About LAP Services Staff & Board Members FAQ
LAP Staff
Derek C. LaCroix, Q.C.-
Executive Director
Derek LaCroix,QC, Ph.D. joined LAP as our Executive Director in 1996.
With more than 30 years work experience, he brings a sincere and valued perspective
to his commitment to both the organization and to the BC legal profession. Derek
practiced law for 18 years and went on to expand his skills in business and
counseling. This diverse range of interests has helped Derek become a respected leader in
the legal, health care and recovery communities. He has served on
committees with the Canadian Bar Association and the American Bar
Association. He is a member of the Commission on Lawyer Assistance Programs (CoLAP)
and the Chair of the annual CoLAP conference. He is also on several non-profit
boards of societies dealing with addictions, education and spirituality. He is often called upon to present seminars and workshops
throughout the province, and is tireless in his efforts to make a positive
difference in the lives of legal professionals and those who care about them. He
received the designation of Queen's Counsel in 2004.
Derek can be reached at the LAP office or at Derek@lapbc.com.
James Dunn LL.B, M.A.-
Associate Director
James Dunn, LL.B, M.A., has been a member of the bar for the past 22 years. He
practiced criminal and human rights related law from 1979 to 1990 before joining
the Lawyers Assistance Program. James also works as a consultant, mediator and
arbitrator. He recently returned to university to complete a Masters degree in
Conflict Analysis and Management. In addition, he has completed qualifications
as a counselor. James' combined experience as a consultant, lawyer and
counselor allows him to bring a unique perspective and blend of skills to his
work with the Lawyers Assistance Program.
James makes working with others and his spiritual and personal development
his primary goals. He tries to apply those principles in his professional and
family life with his wife and three young boys. Clients say that they feel
comfortable with James - they often maintain that his competency and
obvious caring allow them to resolve, for themselves, problems that seemed
overwhelming.
James can be reached at the LAP office or at
James@lapbc.com.
Bob Bircher, B.A., J.D., M.A.
Registered Clinical Counsellor - Associate Director
Bob joined us from Victoria as our Program Director. He practiced law for 25 years
in such diverse areas as Criminal, Corporate, and Family law. Most recently he
practiced primarily Family Law Mediation and acted as a Child Protection
Mediator for the Attorney General. His curiosity and keen interest in
psychology, and the dynamics of personal change led him to return to University
in mid-life where he obtained his M.A. in counselling psychology in 1996 and is
now completing his Ph.D. in the area of emotional intelligence. He retired from
active practice in 2000 and taught Law and the theory and practice of conflict
resolution at the University of Victoria, Camosun College and Royal Roads
University. He is a published author in the area of Child Protection Mediation.
Bob is a wise and compassionate personal growth voyager and enjoys workshops, books and
seminars in this field whether as a facilitator, assistant or participant and
one of his main life themes is helping others. His extensive experience and
advanced study of the psychology of interpersonal problem solving provides him
with credibility and effectiveness in his contribution to others.
Bob can be reached at the LAP office or at
Bob@lapbc.com.
Susan Burak, B.A., LL.B., M.A.
Registered Clinical Counsellor, C.A.C. - Associate Director
Susan Burak was called to the Bar in 1990 and practiced primarily in the
areas of family, wills & estates, real estate, health and administrative law.
She has been active in the areas of mediation and collaborative law and has
taught mediation and conflict resolution internationally with a program in
Africa and with another international training organization in Europe. Having a
prevention oriented philosophy and a background in public health, certified
parenting facilitation, psychology, and a master’s degree in counselling
psychology, Susan has always had a keen interest in helping colleagues in areas
of career planning and enhancement, stress, anxiety, depression, relationship
issues, and overcoming trauma. Through her education and involvement with
numerous international societies and conferences, Susan has had the opportunity
to work with leading experts in these areas. Susan has always been motivated by
a love for learning and spiritual development. Through raising a family, Susan
was involved in a number of community development initiatives and has served on
several non-profit boards of directors. She has been awarded a Paul Harris Award
for Community Service and a Canadian Bar Association Silver Pin.
Susan can be reached at the LAP office or at
Susan@lapbc.com.
Laurie Stewart - Office Administrator
info@lapbc.com.
LAP Board of Directors
Doug Eastwood
Doug has been employed as a civil trial lawyer with the B.C. Ministry of
Attorney General for the past 20 years. In this capacity Doug acts for the
province in a diverse array of civil litigation and civil forfeiture matters. He
regularly appears in all levels of court, including 5 appearances before the
Supreme Court of Canada. Doug currently serves on the board of the Last Door
Recovery Society which operates a large drug and alcohol treatment facility in
New Westminster for both adults and youth. He also acts as a representative for
the Public Service Employee’s Community Fund which donates millions of dollars
annually to charities throughout the province. Doug likes to stay active through
a variety of sports including soccer and hockey. He was one of the founders of a
gay and lesbian friendly downtown recreational soccer league. Out for Kicks has
since grown to 8 teams and 160 players. Doug is a strong believer in LAP and the
services it provides after he was exposed to the program a number of years ago.
Darlene LeRoux
Darlene is a member of Bull, Housser & Tupper's Tobacco Litigation Group and
provides senior paralegal support to the Group's eleven litigation lawyers. She
has thirty-five years of experience working in the legal community and is a
graduate of the paralegal studies at Capilano University. Darlene was
instrumental in starting the LAP group for support staff. Her door is always
open to staff or others in need should they require assistance. Darlene provides
ongoing assistance to the Salvation Army Harbour Light Center and regularly
serves meals to those in need. She is an active member of Al-Anon. In addition
to sponsoring people, she facilitates twelve-step groups, speaks at group events
when called up on to do so and volunteers at community rallies. She is a
published author in the Forum magazine. Darlene participates regularly in
community cancer fundraisers, as well as local and international events to raise
funds for those in need. She is an active supporter of the YWCA, Covenant House,
Canadian Wildlife Federation and the BCSPCA.