When Janet’s not at the office, you’ll likely find her at the gym or cheering on her kids at their games.
Janet’s journey began in Burnaby, where she was raised by two Italian immigrant parents as part of a large, tight-knit family. She attended Simon Fraser University, where she met her husband, Jason. Together, they’ve built a life in Vancouver, raising two children who are both heavily involved in athletics. Janet is also a proud “dog mom” to a french bulldog named Carlii.
Janet’s legal career at Watson Goepel LLP spans over two decades. Starting as an articling student, she worked her way up through the ranks to become the Co-Managing Partner, a position she holds today with pride. Reflecting on her position, Janet shares, “I deeply respect the legacy built by my predecessors, and I’m committed to preserving it while adapting to the evolving needs of our team, clients, and community.”
Watson Goepel LLP, a multi-service law firm based in the heart of downtown Vancouver, recently celebrated its 40th anniversary. Janet recalls the firm’s founding, saying, “In November 1984, Richard Goepel and two colleagues, Bob Watson and Tim Maledy, went for lunch on Richards Street, and by six o’clock, they had created Watson Goepel & Maledy!” Since its inception, the firm has expanded to include locations in West Vancouver, Edmonton, and Calgary, specializing in Business, Family, Litigation & Dispute Resolution, Personal Injury, Workplace, and Wills & Estates law. The firm was also recently recognized in Best Lawyers™ as one of the Best Law Firms™ in Canada.
Janet believes the firm’s downtown location plays a key role in its success. “We can quickly and efficiently service our clients downtown and those in the Lower Mainland, thanks to our proximity to transit stations. Plus, downtown Vancouver is a hub for new places to eat, fresh coffee spots, and live sporting events, making it an ideal location for our team,” she shares. As the firm celebrates four decades of excellence, Janet is focused on the future. “We’re looking at three main areas for growth,” she explains. They hope to continue expanding their team, their client base as well as contributing more to the community as “community is huge for our firm,” Janet says. In 2024, the firm supported several important local causes, including the Greater Vancouver Food Bank, the Indian Residential School Survivors Society, Qmunity, and YWCA Presents of Peace. The team is eager to contribute even more this year. Janet also shares her appreciation for the revitalization efforts led by Downtown Van. From supporting events like Taylor Swift’s concert in December to initiatives for community safety and clean-up, she’s excited to see the positive changes happening in the downtown core.
Learn more about Watson Goepel and all the services they offer on their website.
