Meet Our Team

ISAAC HILL

MANAGING LAWYER

Isaac (he/him) is co-founder and family lawyer at Portside Law. Isaac understands the importance of giving a voice to his clients. Family law is highly emotional and stress inducing. Isaac gives his clients an opportunity to clearly explain their position and he makes the legal process as emotional and stress free as possible. He has a diligent work ethic, a high focus on detail and empathy for complex situations. He represents clients in the Supreme Court of BC, the Provincial Court of BC and with child protection matters through the Child, Family and Community Services Act. He also offers unbundled services or legal coaching for clients that may want to work on some of the legal processes on their own.

Isaac has been practicing Family Law for nine years. He started his law career in a boutique law firm in New Westminster, B.C., after obtaining his law degree from the University of Victoria. He brings an extensive amount of experience working in private law firms, federal and provincial governments, and the Ministry of Child and Family Development (MCFD). 

Isaac is a proud Metis man with family hailing from the Lac la Biche area in Northern Alberta. During his free time, you can find him with his family, playing his guitar, or on the ski hill.

MAGGIE HOUSE

FAMILY LAWYER | ACCREDITED FAMILY LAW MEDIATOR

Maggie (she/her) practices primarily in family law with a focus on alternative dispute resolution, and finding creative solutions in complex family conflicts. She has represented clients in Supreme Court, Provincial Court, and in administrative tribunals. Outside of the courtroom, Maggie works as a Supervising Lawyer to Family Law Advocates across the province. She also humbly serves as Provincial Family Duty Counsel on Heiltsuk territory, colonially known as Bella Bella, B.C., and on Kitasoo Xai’Xais territory, colonially known as Klemtu, B.C.

Maggie focusses her private practice on improving access to justice by offering unbundled and limited retainer services to people who would otherwise fall between the cracks.  Maggie recognizes that addressing and resolving your family law dispute may be the hardest thing you’ve ever had to do, and approaches family law through a trauma-informed lens. She brings a genuine compassion and tact to the lawyer-client relationship that creates a safe and supportive process for her clients.

When she is not at the office, Maggie is at the ocean with her family, gardening while listening to true crime podcasts, or experimenting with paint, thread, yarn and other art mediums.

NOÉMIE GAGNON-BERGERON

FAMILY LAWYER | ACCREDITED FAMILY LAW MEDIATOR

Noémie (she/her) practices family law, mental health law and unbundled services/legal coaching with Portside Law. She has a diverse educational background; having completed her LLB at the University of Edinburgh, an LLM in Legal Research at Utrecht University, and a Postgraduate Degree in International Dispute Resolution from Queen Mary University of London. Noémie moved to BC in December 2021, after completing her NCA accreditation. Prior to joining Portside Law, Noémie was articling at another boutique law firm in Burnaby that focused mainly on Family Law and Immigration Law. She has experience with both the Provincial Court and Supreme Court procedures. 

Noémie is a hard-working individual with a passion for access to justice. Her goal is to integrate her educational background with the practical experience in Family Law that she is learning from being with the Portside Law team. 

When Noémie is not in the office, you can find her training at the gym, on a hike in the mountains, or playing board games with her friends. Noémie is fluent in English and French.

MORGAN CHAWLA

FAMILY LAWYER | ACCREDITED FAMILY LAW MEDIATOR

Morgan (she/her) is a family lawyer, mediator, and proud Métis professional who takes a trauma-informed, client-centered approach to her work. She supports individuals and families through challenging transitions with empathy, clarity, and practical guidance. Whether helping clients navigate separation, parenting arrangements, or property division, Morgan brings compassion and strategic insight to each case.

Dedicated to out-of-court resolution, Morgan is skilled in negotiation and resolves most matters through settlement. She is a trained collaborative lawyer and an active member of the Collaborative Association of the Lower Mainland (CALM), offering clients a cooperative, team-based alternative to litigation. As an accredited family law mediator, she facilitates constructive dialogue that leads to fair and lasting agreements tailored to each family’s unique needs.

