Hon. Wally Oppal, K.C.

Wally Oppal serves as a Strategic Legal Advisor at VRFY, bringing his distinguished expertise in mediation, arbitration, and legal counsel. His acumen in resolving intricate disputes across commercial, government, and First Nations sectors is recognized throughout British Columbia and beyond. Certified as an International Arbitrator, Wally's proficiency in navigating complex business operations and regulations is invaluable.
 

Endowed with credentials from the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution, Wally champions alternative dispute resolution, adopting a pragmatic and culturally informed stance that fosters consensus-building. His extensive legal prowess and commitment to fairness are instrumental in guiding VRFY's strategic decisions and ensuring compliance with the highest standards of legal and ethical practice.
 

A lifelong advocate for social justice and community safety in B.C., Wally's storied career encompasses roles as a trial lawyer, special prosecutor, Attorney General, Justice of the County Court, the Supreme Court, and the Court of Appeal where he served for approximately 23 years. Wally was involved in a number of high profile inquiries including the Pickton Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Women which led to some meaningful reforms. In 2010 the federal government appointed him as a Special Advisor to the Treasury Board and in 2019, the Provincial Government appointed him to lead the Surrey transition from the RCMP to an independent police force. His innovative contributions to the legal field span over five decades, garnering him prestigious accolades such as the Order of B.C. and honorary doctorates from several esteemed universities. At VRFY, Wally's seasoned perspective and dedication to public service underscore our mission to deliver solutions that enhance security and efficiency within the legal framework.