Overview

MacLean Law is a top-tier Western Canadian boutique family law litigation firm that has focused on complex, high-stakes family law matters since 1983. The firm's practice is centered on ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) cases involving sophisticated financial structures, international assets, jurisdictional disputes, and complex legal issues. With a team of 18 lawyers, MacLean Law represents entrepreneurs, business owners, professionals, executives, and other high-net-worth individuals in matters relating to separation, divorce, child and spousal support, the division of worldwide family property and business interests, marriage and cohabitation agreements, and international family law disputes.

The firm's experience extends to the identification, valuation, and division of a broad range of assets and financial interests, including privately held businesses, professional practices, pensions, stock options, investments, trusts, and overseas holdings. MacLean Law regularly represents clients in negotiated settlements, mediations, interim applications, trials, and appeals. The firm is also home to one of Canada's largest family law teams with Mandarin and Cantonese language capabilities, enabling it to serve a diverse international clientele.

MacLean Law has earned a reputation for handling some of the most complex and precedent-setting family law matters in Canada. Founding partner Lorne MacLean, K.C., has appeared twice before the Supreme Court of Canada, a distinction achieved by few family law practitioners. Partner Fraser MacLean gained national attention for exposing Canada's first reported legal AI "hallucination" in court proceedings.

MacLean Law is recognized by Best Lawyers through the inclusion of Lorne MacLean, K.C. in the area of Family Law. The firm's relationship with Best Lawyers began in 2026. Recognition through Best Lawyers' peer-review process reflects the respect and confidence that fellow legal professionals place in the firm's expertise, advocacy, and commitment to delivering exceptional results for clients facing significant family law disputes.

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Practice Areas:
6
Person outline with Best Lawyers logo
Best Lawyers Recognized:
1

Rankings

Regional

Vancouver

Tier
3
Vancouver
Family Law

Firm Leadership

Rankings

Regional

Vancouver

Tier
3
Vancouver
Family Law

Practice Areas

Maclean Law has been ranked by Best Law Firms for excellence in 1 specialty, reflecting the firm's commitment to delivering outstanding legal services.
Additionally, the firm provides services in these practice areas:
  • Estate
  • Family Law
  • Family Law Arbitration
    • Nicholas Davies (Vancouver)
    • Catherine Fox, K.C. (Calgary)
  • Family Law Mediation
    • Nicholas Davies (Vancouver)
    • Catherine Fox, K.C. (Calgary)
  • International Custody
  • Wills

Individuals Recognized in The Best Lawyers in Canada™

Maclean Law proudly has 1 lawyer recognized for their outstanding professional performance in the 2027 edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada™. This peer-reviewed honor highlights individual excellence and directly qualifies the firm for consideration in the prestigious Best Law Firms rankings. For over four decades, Best Lawyers has been the gold standard for recognizing top legal talent, serving as the cornerstone for Best Law Firms awards. Learn more about our rigorous Best Lawyers research and selection process.
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Firm News

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October 7, 2026
MacLean Law partner, Fraser MacLean, featured in Canadian Lawyer article "Navigating the common-law property problem in family law"
Read Article MacLean Law partner, Fraser MacLean, featured in Canadian Lawyer article "Navigating the common-law property problem in family law"
May 15, 2026
MacLean Law Recognized by Doyle’s Guide for Family Law in British Columbia
Read Article MacLean Law Recognized by Doyle’s Guide for Family Law in British Columbia
April 21, 2026
MacLean Law is an Excellence Awardee for Boutique Law Firm of the Year
Read Article MacLean Law is an Excellence Awardee for Boutique Law Firm of the Year
April 10, 2026
MacLean Law lawyer, Sophie Bartholomew, speaks to CTV News on Bigamy in BC
Read Article MacLean Law lawyer, Sophie Bartholomew, speaks to CTV News on Bigamy in BC
March 30, 2026
MacLean Law partner Fraser MacLean’s Interview with Lexpert
Read Article MacLean Law partner Fraser MacLean’s Interview with Lexpert
February 26, 2026
MacLean Law's Lorne MacLean, Fraser MacLean, Sophie Bartholomew, and Rana Yavari co-author the Canadian chapter of the Chambers and Partners Family Law Guide 2026.
Read Article MacLean Law's Lorne MacLean, Fraser MacLean, Sophie Bartholomew, and Rana Yavari co-author the Canadian chapter of the Chambers and Partners Family Law Guide 2026.

Awards

Maclean Law is honored to be recognized for excellence by Best Law Firms and other leading legal industry organizations. Our rankings and awards reflect the dedication, skill, and results our attorneys deliver across a wide range of practice areas. In addition to our Best Law Firms awards, Maclean Law has earned accolades from respected national and regional publications for outstanding legal service and professional achievement. Explore our awards below to learn more about how Maclean Law continues to set the standard for quality legal representation.
Leading Family & Divorce Lawyer (British Columbia) – Lorne MacLean, K.C. has been repeatedly featured, including the 2026 directory - Doyle's Guide
Top 3 Divorce Lawyers (Vancouver, Surrey, and Richmond) – Awarded to Lorne MacLean / MacLean Law consecutively every year from 2016 through 2026. - Three Best Rated
Best Vancouver Family Law Firm – Awarded to MacLean Law 12+ times, including 2014 and consecutively from 2016 through 2026 - Top Choice Award
Boutique Law Firm of the Year (Excellence Awardee) – Awarded to MacLean Law in 2026. - Canadian Lawyer Magazine & Lexpert
Family Law Firm of the Year / Excellence Award - Awarded to MacLean Law for three consecutive years: 2023, 2024, and 2025. - Canadian Lawyer Magazine & Lexpert
Consumer Choice Award (Family Law — Vancouver Region) – Awarded to MacLean Law in 2020. - Consumer Choice Award
Employee Recommended Workplace Award – Awarded to MacLean Law for two consecutive years in 2018 and 2019 - The Globe and Mail & Morneau Shepell

Offices & Contacts

Vancouver, BC

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