Lawyers
Michael G. Thomas - Partner, Harper Grey LLP
“I am interested in my clients as people first and clients second,” says Mike, who has been with Harper Grey since 1998. “I want them to feel comfortable talking with me and to trust me. They need to feel confident that their lawyer is smart, competent and capable of innovation in handling their case.”
Mike Thomas concentrates on representing physicians that have been sued for medical malpractice and on representing people suffering from injuries that have a significant effect on their lives. Of his personal injury practice, Mike says, “The stakes are usually much higher in an injury case; it’s someone’s future that I am responsible for. I want to be able to phone a client with a favourable settlement offer or judgment, which really brings home the personal aspect of practicing law.”
Mike is a member of the Medico-Legal Association of BC, the Trial Lawyers Association of BC, the Canadian Bar Association Health Law Subsection, Canadian Defence Lawyers and other professional associations but is thoroughly grounded in the real-life application of the law. “Legal issues are fascinating, but only in light of how they can be incorporated into individual circumstances. This can have a real impact on a client’s life. It’s important to join abstract views of law and justice with the practical realities of what clients need.”
To help clients get their lives back on track, Mike consults not only on their legal action but also on access to medical expertise or other health care. “It is inspiring for judges, juries and the clients themselves to see how people deal with adversity. I want clients to be able to say they took every possible step to help themselves.”
Mike grew up in White Rock, BC and now lives in Vancouver with his young family. His wife is a lawyer with the Canadian Department of Justice. He is a multi engine instruments rated pilot who flies a Piper Seneca plane. He also has a dog named Ace, a Canadian champion in obedience and field hunting competitions.