VANCOUVER'S MARITIME LAW SPECIALISTS

Oblique Harbor Legal

Navigating Complex Legal Waters with Precision and Clarity

Look, maritime law isn't something you pick up from a textbook and call it a day. We've spent years working the docks, boardrooms, and courtrooms of Vancouver's shipping industry. Whether you're dealing with a vessel dispute, hammering out a commercial contract, or trying to make sense of customs regulations that'd make anyone's head spin - we've been there, done that, got the coffee-stained briefs to prove it.

250+
Cases Resolved
15+
Years Experience
98%
Client Satisfaction

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EXPLORE OUR SERVICES
WHAT WE DO BEST

Our Practice Areas

We're not trying to be everything to everyone. These are the areas where we've put in the time, handled the tough cases, and built real expertise. If it's on this list, we know it inside and out.

CORE SPECIALTY

Maritime and Admiralty Law

Vessel arrests, cargo disputes, salvage claims, collision investigations - we've handled it all from Vancouver's bustling port. When ships collide or cargo goes missing, you need someone who understands both the legal framework and the maritime reality. That's us. We've worked with everyone from independent operators to major shipping lines, and we know that every hour a vessel sits idle costs money.

127
Cases Won
$45M
Recovered

Commercial Litigation and Dispute Resolution

Business disputes get messy, we get it. Sometimes you can resolve things over coffee, sometimes you're heading to court. We've done both - mediated complex multi-party disputes and litigated cases that went the distance. The goal? Get you the best outcome without burning through your budget unnecessarily.

89%
Win Rate

Corporate Transactions and Business Law

Mergers, acquisitions, restructuring, shareholder agreements - the paperwork that keeps businesses running or brings them together. We've structured deals from small family business transitions to multi-million dollar acquisitions. The key is understanding not just the law but how your business actually operates. We're not fans of cookie-cutter solutions that look good on paper but fall apart in practice.

68
Deals Closed
$180M
Total Value

International Trade and Customs Compliance

Customs held your shipment? Import regulations changing faster than you can track? Cross-border trade comes with enough headaches without legal issues piling on. We help clients navigate CBSA requirements, trade agreements, and compliance matters.

142
Clearances Secured

Contract Drafting and Negotiation

A good contract protects everyone involved and nobody thinks about it until something goes wrong. We draft agreements that actually make sense - clear terms, realistic timelines, and provisions that account for what really happens in your industry, not some theoretical scenario.

340+
Contracts Drafted
§

Regulatory Compliance and Advisory

Regulations change, new requirements pop up, and suddenly you're wondering if you're still compliant with Transport Canada, environmental standards, or industry-specific rules. We help maritime and commercial businesses stay ahead of regulatory requirements without drowning in paperwork. Regular audits, policy reviews, and proactive advisory work - it's way cheaper than dealing with violations after the fact. Plus, we actually explain things in plain language instead of throwing more legal jargon at you.

95+
Compliance Audits
Zero
Client Violations
24hr
Response Time
Regulatory Compliance
THE OBLIQUE HARBOR DIFFERENCE

Why clients stick with us

We could give you the usual spiel about professionalism and dedication, but here's the truth - we're good at what we do because we've been doing it long enough to know what actually works. No fancy marketing promises, just solid legal work from people who genuinely care about getting you the right result.

Vancouver Harbor
15+
Years in Vancouver

Industry Knowledge

We're not just lawyers who happen to work in maritime law - we know the industry. Many of our team have spent time working with shipping companies, ports, and trade operations before getting into law. That background matters.

Practical Approach

Legal problems need legal solutions, but they also need to make business sense. We're focused on outcomes that work in the real world, not just winning arguments on paper. If settling makes more sense than litigating, we'll tell you.

Clear Communication

You hire us to handle legal complexity, not to confuse you with it. We explain things in plain language, keep you updated regularly, and make sure you understand your options before making decisions.

Responsive Service

Maritime issues don't wait for business hours. Vessels need clearance, disputes need immediate attention, deals need quick turnaround. We're available when you need us, not just when it's convenient.

CLIENT EXPERIENCES

What people say about working with us

Don't just take our word for it. Here's what clients have told us after we wrapped up their cases.

