What to Look for When Retaining Insurance Defence Counsel in BC

Retaining outside defence counsel is one of the most consequential decisions an adjuster makes on a file. The right lawyer keeps costs controlled, strategy clear, and reporting consistent. The wrong one creates the opposite.

Here's what to look for.

Direct access to senior counsel

At larger firms, files are frequently staffed by junior associates under loose supervision. The lawyer you retain is often not the lawyer doing the work. For insurance defence files — where strategy and cost control matter from day one — direct access to experienced counsel isn't a luxury, it's a requirement.

Focused practice

Insurance defence is a specialized area. Counsel who divides their time equally between plaintiff personal injury, family law, and insurance defence will not bring the same depth as a lawyer whose practice is built around it. Look for demonstrated experience in the specific claim types you handle — occupier's liability, motor vehicle accidents, subrogation, product liability

Responsive reporting

Adjusters need to know what's happening on a file without chasing it. Good defence counsel reports proactively, flags issues early, and keeps reserve recommendations current. If you're consistently waiting on updates, that's a problem.

Cost discipline

Legal spend on insurance defence files is scrutinized closely. Counsel should be able to give you a realistic budget range early, flag any changes to that estimate, and avoid unnecessary steps that inflate the file without improving the outcome.

Wingenbach Law Corporation is a Vancouver litigation boutique focused on insurance defence.

Priscilla L. Wingenbach handles files directly, providing insurers and their insureds with focused, experienced defence counsel throughout British Columbia.

To discuss a file or referral arrangement, contact Priscilla at 604-636-8060 or priscillaw@wingenbachlaw.com.