Legal Bites - Family Law Associate Jens Deppe

Our team of lawyers have a very diverse background coming from all parts of the country with extensive knowledge helping people with their legal needs.

Jens Deppe is the newest lawyer to join our team from Edmonton. He was born and raised in Germany, then after living for two years in Greece and Cyprus, he moved to Canada in 2010 and completed both his Bachelor of Commerce and Juris Doctor degrees in the "City of Champions." He can speak two different languages; English and German.

We find out a little bit more about Jens in this “Legal Bites” Q & A:

Tell us a little about your practice:

My main focus is family law, but there are many issues that fall under that umbrella. Each new file is unique and what worked in a similar situation in the past might not be the best solution for a new file with slightly different facts. Family law cases often have a very large emotional aspect to them and it is important to establish a good rapport with the client, so that potential options also address that emotional part, if possible. I try to give my clients an honest assessment of their options and chances of success, so that the conflict and stress that comes with it is not unnecessarily increased or prolonged.

Why did you go to law school and what school did you attend?

I attended the University of Alberta Faculty of Law in Edmonton. I took an interest in law after attending business law classes as part of my Bachelor of Commerce degree.

How did you get to where you are today? Design? