Team

Rajinder Sahota

Growing up in Esquimalt, Raj’s early aspiration to be a lawyer started as a response to discrimination that he witnessed and experienced. He is driven by a strong desire to fight for the underdog, to give a voice to those who are hurt and treated unfairly by others, and to dismantle systems of oppression. In short, he fights bullies. He is a strategic and tenacious litigator, and an equally strong negotiator. With decades of experience and proven success, no one fights harder for his clients and with more skill, either in the courtroom or at the negotiation table.

Raj completed a Bachelor of Commerce followed by a law degree at UVic. After law school he went on an unpleasant but necessary sojourn through corporate law, including a stint at one of Canada’s top law firms in Toronto, followed by a position at one of the world’s biggest law firms in New York City. It came as no surprise to Raj that providing legal services to the largest corporations proved deeply unsatisfying. But the experience had been a necessary part of his education, as he gained an insider’s understanding of the capitalist system that is the source of so much human suffering.

He left corporate law in NYC and pursued his passion for justice and international politics by completing a Master of Laws in International Law at the London School of Economics. He studied and wrote about violations of international law, and deepened his understanding of global politics.

From London, Raj returned to his hometown of Victoria, BC with a mission to serve his community and stay close to his roots. He has dedicated his legal practice to the pursuit of justice for injured, harmed, and vulnerable individuals. Whether through individual personal injury cases or national class actions, Raj remains deeply committed to the vindication of individual rights, the pursuit of social justice, and the dismantling of harmful and discriminatory systems.

When not lawyering, Raj spends his time with his kids and his family. He coaches several youth soccer and basketball teams each week. He is an outspoken advocate for positive, emotionally aware, youth-centred coaching. He can also be found talking to various news outlets about legal issues, social justice, and politics.

Education

Master of Laws (LL.M.) – London School of Economics

Juris Doctor (J.D.) – University of Victoria

Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) – University of Victoria

Professional Memberships and Appointments

Member, The Law Society of British Columbia

Member, The Law Society of Alberta

Director, Pacific Housing Advisory Association

Director, Method Built Homes

Sonny Sidhu

Since being called to the bar in 2010, Sonny has been a dedicated lawyer, exclusively representing plaintiffs in personal injury claims. His lifelong interest in the mind and human behaviour led him to earn a degree in psychology from SFU before pursuing his legal studies at UBC Law, where he honed his skills in advocacy, trial procedure, and dispute resolution. This unique background, coupled with his drive and focus, makes him a skilled negotiator and a fierce advocate for clients facing life’s toughest challenges.

Sonny has secured hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements and judgments, tirelessly fighting for individuals and families who have been wronged. Whether negotiating or in the courtroom, he is relentless in his pursuit of the best possible outcome for his clients.

Outside of law, Sonny has a deep enthusiasm for fitness and health. Soccer, a passion he’s had since childhood, remains a central part of his life, along with yoga, meditation, and regular workouts that help him stay balanced, focused, and disciplined. He’s also an avid reader, constantly exploring new books and ideas. His love for reading extends beyond legal texts; he immerses himself in a wide range of subjects—from psychology and philosophy to personal development and science—always seeking to broaden his perspective and deepen his understanding of the world. This lifelong pursuit of knowledge fuels both his personal growth and professional drive.

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.) – University of British Columba

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) – Simon Fraser University

Professional Memberships and Appointments

The Law Society of British Columbia​

Patrick Dudding

Patrick is a fierce and committed advocate who thrives on representing individuals in complex, high-stakes cases. With a strong focus on leveling the playing field, he dedicates his practice to fighting for the underdog and achieving meaningful outcomes for his clients.

Before joining Avize, Patrick built a strong foundation in both criminal defense in Toronto and insurance defense in Vancouver. His return to Victoria was driven by a desire to serve the community he calls home—helping everyday British Columbians navigate the legal system and access justice.

Patrick brings a strategic edge to every file. He combines deep legal insight with innovative use of technology, a proven track record in challenging cases, and a relentless work ethic that consistently pushes past obstacles.

Outside the courtroom, Patrick was once an avid hiker, runner, and film enthusiast who made the most of the West Coast lifestyle, but is now a dedicated father and partner, who loves nothing more than to spend time with his young family.

Patrick devotes most of his time to Avize’s class action practice. He continues to take on a select number of complex or catastrophic personal injury claims, sexual misconduct cases, and human rights complaints. Patrick’s results include the nearly $900m Canadian Armed Forces sexual misconduct class action settlement, defeating the City of Langford’s appeal from a $1m jury award, obtaining replacement housing and compensation for the residents of the “Sanala” complex in Nanaimo, certifying several national class actions regarding the mistreatment of Federal Inmates, as well as obtaining tens of millions of dollars in damages for injured infants and adults at trial or through settlements in personal injury cases.

