“Our goal is to get you into mediation in 60 days,” said Ronald Josephson, President of The Resolution Network (TRN), addressing over 30 legal professionals at the inaugural TRN Spring Soirée in Vancouver on May 29. The message was clear: British Columbia’s legal community is ready to advance access to justice through more efficient, accessible, and modern approaches to dispute resolution.Hosted at Veritext Canada’s premium Vancouver downtown offices, the event brought together lawyers, paralegals, legal assistants, and members of TRN’s roster to explore the evolving landscape of mediation in BC —and how we are leading the shift away from a system increasingly challenged by delays and complexity.
“This Is Very Much Needed”
The Honourable Wally Oppal, former Attorney General, former Justice of the BC Supreme Court, and a member of TRN’s roster, addressed the room with genuine enthusiasm:
“I am so happy to see so many people I have known for years who are so well qualified to do this [dispute resolution]. We are embarking into something that is very much needed—that is mediation, ADR.”
He was joined by several fellow TRN mediators, including Michael Hewitt, Bryce Jeffery, William Holder, David Thomas, Karen Levine, Gary Hagel, Kathleen Duffield and Herbert Silber —all respected professionals with extensive experience across various areas of law.
His remarks captured a shared concern in the room: that lengthy court proceedings, rising legal costs, and administrative backlogs are limiting timely access to justice. There is growing consensus that alternative dispute resolution is not merely a complement to litigation—it is a necessary solution.
Left to right: Ronald Josephson, President of The Resolution Network, and the Hon. Wally Oppal, member of TRN’s roster
A New Standard for Mediation in BC
TRN is directly addressing these systemic barriers by making mediation more accessible, timely, and streamlined. The organization’s model includes:
- A roster of highly qualified mediators across diverse areas of law, ready to take on cases efficiently.
- A user-friendly, automated platform for scheduling and secure document exchange.
- A strategic partnership with Veritext Canada, offering both premium in-person facilities and secure virtual rooms for remote proceedings.
Together, these features create a seamless experience for counsel, legal support teams, and clients—without compromising quality or professionalism.
Building Momentum Through Connection
While the Soirée offered valuable networking opportunities, its greater purpose was to convene professionals dedicated to reimagining how justice is delivered in British Columbia. Attendees engaged in meaningful discussions and affirmed a shared commitment to collaboration, innovation, and client-centred solutions.The consensus was clear: ADR is not just an alternative—it represents the future of effective dispute resolution.
The TRN Spring Soirée marks the beginning of what promises to be a transformative journey for mediation and arbitration in BC. As Ronald Josephson noted:
“We’re not just speeding up the process—we’re building a better one.”
Our goal is to get you into mediation in 60 days.
– RONALD JOSEPHSON, president of the resolution network
