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Suzanne De Luca
Suzanne De Luca
Lawyer | Vancouver

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Suzanne (Suzie) De Luca is a family lawyer who advises clients on separation, parenting disputes, and complex family matters. She knows that family law cases are more than legal issues, they often involve grief, financial uncertainty, and the need for clear guidance. Suzanne is known for her calm, grounded approach, and for helping her clients feel informed and supported throughout the legal process.

Her interest in family law is rooted in early exposure to the lasting effects of separation on families. During law school, she gained firsthand insight into the legal and personal challenges that arise during separation, reinforcing the value of preparation, clear advice, and a focus on practical next steps. These experiences continue to inform her approach to practice, particularly in matters involving heightened conflict or financial complexity.

Clients and colleagues alike note Suzanne’s ability to pair disciplined legal analysis with steady judgment in high-pressure situations. Clients value her preparation and ability to anticipate issues before they arise. She is not afraid to take on tough cases, including those that involve high conflict, financial complexity, or intimate partner violence. Suzanne has received specialized training in crisis management for matters involving intimate partner violence. She is attentive to the financial, emotional, and personal stakes involved in family law matters, and approaches each file with discretion and care.

As the first lawyer in her family, Suzanne’s path to law was shaped by values instilled through an immigrant upbringing. She learned the importance of hard work, perseverance, and accountability, values that continue to guide her approach to advocacy and client service.

APPROACH

Her practice is grounded in a client-centred approach and informed by both professional experience and lived perspective. She believes that effective advocacy begins with listening and understanding not only the legal issues, but also the family dynamics and concerns that matter most to her clients.

In working with clients, she focuses on clarity, transparency, and strategic planning. Clients appreciate her ability to break down complex issues and bring structure to situations that often feel overwhelming. Suzanne prioritizes informed decision-making and works to resolve matters efficiently while remaining prepared to litigate when necessary.

Suzanne’s commitment to family law goes beyond her practice. She has been a board member with Bravestone Centre, a group that helps women and children affected by intimate partner violence. She has also worked as an intern with the Senate of Canada, contributing to legal research and briefing materials on issues affecting vulnerable populations. During law school, she worked as a caseworker for a family law clinic, which gave her exposure to family law issues early on in her career. She has also served on a number of boards and committees that support women’s leadership and access to justice. These experiences have helped her develop a strong understanding of trauma-informed advocacy and the importance of family law solutions that prioritize safety, stability, and children’s interests.

Her academic and professional record reflects a commitment to legal scholarship and the profession. She is a published author, with legal writing featured on Lexology, the Canadian Family Law Guide, and the Ontario Family Law Reporter. She has also been recognized with a number of academic scholarships and leadership awards, including the University of Manitoba’s Emerging Leader Award.

Education

Juris Doctor, 2023, University of Ottawa
Master of Arts, 2016, University of British Columbia
B.A. (Hons.), 2015, University of Manitoba (First Class Honours)

Achievements
  • Called to the Bar in British Columbia and Manitoba
  • Appeared before the Provincial Court of British Columbia, British Columbia Supreme Court, and the Court of King’s Bench of Manitoba
  • Published author, with work featured on Lexology, the Canadian Family Law Guide, and the Ontario Family Law Reporter
  • Served as Family Law Caseworker and Program Coordinator with Pro Bono Students Canada, conducting client intake, drafting court forms, and mentoring students
  • Recipient of multiple academic scholarships and awards, including the University of Manitoba’s Emerging Leader Award

VICTORIES

A SLEW OF VICTORIES, BUT WHO’S COUNTING? Case Li v. Virk – 2023

Harry Saini was the successful counsel in the residential tenancy litigation case Li v. Virk at the Supreme Court of British Columbia. The Story In December 2018, Ms. Li agreed to pay the Landlord of a Richmond property $2500 for monthly rent There was a problem with one of the rooms, so the Landlord and Ms. Li revised the tenancy…

A SLEW OF VICTORIES, BUT WHO’S COUNTING? Case: L.C vs. E.S – 2017

Child Removal, International Custody, Parenting Time This was a case which made local, national and international headlines. It spans several countries and took more than 5 years to resolve. During those 5 years, the mother did not allow the father or her brother to see her. She kept on feeling around the world to make sure the father does not…

A SLEW OF VICTORIES, BUT WHO’S COUNTING? S.C vs L.H – 2017

Groundbreaking case on Child Abduction, Wrongful Removal of Children and Wrongful Retention of Children. YLaw's latest BC Supreme Court Case has become one of the most important cases in the entire history of British Columbia on Child Abduction and Wrongful Removal. This case was reported on CBC, the Vancouver Sun, multiple child abduction websites, and later Leena was published with her story…

A SLEW OF VICTORIES, BUT WHO’S COUNTING? Ting vs. Wong – 2017

In yet another groundbreaking case in 2017, YLaw was able to obtain more than $116,000 in contempt fines in addition to special costs. This marks the highest family law contempt award in the history of British Columbia.  The Story - Contempt of Multiple Court Orders Ms. T's story was heartbreaking but beautiful at the end. She was left alone with her…

A SLEW OF VICTORIES, BUT WHO’S COUNTING? Case: Storey v. Terry – BC Court of Appeal – 2020

Leena Yousefi and Abib Ngom were successful counsel in the precedent-setting case of Storey v. Terry.  In this case, the wife applied for an unequal division of family property, an unequal division of family debt. Her Appeal was unsuccessful. As per the Court of Appeal: The appellant appeals a summary trial order providing for the equal division of the parties’…

Case: Storey v. Terry – BC Court of Appeal – 2020
Personal life

Outside of her practice, Suzanne enjoys staying active and spending time outdoors. She grew up in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and worked for a national corporate organization prior to entering law school. She now lives in Vancouver and enjoys running the seawall, hiking, going to the gym, and attending fitness classes. She is also an avid reader of both fiction and non-fiction.

One of the most significant influences on Suzanne’s life and work has been her grandfather. A former prisoner of war during World War II, he was later recognized for his positivity and resilience under extremely difficult circumstances. His example continues to shape how she approaches her work and daily life.

Suzanne’s practice focuses on providing clear, steady guidance to clients navigating complex family law matters, with an emphasis on preparation, sound judgment, and resolution-oriented advocacy.

Get to know Suzanne:

Favourite hobby: Running and yoga
Favourite book: A House in the Sky by Amanda Lindhout
Biggest pet peeve: Technology that chooses the worst moment to fail
Can’t live without: Coffee
Favourite person: My nephew
Biggest role model: My grandfather
Favourite travel destination and why? Italy, because of my family heritage
What makes you happy? Helping people through difficult circumstances

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