience assisting individuals, businesses, First Nations, and communities with a wide range of legal issues. Currently, my practice primarily focuses on:
- General Civil Litigation
- Construction and Commercial Disputes, including Builders’ Liens
- Estate Administration and Trusts
- Environmental, Natural Resource, and Indigenous Legal Issues
I have represented clients at all levels of court in British Columbia, as well as in proceedings before several regulatory tribunals.
I prioritize effective and efficient resolution of disputes, whether that means negotiating a settlement to benefit all parties or pursuing your claim through court. I would be happy to discuss how I can best help you achieve your ideal outcome.
I am often able to offer flexible and alternative retainer arrangements for public interest litigants dealing with environmental issues, and I am also happy to help facilitate funding applications to support such work. I have represented many clients working to protect their local environment, including land defenders at Fairy Creek and individuals and community groups across BC.
Prior to law school, I worked for the Yukon Department of Environment in the field of contaminated sites remediation, and I am pleased to be able to provide the benefit of that experience to clients dealing with highly technical environmental issues.
In my free time I enjoy cooking, vegetable gardening, fermentation projects, and playing games with friends.
Trajectory
- 2006 – Honours Bachelor of Science in Biology and Psychology from Trent University
- 2006-2010 – Contaminated Sites Analyst for Government of Yukon
- 2013 – Juris Doctor from University of Victoria
- 2013-2014 – Articled at Devlin Gailus
- 2014 – Called to the Bar in British Columbia
- 2014-2017 – Associate at Devlin Gailus, later DGW Law, providing legal services to Indigenous governments
- 2017-2020 – Sole Practitioner, with a focus on public interest environmental law
- 2018-2021 – Sessional Instructor at Royal Roads University, “Application of Environmental Law”
- 2020-2024 – Associate at Lyons Law, with a focus on civil litigation and estate administration
- 2024 – Joined Stevenson Luchies & Legh
SLL Team Members
I moved to Victoria from Ontario in 1978 to begin a long and varied career as a legal assistant. I grew up as a military brat living in British Columbia, Quebec, Colorado, and Ontario.
I have worked in the legal community in Victoria for four decades. My experience includes corporate and business law, real estate, estate planning and administration, and aboriginal law. I spent most of my career at a large downtown firm in Victoria and now enjoy being part of a smaller though equally dynamic and effective law firm. It has been quite a journey from typewriters and carbon paper to computers and paperless offices!
Throughout my career I have worked to enhance office effectiveness through clear communication and interaction with clients. I feel a great sense of accomplishment assisting clients with their various legal needs and have made many good friends along the way.
Outside of work I focus on hiking, reading, spending time with my grandchildren, and riding my new e-bike around Victoria.