Richards Buell Sutton LLP

Richards Buell Sutton LLP is Vancouver's oldest law firm, with roots dating back to 1871.  The firm offers a variety of legal services and works across the boundaries of traditional thinking to supply clients with effective and innovative legal solutions for the issues, transactions and disputes that arise in business and personal life.

Through David Hay (pictured), a partner of the law firm, and veteran bike injury litigation lawyer, the firm has maintained close ties with British Columbia's cycling communities.  Many of these ties were formed when the province’s various advocacy groups, such as the VACC, were in their infancy.  As cycling in the province increased, so did the profile of these groups and the practice areas within Richards Buell Sutton LLP dedicated to the assistance of cycling and cyclists.

Sadly, cycling is not without risk.  As an advocate for injured cyclists, David Hay has a myopic (and admittedly slightly neurotic) view of the world.  As a result, he chooses to walk downtown to work from his Westside home.  Other more rational and (less paranoid) partners in the firm, such as Brenda Lightbody, are happy to ride.  Ms. Lightbody rides from her North Vancouver home along the water towards the Lion's Gate Bridge, over the bridge into Stanley Park and along the Seawall to the Convention Centre and ultimately to the firm's downtown office.  "I love it" she says with a smile.

Most of the employees of Richards Buell Sutton LLP take public transit to work and the firm provides public transit passes for all its employees.

For those who ride, there are conveniently located bike racks at the base of the building and it is permissible for one to take one's bike into the freight elevator and up to the offices.  There are shower facilities available to cyclists, and the infrastructure in place is such that the firm's commuter cyclists regard riding to work as "a piece of cake".

Despite his practice, David Hay assures cyclists within and outside of the firm that cycling to work is safe, clean, civilized and enjoyable.  He has gone on record as saying "cycling to work allows one to enjoy the City from an entirely different perspective.  It serves as a fantastic means of reducing stress and provides an opportunity for contemplation which, at times, is rich enough to fill the cyclist with an everlasting sense of life."