Our Lawyers
One of the most experienced and highly respected lawyers in the Okanagan Valley, Theresa Arsenault, Q.C., specializes in estate planning and trusts, First Nations transactions and land development, and business and real estate law. She is frequently sought out as a speaker on all these topics and more.
High net-worth individuals often face complex estate planning challenges created by the size of the estate, second or more marriages, or the desire to generate tax savings through trusts. For many years, these clients have relied on Theresa, a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Planners, to overcome these challenges through tools like spousal or discretionary testamentary trusts, multiple wills, alter ego and joint partner trusts, estate freezes, and discretionary family trusts.
Developers on First Nations and Crown land, including First Nations bands themselves, need expert legal guidance when developing master planned resort or residential communities and mixed-use commercial and residential developments on all types of lands. Lenders need advice on how to structure and securitize loans and acquire security on all types of lands. Corporations and limited partnerships, both local and international, retain Theresa’s services to accomplish all these goals.
Theresa also provides a range of legal services to a number of specialized clients. She helps ski resorts with unique legal needs related to the purchase and sale of properties, the negotiation of development agreements with the province, the settlement of Crown land issues, and issues involving contracts and real estate development. She incorporates and drafts operating and partnership agreements for doctors, dentists and other professionals, allowing them to use a family trust to split income.
Theresa has lived and practiced law in Kelowna for 27 years, building an extraordinary record of commitment and activity within the community. She currently serves as a Governor and Vice-Chair of the University of British Columbia and Co-Chair of UBCO’s External Community Advisory Committee. She is Co-Chair of the Okanagan Partnership and a Director of the Canada West Foundation. In addition, Theresa is a member of Kelowna’s Chamber of Commerce and the Kelowna Estate Planning Council, and has previously served on the boards of the United Way, the KGH Foundation, the B.C. Cancer Agency, and the Okanagan University College.
Away from the office, Theresa enjoys local art, travel, wine, and food — not necessarily in that order. To balance these activities, she keeps fit with Pilates, running, cycling, dancing, and skiing. She prioritizes her family and friends and seeks to make a positive difference in the world through enhanced access to education.
