A member of the firm's Legal Research and Litigation Practice Groups, Ms. Gehlen has extensive experience in the research and analysis of complex legal issues. She specializes in written advocacy, appellate practice, legal opinions and strategic advice.
Professional Experience
Ms. Gehlen's briefs and arguments have vindicated the positions of clients at all levels of court. Recent cases of note include the following:
Marchen v. Dams, 2010 BCCA 29 - set aside an unwarranted award of punitive damages against an employer
Sagen v. VANOC, 2009 BCCA 522 - represented elite women ski jumpers fighting against their discriminatory exclusion from the 2010 Olympic Games
Windset Greenhouses (Ladner) Ltd. v. Delta (Corp.) (2007), 66 B.C.L.R. (4th) 59 (B.C.C.A.) - defended a municipality against allegations of misfeasance in public office and negligence
B.C. Hydro & Power Authority v. B.C. (Environmental Appeal Board), [2005] 1 S.C.R. 3 (S.C.C.) - established the liability of an amalgamated company for historic pollution
Lee v. B.C. (Attorney General) (2004), 244 D.L.R. (4th) 404 (B.C.C.A.) - defended an employer against an unjustified human rights complaint
Annacis Auto Terminals (1979) Ltd. v. B.C. (Assessor of Area #11 - Richmond/Delta) (2003), 227 D.L.R. (4th) 476 (B.C.C.A.) - set aside an improperly issued property tax assessment
MacMillan Bloedel Ltd. v. B.C. (Ministry of Forests) (2000), 189 D.L.R. (4th) 281 (B.C.C.A.) - recovered millions of dollars in stumpage payments erroneously charged to timber licensees
Cadbury Schweppes Inc. v. FBI Foods Ltd., [1999] 1 S.C.R. 142 (S.C.C.) - defended a beverage manufacturer against punitive remedies for use of confidential information.
Other Activities
· Member, Research Lawyers' Association of British Columbia (Treasurer, 1995-96)
· Occasional lecturer for Continuing Legal Education Society of British Columbia
· Occasional lecturer, Advanced Legal Research Course, Faculty of Law, University of British Columbia (1995-97)