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.) – University of Victoria​ (received Chris Considine Prize for Best Standing in Evidence, John & Dora Wight Scholarship for academic achievement in first year)

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) – Carleton University (received the Senate Medal for Outstanding Academic Achievement)

Professional Memberships and Appointments

The Law Society of British Columbia​

Emanuela Bocancea

Emanuela is driven by compassion and a strong desire to help others. She takes the time to understand her clients – their injuries, their struggles, their losses, and their concerns. Her advocacy gives clients a strong voice to demand vindication of their legal rights and fair compensation for their losses. Emanuela is a strong mental health advocate, both in her own life and in her practice. Recognizing that her work requires clients to disclose some of the most difficult aspects of their lives, Emanuela believes strongly in a trauma-informed and emotionally sensitive approach. She fiercely protects her clients’ interests, and works hard to ensure clients feel supported during the litigation process.

The best part of law school for Emanuela was the clinical term she spent serving vulnerable clients through the Law Centre in downtown Victoria. For her dedication and strong advocacy she was awarded the YLaw Best Lawyering Award. She then spent 10 months clerking at the Alberta Court of Queen’s Bench in Edmonton, AB, where she gained unrivalled insight into the administration of justice from behind the bench. She assisted the judges of Alberta’s superior court with trials, legal research, and the drafting of judgments in criminal, family, and civil law matters. She carries all of this experience into her current practice.

Before becoming a lawyer, Emanuela was an archaeologist. She completed a PhD in Archaeology at Brown University. She enjoyed adventures through fieldwork on sites in Greece, Romania, and Spain. In particular, for several years she had the privilege of leading excavations and surveys at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Petra in Jordan, and on the Caribbean island of Montserrat. She advocated for the ethical practice of archaeology and for the preservation and repatriation of cultural heritage. Throughout her fieldwork she worked closely with local communities in support of their stewardship and protection of culturally significant remains.

Outside of work, Emanuela spends her time with her son and her family. She is often on Gabriola Island where her parents have a hobby farm with goats, donkeys, chickens, and geese.

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.) – University of Victoria

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) – Archaeology

Master of Arts (M.A.) – Classical Archaeology

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) – University of Alberta

Professional Memberships and Appointments

The Law Society of British Columbia

Keith Schille

Keith is a passionate, empathetic, and ambitious advocate who never loses sight of what his job is really about: protecting and promoting the wellbeing of his clients. Adopting a pragmatic, individualized approach to each case, he is equally comfortable fighting towards a swift and effective resolution of his clients’ issues through negotiation as he is bringing his clients’ claims to the courts of British Columbia, whether in front of a judge or jury.

Although Keith’s work with Avize spans multiple practice areas, his focus on helping everyday people find justice never waivers. Whether you’ve been denied long-term disability benefits you’re rightfully owed, suffered injury through someone else’s negligence or attacks, or been wrongfully left out of a will, Keith’s calm and compassionate approach will leave you feeling empowered by our justice system—not lost in it.

Outside the office, Keith can usually be found enjoying Vancouver Island’s many hikes and hidden camping spots or soaking up live music with his friends and family.  

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.) – University of Victoria

Bachelor of Arts (B.A) – University of Manitoba

Professional Memberships and Appointments

The Law Society of British Columbia

Trial Lawyers Association of British Columbia

Danielle Truant

Danielle thrives under pressure and is a relentless advocate for her clients. Never one to back down from a challenge, Danielle brings her intense competitiveness, concentrated focus, and unyielding work ethic to each case she handles. Above all, Danielle is a dedicated ally that her clients can trust and depend on in their time of need.

Before becoming a lawyer, Danielle worked for a municipality where her unwillingness to allow injustices to stand and her track record of repeatedly challenging policies and practices that were unfair led to her election as her union’s youngest Chief Shop Steward. This experience solidified Danielle’s desire to dedicate her life to standing up for those who need help by confronting issues head-on, on their behalf.

Danielle’s life outside the office is centred around her family and athletics. Rooted in her lifelong love of sport and competition, Danielle is an avid runner, cyclist, and swimmer and competes in triathlons on and off the Island whenever her schedule allows. When not chasing down QOMs or CRs on Strava, you can find Danielle with her husband and family—usually doing something outside and enjoying beautiful Vancouver Island.

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.) – University of Victoria

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) – University of the Fraser Valley, Dean’s List Graduate

Professional Memberships and Appointments

The Law Society of British Columbia​

Trial Lawyers Association of British Columbia

Brady Johnson

Brady has dedicated his career to helping everyday people exercise their legal rights and overcome the power imbalances they face when dealing with powerful entities such as insurance companies. He’s known for a zealous, detail-oriented approach and doesn’t shy away from the courtroom, if necessary to advance his clients’ interests.

Before attending law school and later joining Avize in 2020, Brady spent a number of years working as a commodity trader for Canada’s largest grain company, where he developed strong negotiation and analytical skills. Because of this experience, Brady’s team members often involve him in matters involving significant economic complexity.

Beyond work, Brady spends as much time as possible cycling, running, and hiking—much of which he enjoys with his family in the Cowichan Valley, where they live.

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.) – University of Victoria

Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) – Brigham Young University

Professional Memberships and Appointments

The Law Society of British Columbia​

Trial Lawyers Association of British Columbia

Deborah Acheson

Sean Sweeney

Natalie Foley