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., LL.B., M.A., Ph.D. (cand)
- 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.
Jennifer McNaught, B.A., LL.B., M.Ed. (cand.)-Associate Director
Jennifer has always had a passion for learning and helping others. She
obtained her undergraduate degree in psychology from UBC in 1993. While
completing her degree, Jennifer had the opportunity to work with leading
psychologists in the areas of depression, stress and anxiety and panic disorder.
After completing her psychology degree, Jennifer went to law school and
practiced employment and human rights law in a national law firm in Vancouver
for just over six years. During this time Jennifer was actively involved both
within her firm and the legal community in mentoring younger lawyers and working
to create a healthy and supportive environment in which to practice.
In 2007, Jennifer returned to UBC to pursue her master's degree in psychology
with the specific goal to work with lawyers. She is interested in assisting
lawyers overcome some of the common problems faced in the legal profession
including stress, depression, anxiety, relationship dysfunction and maintaining balance.
Jennifer can be reached at the LAP office or at
Jennifer@lapbc.com.
Laurie Stewart - Office Administrator
info@lapbc.com.