Our Lawyers

Scott MorishitaAssociate Counsel

Scott Morishita

P 604.682.3771

F 604.682.0587

E smorishita@rhelaw.com

Scott’s legal experience is diverse. He has worked at small firms and large firms, for organizations and individuals, for insurance companies and against insurance companies, and for plaintiffs and defendants. The common thread throughout his varied career is a commitment to representing his clients with determination, fairness, and integrity.  

Scott was thrilled to join Rice Harbut Elliott in 2019. His heart has always been with representing injured people, and he is glad to be back where he belongs.

Scott is a “lawyer’s lawyer.” He is passionate about the law and the judicial system. Scott is very comfortable in the courtroom and has acted as lead counsel on numerous precedent-setting decisions.  His trial experience includes bringing and defending cases involving car accidents, trip and falls, slip and falls, assault, and injuries suffered at facilities or properties. Outside of personal injury cases, Scott has conducted trials in cases involving property damage, trespass, nuisance, bylaw enforcement, and allegations of unreasonable government conduct.

Scott recognizes that getting injured in an accident can be a traumatic experience. The recovery process can be frustrating, uncertain, and overwhelming. The best result is always a full recovery and a fair and reasonable settlement. Unfortunately, despite their best efforts, not all injured people get better. And while most cases settle, sometimes a reasonable settlement cannot be obtained, forcing the case to trial. Throughout this process, Scott is a passionate, thoughtful, and energetic advocate who is dedicated to supporting his clients with empathy and compassion.

Professional Activities
Member, Law Society of British Columbia
Member, Canadian Bar Association
Member, Trial Lawyers Association of British Columbia
Member, Vancouver Bar Association
Member, Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers (British Columbia)

Education
B.A., Political Science, University of British Columbia (2000)
LL.B., University of Victoria (2005)

Place and Year of Call
British Columbia (2007)

Volunteer Activities

Canadian Bar Association – B.C. Branch

  • President (2023 – present)
  • First Vice President (2022 – 2023)
  • Second Vice President (2021 – 2022)
  • Director, Board of Directors (2020 – present)
  • Chair, Governance Review Subcommittee (2022 – 2023)
  • Chair, Policy and Advocacy Committee (2022 – 2023)
  • Chair, Nominating Committee (2022 – 2023)
  • Chair, Member Services & Engagement Committee (2021 – 2022)
  • Elected Representative (Vancouver County), Provincial Council (2018 – 2022)
  • Member, Finance and Audit Committee (2021 – 2023)
  • Member, Access to Justice Committee (2019 – 2021)
  • Member, Policy and Advocacy Committee (2020 – 2021)
  • Board Liaison, Advisory Committee to Judicial Council (2022 – 2023)
  • Board Liaison, Rural Education and Access to Lawyers Initiative Committee (2021 – 2022)
  • Mentor, Law Student Mentorship Program (2019 – present)

Continuing Legal Education Society of B.C.

  • Director, Board of Directors (2019 – 2022)
  • Chair, Governance Committee (2020 – 2022)
  • Member, Finance Committee (2021 – 2022)
  • Member, Executive Committee (2020 – 2021)

Pro Bono Students Canada, UVic Chapter

  • Lawyer Supervisor (2019 – present)

Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers (British Columbia)

  • Mentor, Mentorship Program (2019 – present)

Lawyers Assistance Program of British Columbia

  • Volunteer (2007 – present)

RainCity Housing and Support Society

  • Director, Board of Directors (2016 – 2020)
  • Vice Chair, Board of Directors (2018 – 2019)
  • Chair, Governance Committee (2018 – 2019)

Interests
Scott is passionate about volunteering in the community and for the legal profession. He has the privilege of serving as President of the Canadian Bar Association – British Columbia in 2023-2024. Scott previously served on the Board of Directors of the Continuing Legal Education Society of B.C. He is also a very active mentor to a number of early career lawyers and law students who are racialized. In the community, Scott previously served on the Board of Directors of RainCity Housing and Support Society, which is a non-profit organization that provides housing and supports to people experiencing homelessness and mental health, trauma, and substance use issues.