"We had a cargo dispute that was costing us about $15k per day in delays. Oblique Harbor got involved, cut through the red tape, and had us moving again within 72 hours. Their team knew exactly who to call and what to file. Worth every penny."

MK
Michael Kowalski
Operations Director, Pacific Freight Lines

"Honestly thought our contract dispute would drag on for years. The other side wasn't budging and we were prepared for a long court battle. Their litigation team managed to negotiate a settlement that actually exceeded what we were originally asking for. Professional, strategic, and they kept us in the loop the entire time."

JL
Jennifer Lee
CEO, Westcoast Marine Services

"We needed help with a complex international trade compliance issue - new regulations, multiple jurisdictions, the whole headache. Instead of just telling us what we couldn't do, they worked with us to find a solution that kept our business running while staying compliant. That's the kind of practical legal advice you need."

RP
Robert Patel
Import Director, Global Trade Solutions

"Been using them for corporate work for three years now. Every acquisition, every major contract, every shareholder issue - they handle it. What I appreciate most is they don't try to over-complicate things or rack up unnecessary billable hours. Straightforward advice, solid work, reasonable fees."

SC
Sarah Chen
Managing Partner, Chen & Associates

"After a collision involving one of our vessels, we were facing potential claims that could've bankrupted us. Their admiralty team took charge immediately - evidence collection, witness interviews, technical experts, the whole nine yards. They built such a strong defense that the opposing party backed down before trial. Saved our company."

DM
David Morrison
Fleet Manager, Northern Shipping Co.

"Contract drafting sounds boring until you get burned by a bad one. We learned that lesson the hard way with our previous legal team. Since switching to Oblique Harbor, our contracts are airtight but still readable. They actually understand our business and write agreements that protect us without killing deals."

AM
Angela Martinez
VP Operations, Coastal Logistics Inc.
HOW WE WORK

Getting started is straightforward

No complicated intake processes or endless forms. Here's how we typically work with new clients.

01

Initial Contact

Call us, email us, or fill out the form. Tell us what's going on in your own words. We'll get back to you same day, usually within a couple hours. If it's urgent, say so - we prioritize accordingly.

02

Quick Assessment

We'll have a conversation - usually by phone or video call - to understand your situation. No charge for this initial discussion. We'll let you know if we can help and give you a realistic sense of what's involved.

03

Clear Proposal

If we're a good fit, we'll send you a proposal with clear pricing. No surprises, no hidden fees. We'll outline what we'll do, how long it'll take, and what it'll cost. You decide if it makes sense.

04

Get to Work

Once we're engaged, we move fast. You'll have direct access to your lawyer, regular updates on progress, and clear explanations of what's happening. We work until the matter's resolved, period.

INSIGHTS & UPDATES

Keeping you informed

Maritime and commercial law changes constantly. We share updates, case analyses, and practical advice to help you stay ahead of issues before they become problems.

Maritime Regulations
MARITIME LAW
January 15, 2026
New IMO Regulations: What BC Vessel Operators Need to Know

The International Maritime Organization just rolled out updated environmental compliance standards. Here's what changed and how it affects your operations out of Vancouver ports...

Read More →
Commercial Contracts
BUSINESS LAW
January 8, 2026
Five Contract Clauses That'll Save You From Disputes

Most business disputes come down to vague contract language. We've seen it a hundred times. These five provisions can prevent most common conflicts before they start...

Read More →
Customs Compliance
TRADE & CUSTOMS
December 28, 2025
CBSA Audits: What Triggers Them and How to Prepare

Canada Border Services Agency audits aren't random. There are patterns to what triggers scrutiny. Understanding these patterns can help you keep your import operations smooth...

Read More →
FIND US IN VANCOUVER

Right in the heart of the city

Our office is located on Burrard Street, close to the waterfront and easily accessible whether you're coming from the port, downtown offices, or anywhere else in the metro area. Street parking and transit are both convenient.

ADDRESS
1250 Burrard Street, Suite 1800
Vancouver, BC V6Z 2G5, Canada
OFFICE HOURS
Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Weekend & After-Hours: By appointment for urgent matters

Ready to talk?

Whether you've got an urgent legal issue or just want to discuss potential representation, reach out. We're here to help.