Claire Hatcher
Claire Hatcher has practiced in Vancouver as a criminal defence lawyer since 2003. Her practice spans from trials in Provincial Court and more complex trials in the Supreme Court of British Columbia, to appellate work in the British Columbia Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court of Canada. She takes on clients from all over British Columbia.
With plenty of impaired driving (DUI) and drug cases under her belt, Claire has additionally become known as a successful sexual assault lawyer with particular expertise defending cases involving a breach of trust—most notably, sexual assault offences committed by teachers against students. As a criminal lawyer she also acts for individuals facing disciplinary action from professional bodies resulting from criminal conduct.
Invited to act as counsel for participants in the Missing Women Commission of Inquiry, Claire analyzed legal and social issues surrounding the police investigation and criminal prosecution of serial killer Robert William Pickton. More broadly, she has a thriving practice in the realm of civilian oversight of policing, regularly appearing as counsel in contentious Police Act proceedings. She also represents clients before the Human Rights Tribunal.
Claire is occasionally retained by the Attorney General to act as ad hoc Crown counsel, prosecuting criminal cases. This opportunity provides her with valuable knowledge about being on the other side of criminal cases, which is of great benefit to her clients charged with criminal offences.
An astute trial lawyer and a skilled, level-headed negotiator with a strong record of success both in and out of Court, Claire is a dedicated advocate who is known for her preparation, persistence and attention to detail.
Education, Memberships and Service
Claire graduated from the University of Victoria’s Faculty of Law. She holds an Honours degree in Sociology and Family and Child Studies from the University of Guelph, which has proven to be beneficial in assisting clients who are charged with very personal or family-based crimes, such as domestic assault, sexual assault and incest.
Claire is a member of the Canadian Bar Association, the Criminal Defence Advocacy Society (C-DAS), the Association of Legal Aid Lawyers, and sits on the Criminal Defense Committee of the Trial Lawyers Association of British Columbia and the International Federation for Criminal Law Reform. She volunteers her time to mentor younger counsel, to speak on various topics at Professional conferences and seminars. Claire sits on the Society Board of the REACH Child and Youth Development Society, advocating for children and families with special needs, and coaches youth soccer and basketball.
