Eric V. Gottardi, K.C. appointed a Justice of the Supreme Court of British Columbia

Eric V. Gottardi, K.C., a partner at Peck and Company, was appointed to the Supreme Court of British Columbia in New Westminster, effective August 29, 2024. Justice Gottardi practiced at Peck and Company for his entire legal career, after clerking at the Ontario Court of Appeal. As an advocate, he has represented clients in all aspects of criminal and quasi-criminal cases, including trials, appeals, extraditions, and special prosecutions. He was the chair of the CBA National Criminal Justice Section and a founding co-chair for the National CBA Annual Criminal Law Conference. In 2020, he was appointed King’s Counsel.

Peck and Company extends its heartfelt gratitude to Justice Gottardi for his contributions to the firm and congratulates him on his momentous accomplishment. Peck and Company wishes Justice Gottardi the very best in his judicial career.

Michael Gismondi and Caroline Senini Join Peck and Company Partnership

Peck and Company is pleased to announce that Michael Gismondi and Caroline Senini have joined the partnership.

Michael Gismondi practices criminal and administrative law. He specializes in representing clients facing criminal or quasi-criminal allegations during investigations, before the courts, and in professional disciplinary matters. Michael is skilled at finding creative and practical solutions to difficult problems. He has appeared at all levels of court in British Columbia, at the Federal Court of Canada, and before regulatory bodies including the Parole Board of Canada, the College of Pharmacists of British Columbia, and RoadSafetyBC. Michael takes a particular interest in mentoring articled students and young counsel, and he is a volunteer principle with the UBC Criminal Clinic program. He is also a regular volunteer with the Access Pro Bono. Michael graduated from the University of Victoria Faculty of Law in 2012.

Caroline Senini represents clients in criminal, constitutional and regulatory matters, at both trial and appeal. Caroline has an expertise in complex criminal matters and those involving mental health. She has argued cases at all levels of court, including the Supreme Court of Canada. Prior to joining Peck and Company, Caroline worked at a leading commercial litigation firm in Vancouver and clerked for several justices at the Supreme Court of British Columbia. Caroline volunteers with the UBC law school’s Allan McEachern Advanced Trial Advocacy Program, as a supervisor for UVic law students working with Pro Bono Students Canada, and as a board member for the Vancouver Bar Association. She received her Juris Doctor and Master of Global Affairs degrees from the University of Toronto in 2015.

Trafficking Charges Against Peck and Company Client Stayed

Peck and Company lawyers Tony Paisana and Romi Laskin successfully obtained a stay of proceedings for their client who was charged with multiple counts of trafficking and producing a controlled substance. The Kelowna Provincial Court Judge found a total of 22 months delay in the proceeding, exceeding the 18 month limit in provincial court as set out in R. v. Jordan. 

Peck and Company Client Acquitted in Multi-Count Sexual Assault Case

Peck and Company lawyers Eric V. Gottardi, K.C., Rachel Wood, and Sarah Pringle successfully defended their client against a 13-count indictment involving allegations of sexual and physical assault. The complainant’s evidence unraveled over the course of a rigorous cross-examination and left the trial judge with a reasonable doubt. The client was found not guilty on all counts.