While Morgan prioritizes collaborative and mediated solutions, she also has extensive experience in both Provincial and Supreme Courts. When litigation is necessary, she ensures her clients feel informed, supported, and empowered throughout the process. Outside of work, Morgan enjoys staying active, spending time with her toddler, and connecting with friends and family. 

GURTEJ SANDHU

FAMILY LAW ASSOCIATE

Gurtej (he/him) practices family law at Portside Law, both at the Supreme Court and Provincial Court levels. In addition to standard family law support, Gurtej offers unbundled services/legal coaching. He also volunteers with Amici Curiae, helping self-represented individuals understand legal procedures and complete legal paperwork. Prior to joining Portside Law, Gurtej completed his articles with Access Pro Bono’s Everyone Legal Clinic, focusing on assisting individuals through providing unbundled legal services in diverse areas of law such as Family, Residential Tenancy, Employment and Wills and Estates. He has also received mediation and arbitration training from the Alternative Dispute Resolution Institute of British Columbia.

Passionate about solving complex legal problems, Gurtej is dedicated to providing exceptional legal service with expertise. Using a client-centered approach, he places a strong emphasis on understanding each client’s unique needs and goals to help them navigate towards a solution that works best for them and their family. 

Outside of work, Gurtej finds joy in cooking, hiking and spending quality time with friends and family. Gurtej is fluent in English, Punjabi and Hindi.

MONICA GANGAR

FAMILY LAW ASSOCIATE

Monica (she/her) practices family law with Portside Law. She has experience at both the Provincial and Supreme Court levels. She supports clients with family law issues such as child support, parenting time arrangements, conduct orders and in child protection matters with the Ministry of Child and Family Development, both in court and in mediation. In addition to standard family law support, Monica offers unbundled services/legal coaching.

Monica has a diverse education background; completing her BA in Criminology and Sociology from Simon Fraser University, completing her LLB at the University of Sussex in England, and completing her NCA accreditation successfully upon her return to Canada. Monica has previous legal experience working at a corporate law firm, as well as managing a Poverty Law Clinic at a local non-profit organization. Monica comes from a Southeast Asian background and understands the complexity behind familial relationships and cultural dynamics. She brings cultural awareness to her practice and advocates for her clients with compassion, but also with efficiency. 

When Monica is not in the office, you can find her doing pilates, spending time with her family, or on the hunt for a good dessert. 

ADIT VALERA

FAMILY LAW ASSOCIATE

Adit (he/him) is an Associate at Portside Law, where his practice focuses primarily on family law in British Columbia and residential tenancy disputes. He works with individuals and families navigating separation, divorce, parenting arrangements, and property division, providing practical and compassionate legal support during challenging times. As a family lawyer in BC, Adit approaches every case with empathy, transparency, and clear communication. He understands that family law matters involve real people facing deeply personal challenges. Adit is committed to being honest with clients about their options and outcomes while providing steady, reliable guidance at every stage of the legal process. His goal is to help clients make informed decisions and move forward with confidence.

Adit was called to the British Columbia bar in March 2025 after completing his articles at a national law firm, where he gained experience across a broad range of practice areas. During this time, he developed a strong interest in family law and advocacy. He has appeared before the Supreme Court of British Columbia, the Provincial Court of British Columbia, and the Residential Tenancy Branch, representing clients in both litigation and dispute resolution matters.

Adit is fluent in Gujarati and is pleased to assist clients in both English and Gujarati. Adit is known among friends for taking an impressively long time to decide on an Uber Eats order, he insists on reviewing every option before making the final call.

AMANVIR GILL

ARTICLING STUDENT

Amanvir (she/her) is an Articling Student at Portside Law, where she supports the firm’s lawyers in all areas of family law. She assists with legal research, drafting, file preparation, and client communication, ensuring that each matter is handled with care and clarity. She understands the emotional challenges that often accompany family law matters and strives to make the legal process as accessible and stress-free as possible.

