J.A. Pankiw-Petty
LAWYER
T: 604.359.0909
E: ja@vpslawgroup.com
About J.A.
John-Andrew (J.A.) Pankiw-Petty is a trial lawyer who helps individuals and businesses recover from complex losses, serious injuries, and high-stakes disputes with insurers and large institutions. His practice is centered on guiding people and companies through some of the most challenging periods of their lives—so they can focus on healing, rebuilding, and moving forward with confidence.
J.A. is frequently retained in matters involving catastrophic injuries and advanced liability and damages issues. He has served as Counsel at trial in the Supreme Court of British Columbia and as Counsel in the British Columbia Court of Appeal. He is also regularly consulted by lawyers in British Columbia and elsewhere on complex personal injury cases, particularly where strategy, medical evidence, or damages analysis are critical.
A defining feature of J.A.’s work is his close collaboration with medical professionals and the legal community. He is often invited to teach doctors and clinicians about their role in the medical-legal recovery process and has lectured at Anesthesiology Rounds at Royal Jubilee Hospital, Neuropsychology Rounds and Psychiatry Rounds at Vancouver General Hospital, UBC Faculty of Medicine Practice Survival Skills, and numerous professional and clinical organizations in Canada and internationally.
JA is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Victoria Faculty of Law, where he teaches the Law of Evidence. He also coaches the University of Victoria Faculty of Law-BC Law Schools moot team.
OUTSIDE THE OFFICE
J.A. is a member of the Executive of the Board of Governors of the Trial Lawyers Association of British Columbia, a Member and former Governor of the American Association for Justice, and a Member of the Law Society of British Columbia. He is widely respected for combining deep legal expertise with a calm, practical, and compassionate approach—particularly in cases involving trauma, uncertainty, and complex medical issues.
Beyond his legal practice, J.A. has been a dedicated volunteer for nearly 15 years. He has played a significant role in supporting youth across Canada through the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Program, serving as Past President of the BC and Yukon Division and currently sitting on the BC Council. In recognition of his service to youth and to the Canadian legal community, he was awarded the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers in 2025, the highest honour for volunteer service within the Canadian Honours System.
J.A. grew up in Etobicoke, Ontario, and studied Life Sciences and Politics at Queen’s University before earning his law degree at the University of Windsor in Ontario, where he worked with Community Legal Aid representing people who could not afford legal assistance.
Outside of practice, J.A. enjoys aviation and is an active pilot in British Columbia. He has had the rare privilege of flying historic aircraft with the Canadian Historical Aircraft Association and is a member of the Canadian Owners and Pilots Association, the Experimental Aircraft Association, the Canadian Aviation Museum, and the Victoria Flying Club. He also enjoys the outdoors, having hiked to Mount Everest Base Camp, the West Coast Trail, and Machu Picchu.
*JA Pankiw-Petty provides legal services through Pankiw-Petty Law Corporation