Community Involvement

HMZ Law has been a supporter of many organizations including the Kamloops United Way, Kamloops Brain Injury Association, minor hockey and many others. Our lawyers have served the Kamloops community in a variety of volunteer positions over the years.

Here are some of our lawyer’s thoughts about their community activities:

David Marr

In the early 1980’s, I become involved with a number of brain injury survivors in our community. I realized that there was a significant lack of services and awareness of the unique problems these individuals face. To address this, I co-founded the Kamloops Brain Injury Association (KBIA) in 1985. I have served as the Association’s President since inception.

KBIA provides much needed support and programs for brain injury survivors and their supporters. Through the years, I have helped the Association expand its services to better the lives of those in our community who face the challenges of living with brain injuries.

Joseph Zak

I have served the community, both locally and provincially, for many years. I am the past Chair of St. Ann’s Academy located in Kamloops. St. Ann’s is one of the oldest independent schools in British Columbia founded in 1880. I have served and currently sit as a member of the Unauthorized Practice Committee of the Law Society of British Columbia. The Committee’s mandate is to protect the public through the enforcement of the Legal Profession Act with respect to all aspects of the practice of law by non-lawyers. My involvement in this committee has permitted me to meet and work with lawyers from across the Province for the protection of the public.

Tara Decker

I have been involved with the Royal Inland Hospital Ethics Committee since 2004. Physicians, other health care professionals, patients and family members are able to bring issues to the committee for review and guidance. We also provide continuing education in ethics to members of the local medical community. Each of the committee members provides a different perspective on the issues and I enjoy the open discussion that takes place whenever a case comes before us. This committee is an important resource to all those involved in our local health care system.

Kevin Cowan

I have been a director of the local chapter of the Canadian Mental Health Association since 2008. Our organization is actively involved in the community. We provide shelter for women who have been victimized. We partner with the Aids Society of Kamloops to provide long-term shelter to males with mental health issues.

Our goal is to help our clients find a place in the community and remain independent while dealing with mental health issues. I find great satisfaction in this work. During my legal practice, I have been met many individuals who suffer from various degrees of mental illness. The problems they face are significant and often unrecognized. It is encouraging to see the improvements and assistance that individuals can obtain through our Association.