Amanvir earned her Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) in the United Kingdom before gaining experience at a national law firm in the UK, focusing on family and real estate law. During university, she developed a keen interest in legal research, particularly in international law. She was also actively involved in her school’s pro bono group, where she assisted individuals in accessing legal resources and support. Since moving to Canada, she has continued to build on her legal experience. Amanvir has a strong desire to serve the community and strives to leave a positive impact in every family law matter she assists with. 

Outside of work, Amanvir enjoys exploring new restaurants, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

MONICA REIS

PARALEGAL / LEGAL ASSISTANT

Monica (she/her) is a Paralegal and Legal Assistant at Portside Law, where she supports the legal team across multiple areas of practice through a combination of administrative, procedural, and substantive legal work. Her role includes drafting and organizing legal documents, managing case files, coordinating filings and deadlines, and maintaining accurate records to ensure matters progress efficiently. In addition, she assists the team with legal research, client communications, and preparation for hearings, negotiations, and trials. By handling essential tasks such as document review, correspondence, and file management, Monica helps streamline workflows and allows the team to focus on providing high-quality legal services to clients.

Monica previously worked as a paralegal for a small law firm in New Westminster supporting clients with Wills, Estates, Corporate, and Conveyancing. Monica had a lead role as a hybrid Paralegal with a focus on client communications and office management. Monica has worked as a legal assistant and paralegal for over 30 years, which has given her an extensive knowledge of legal processes in a wide variety of matters, and she has a strong ability to connect with clients and work with others. Her unique understanding of legal procedures and government processes is an asset in any area of the law.

When she’s not at work you will find Monica spending time with family and friends or cheering on her favourite lacrosse team. In her spare time she enjoys volunteering for her local box lacrosse association, spending time with family and friends, and she’s a proud mom of three young adults.

MANDY RANDHAWA

LEGAL ASSISTANT

Mandy (she/her) brings a passion for delivering exceptional support and a keen eye for detail to her role as Legal Administrative Assistant at Portside Law, where she plays a vital role in ensuring seamless operations and outstanding client experiences. Having successfully coordinated award-winning events for 50 to 3,000 guests, she is well-versed in handling diverse logistical challenges, managing timelines, and ensuring seamless execution; skills that she now leverages to support the legal team. Her experience in managing complex events has taught her the importance of prioritizing tasks, managing multiple projects, and maintaining accurate records.

As a dedicated and compassionate professional, Mandy is committed to providing exceptional support to clients and colleagues alike, reflecting her strong alignment with Portside Law’s values of accessibility, integrity, and compassion. Her values-driven approach is inspired by her past experiences with Doctors without Borders, where she developed a deep understanding of the importance of accessible and compassionate support; values that she now applies to her work with clients and colleagues at Portside Law. Outside of work, Mandy enjoys spending time in nature, whether hiking or tending to her garden, and values time with family and friends.

ALICEA PRAEKER

OPERATIONS MANAGER

Alicea (she/her) is co-founder of operations and has a passion for small business and community support. Alicea is dedicated to ensuring seamless business operations that prioritize client satisfaction, team well-being, and financial growth. She manages key aspects of human resources, client experiences, financial operations and marketing. Alicea’s commitment to operations ensures that all departments work in harmony to achieve long-term success.

Alicea has extensive experience guiding individuals through high-stress situations; including seven years as a Community Support Manager in child protection, helping families navigate the Ministry of Children’s Services in Alberta. She has also managed residential homes for adults with medical needs and disabilities, and most recently served as Managing Director of a large non-profit in Vancouver. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Business and International Management, Alicea’s background in the non-profit and social service sectors has developed her leadership skills and understanding of the firm’s client-centered approach.

In her spare time she enjoys volunteering, live music, social gatherings and spending time with her family.