Profile
“Through sportsmanship, I learned the importance of teamwork for achieving success, as well as the determination necessary to address complex issues”
Fraser MacLean,
MacLean Law
Fraser MacLean’s legal career has been defined by high-stakes advocacy, precedent-setting cases, and a client service ethic present at every stage of representation.
As a family law associate at MacLean Law, he has appeared at every level of court in British Columbia, including the BC Court of Appeal, and built a litigation record that has shaped Canadian family law. Early exposure to the legal profession came through mentorship from Lorne MacLean KC; the Hon. Keith Bracken; and the late Doug Eastwood, QC. Years of competitive hockey also instilled lessons that still guide him.
“Through sportsmanship, I learned the importance of teamwork for achieving success, as well as the determination necessary to address complex issues,” he says. That combination of discipline and collaboration fuels his drive to improve, innovate, and keep developing his practice.
MacLean’s practice spans some of the province’s most complex family law disputes, from multimillion-dollar property division to cross-border custody matters. He has secured one of British Columbia’s largest interim support awards, prevailed in extended trials involving parental alienation, and helped shape jurisprudence on parenting, support, and relocation issues.
His role in Zhang v. Chen, 2024 BCSC 285, drew national attention when he uncovered fabricated legal citations generated by ChatGPT, the first such finding in Canada. The judgment led to new directives on AI use in legal submissions and ignited a nationwide conversation about ethical standards.
Over the past 18 months, that case has been his most significant contribution to the profession. It has also cemented his advocacy for transparency in emerging technologies. He now takes part in policy discussions on responsible AI integration and contributes commentary on the subject in legal publications.
While his caseload demands rigorous attention to detail and thorough analysis, MacLean treats leadership within his firm as equally vital. He has introduced a career coaching program, organized wellness retreats, and created scholarships for law students.
2900-1021 W. Hastings St., Vancouver, BC
604 697 2820
fmaclean@macleanlaw.ca
linkedin.com/in/jean-michel-boudreau-2b8902134
macleanfamilylaw.ca
Fraser MacLean
Associate Lawyer
MacLean Law
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Bio
Milestones
“I aim to set a positive example for colleagues and peers through lectures, academia, volunteering, pro bono work, and networking”
Fraser MacLean,
MacLean Law
2018
2019
2023
2024
2020–Present
Completed his Juris Doctor at Thompson Rivers University
2018
Was called to the BC Bar
2019
Securing one of the largest interim support awards in a $90-million action (Zhang v. Chen, 2023 BCSC 2206)
Lead counsel in a 25-day trial, successfully obtaining various relief for his client including compensatory parenting time, a $5,000 fine and police enforcement for wrongful denial of parenting, family systems therapy and the appointment of a parenting coordinator (see S.T.M v. C.G.H., 2023 BCPC 110 and S.T.M. v. C.G.H., 2023 BCPC 182)
2023
Lead counsel in the landmark decision pertaining to costs and the harm of AI, the first case of its nature in Canada. In Zhang v. Chen, 2024 BCSC 285, the case involved the father’s application to have parenting time with his children overseas. After discovering the fake cases generated by ChatGPT, the father’s application was dismissed, with costs in favour of Fraser’s client.
Co-counsel in S.S.C.M. v. A.C.W, 2024 BCSC 1694, a complex interjurisdictional parenting dispute, where he successfully argued in having the Court refuse to recognize foreign orders from Texas, USA, on the basis it was contrary to public policy and the best interest of the children, while also obtaining a 100 percent special costs award.
TRU Law family law class guest lecturer at his alma mater, Thompson Rivers University Faculty of Law, he has helped set up the MacLean Law Prize in Family Law and the Doug Eastwood, QC MacLean Law scholarship.
2024
Since 2020: Recognized by Benchmark Litigation and Best Lawyers in Canada 2021: Managing Partner at IMK
2025: Recognized by Lexpert
2020–Present
Assistant Vice President and Senior Broker at MJ Hall & Company since 2018
Present
Milestones
Aug 2022
Milestones
Sept 2021
Feb 2022
Apr 2022
Jul 2022
Aug
2022
Suncorp Bank introduces Solar Home Bonus offer for customers who are choosing renewable energy for their homes
Sept 2021
Month-on-month market share growth commences
Feb 2022
Suncorp Bank wins the Canstar award for most outstanding value in investment loans
Apr 2022
Suncorp Bank wins Money Magazine’s Bank of the Year and Business Bank of the Year awards for the fifth year in a row
Jul 2022
Suncorp Bank’s turnaround times are the lowest they have ever been. The lender becomes Australia’s first certified carbon neutral bank for both its operation and transaction services
Aug 2022
Milestones
As a founding member of WOW! (Women. Opportunity. Winning.), an employee resource group created for all women of Ryan Specialty, Phillips Topping has long championed for women in the industry.
“It’s very important to set an example and to not only inspire but mentor other females,” she adds.
In addition to her sharp marketing eye, the key to Phillips Topping’s success lies in her high-energy approach and positive attitude.
“As the leader of a team, it’s important to motivate and encourage your team members. People work very hard and do their best and it’s important to recognize these efforts. For my career overall, my attitude has been one of curiosity. The more you can learn, the better you’ll understand the business, and then the deeper your knowledge will become, making you a better team member.”
Chief underwriting officer of executive risk at Chubb
President of financial insurance solutions at Kemper
Chief underwriting officer at Axis Capital
CEO of global Insurance at Endurance
CEO of global Insurance at Sompo International
His belief in professional development is matched by an awareness of the human toll litigation can take.
“I aim to set a positive example for colleagues and peers through lectures, academia, volunteering, pro bono work, and networking,” he says.
Recognition has followed. In 2025, MacLean was named among Canadian Lawyer’s Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers, and in 2024, MacLean Law received the LEAP Legal Software Award for Family Law Firm of the Year. He continues to lecture at conferences, mentor junior lawyers, and support organizations such as Union Gospel Mission and Dress for Success.
His philosophy holds that family law is about more than legal outcomes; it is about helping people navigate profound personal change. He prides himself on a strong work ethic and a commitment to delivering the highest standard of service possible to ensure his clients’ interests are protected and that they can move forward successfully.
That focus on trust and individual attention has also guided his client development strategy, which relies on reputation, results, and referrals.
MacLean has set his sights on maintaining a dual focus that includes advancing advocacy in complex family law disputes and influencing national policy on ethical AI use in legal practice.
He is also broadening mentorship and wellness initiatives within the profession, underscoring his belief that the quality of legal service is inseparable from the health and growth of those who deliver it. His litigation record and policy advocacy continue to influence how family law is practiced in Canada.