Our Lawyers

Rachel articled with the United Steelworkers of America and was called to the Ontario bar in 1993. She obtained her Masters of Law from Queen’s University, and obtained her Doctorate of Law from the University of Toronto in 2001. Rachel has been an associate professor at the Sociology Department at Lakehead University, and is currently associate professor in Legal Studies, the Faculty Social Science and Humanities at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology. Rachel conducts research, drafting, and policy analysis with the firm.

Rachel has published articles dealing with the ethics of reproductive technology, and assisted in the development of Fiduciary Duties in Canada. Her most recent publications can be found in the McGill Journal of Sustainable Development and Law (link), the Canadian Review of Sociology, the Indigenous Law Journal (link), and the Canadian Journal of Midwifery Research and Practice. She is also researching legal registration of genetic parenthood, the role of law in conflicts between mining companies and First Nations and teaching for reconciliation.

Rachel supports Lisa’s quest for pie, and encourages her husband at every opportunity to bake his delicious pies.

Savannah is passionate about environmental and Aboriginal law and has focused her practice in these areas. Before joining Ng Ariss Fong, she completed shared articles with the University of Victoria’s Environmental Law Centre and Tŝilhqot’in National Government, then worked with Tŝilhqot’in National Government as in-house Legal Counsel.

Savannah completed her Juris Doctor at the University of Victoria in 2015. During law school, Savannah participated in the University of Victoria Environmental Law Centre Clinic program and was an active member of the Environmental Law Club. She also holds a Master of Science in Environmental Sciences, Policy, and Management from the international MESPOM Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree program. During her MSc, Savannah co-authored a book on the challenges and opportunities associated with a global energy transition from fossil fuels to renewables. She also had the opportunity to work on transboundary water governance with the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, Secretariat of the Water Convention. Savannah received her Bachelor of Arts in International Politics and History from Jacobs University Bremen in Germany.

At Ng Ariss Fong, Savannah’s practise includes a focus on law reform relating to Indigenous health, the intersection of Indigenous law with marine and maritime law, and the implementation of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA). She is also working with Lisa to develop Indigenous administrative tribunals, and examine how they relate to Canadian administrative law.

In her spare time, Savannah enjoys cooking and spending time outdoors running, hiking, camping, and kayaking.

Ruben believes in the law as an instrument of positive social change. His practice reflects this belief. He maintains a busy administrative, environmental, and Aboriginal law practice.

Ruben has worked with Indigenous clients to prepare evidence for regulatory proceedings, human rights tribunals, and court. He has extensive experience drafting submissions to tribunals and courts. He regularly advises both First Nations clients and professional regulators on issues ranging from employment matters and contracts to bylaw enforcement. He has appeared at all levels of BC court, and before tribunals including the Residential Tenancy Branch and the Social Security Tribunal.

Outside of work, Ruben is a member of the CBA – Environmental Law Section, and sits on the board of the non-profit Action Committee of People With Disabilities. When he is not working or volunteering, Ruben likes to eat popcorn while watching esoteric movies, preferably with his cat near or on him.

Sabrina immigrated to Canada at age five and enjoyed a true East-meets-West upbringing in Southern Ontario. She credits an early curiosity about rules and systems to being a product of two distinct but coexisting world views. Today, she remains motivated by the practice of law as a means for building a more respectful and inclusive society.

Sabrina moved to BC in 2016, chasing the promise of mild winters and mountain views. She obtained her law degree from the University of Victoria and articled at a boutique general practice firm where she regularly appeared before the BC Provincial and Supreme Courts. Since joining Ng Ariss Fong in 2021, she has focused on Indigenous law, assisting First Nations clients with governance disputes and litigation regarding recognition of aboriginal rights and title as well as environmental issues. She has also been involved in human rights matters before the BC and Canadian Human Rights Tribunals. Sabrina understands that she is fortunate to work in partnership with First Nations and strives to ensure that her advocacy brings recognition and respect to their inherent rights.

Outside the office, Sabrina is often found at home documenting the antics of her two cats. She also loves food in all its forms, though dessert will always be the most important meal in her day. When her social battery is charged, Sabrina likes to host board game nights as a convenient forum for eating while talking about rules.

Rachel completed her law degree at the University College Dublin in Ireland. During her time at university, Rachel interned at Vincent & Beatty Solicitors assisting with commercial and employment matters. Upon graduating from UCD, Rachel completed her FE-1 examinations with The Law Society of Ireland and worked as a paralegal in the insolvency department of McDowell Purcell Solicitors. Upon moving to Vancouver, Rachel began working with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC. Rachel recently obtained her Certificate of Qualification from the National Committee on Accreditation and is currently undergoing shared articles with the College and Ng Ariss Fong.

When not working, Rachel enjoys travelling and spending time outdoors skiing, hiking and running.

Anne is a contract lawyer who works with Ng Ariss Fong on specific matters.

“Water can flow or it can crash. Be water my friend.” ― Bruce Lee

Water is a problem solver. It finds its way through, around or over things while always remaining agile. Sometimes it floods and sometimes it slowly erodes impediments. Anne is a problem solver too. She likes to look at an issue from many angles, think creatively and generate solutions that meet the specific needs of her client. Her litigation practice is varied, to keep that creativity flowing, but builds on a solid foundation of experience representing clients in court and through alternate dispute resolution mechanisms.

Anne approaches her work in environmental, Aboriginal and professional regulatory law with intensity and drive. She sees every new file as an opportunity to learn: about the client, about the law and about how to move the law forward. At Ng Ariss Fong, Anne represents health regulators in administrative processes, such as registration, investigation and complaint hearings. She also represents health regulators before the BC Supreme Court and the BC Court of Appeal in judicial reviews. She works for First Nation clients pursuing their rights, title and interests through a variety of litigation approaches. She also represents First Nations clients resolving general disputes through mediation or litigation. Her work includes human rights matters, including racial profiling and discrimination issues. She is particularly interested in marine and freshwater legal issues and is academically and professionally interested in solutions to the complex water issues we face.

Anne has a multidisciplinary educational background. It’s a good week if she gets to use her sciences undergrad, her law degree and master’s experience conducting research as part of her practice. She has particular litigation experience in the areas of professional negligence, commercial disputes, estates and trusts, and employment law. Anne values her ability as part of the Ng Ariss Fong team to take on pro bono matters through Access ProBono.

When Anne isn’t at the office, she is teaching her two young sons to swim, drinking coffee, and … thinking about work.

Recent significant matters include:

College of Midwives of British Columbia v. MaryMoon, 2020 BCCA 224 (CanLII), https://canlii.ca/t/j90z5

Guevara v. Louie, 2020 BCSC 380 (CanLII), https://canlii.ca/t/j5wr2

Abraham v. Health Professions Review Board, 2020 BCSC 250 (unreported)