Marissa Faulkner; Associate Lawyer

Meet Marissa: The Affidavit Whisperer

Lawyer by day, secret superpower always on tap: Marissa gets people talking. Strangers, clients, colleagues—she has a knack for getting anyone to open up, telling her things they otherwise keep locked away. It’s not magic, but it does mean her affidavits shine with truth and empathy.

Marissa's Dream Clients & Professional Passions

Marissa’s ideal client? Communicative, honest… and absolutely not found in the Cluster B section of the DSM-5!

If you like to laugh and tell it like it is, you’re in Marissa’s sweet spot.

If she wasn’t battling for fairness as a lawyer, you’d find her interviewing change-makers as a journalist or helping people heal and grow as a therapist.

Marissa's Unstoppable Wisdom

What’s the best advice Marissa’s ever received? “You can only eat an elephant one bite at a time.” She brings this wisdom to every challenge, legal or personal—focus on the next step and keep moving forward.

Marissa, The Swimmer, the Traveller, the Journalist

Marissa has travelled to nearly 30 countries on her own. She moved to another country to attend law school and has generally built connections with people all over the world. 

Did you know Marissa used to compete in swimming? These days, the only race she’s in is against time, diving into the pool for health and peace of mind.

When the karaoke mic comes out, it’s game time: “A Whole New World” (yes, straight out of Aladdin) is her top tune!

Who’s the ultimate inspiration for legal style? Clarissa Ward, intrepid American journalist—if Marissa could swap jobs for a day, she’d jump right into Ward’s shoes for fearless reporting and real-world discoveries.

Marissa loves dogs (especially her rescue pup, Mustard) and elephants, for their loyalty and wisdom.

Marissa is a scholar, listener, reader, and a Roxane Gay’s Audacious book club devotee.

What differentiates you from other lawyers?

Marissa is a particularly skilled listener who focuses on active listening, patience and understanding.

She practices law with a trauma-informed approach, having a deep understanding of mental health challenges and how they can affect a separation. 

What training have you completed?

• 2015: Capilano University, Bachelor of Legal Studies
• 2016: Certificate in Women's Human Rights, London School of Economics and Political Science 
• 2017: LLB, University of London
• Current: Women and Gender Studies Master's Degree, Simon Fraser University

Marissa's other interests outside law

Exercising, negotiating with, and spoiling her rescue dog, Mustard - he's a bilingual golden doodle (of some mix) and from Iran.

As if she is not smart enough already, she is currently completing her Master's Degree in Women and Gender Studies (on a VERY part-time basis). 

What is Marissa's fav animal?

Dogs. All dogs. It's unconditional love.

And elephants; she had the privilege of seeing a herd of them in person on a safari in Kenya. She has never been the same (in a good way). 

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