William Faminoff

I have never been the type of lawyer who contentedly settles into a predictable routine or practices only one form of law. For 40 years, my career has been a mix of legal practice, business building, international negotiation, and tech entrepreneurship.

Since my call to the British Columbia bar back in 1985, I have gravitated toward the spaces where law and real-world business strategy meet, helping people solve messy problems and scale interesting ideas all over the globe.

I intentionally built a practice that could grow and change alongside the market. As a result, I have had the opportunity to work with diverse clients, including corporate executives, local real estate developers, tech startups, and private investors across North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America.

One of the most exciting times of my early career was the late 1980s and early 1990s, when international sports was undergoing a massive shift. I found myself right in the middle of sports and entertainment law, representing professional hockey and soccer players, bodybuilders, and creative artists. When the geopolitical environment in Eastern Europe changed, I helped elite international athletes navigate the contractual and regulatory hurdles of moving to North American leagues. That time taught me a lesson that still guides me today: successful negotiations require understanding the human beings and cultural realities behind a contract, not just the cold legal text.

That same curiosity eventually pulled me into the tech sector. For the last 25 years, I’ve spent much of my time working with inventors, engineers, and investors to turn raw concepts into commercial products. I am especially drawn to innovations in environmental sustainability and public safety, such as green tech and water purification systems. My role usually involves structuring the joint ventures and international licensing agreements needed to get these ideas off the ground.

Ultimately, I believe professional success doesn’t mean much if you aren’t using your skills to help the people around you. I’ve always viewed the law as a form of public service, so I make it a priority to provide pro bono and reduced-fee legal help to folks going through tough times who cannot otherwise access representation.

Outside the office, I stay active in local British Columbian communities, coach youth sports, and mentor young professionals.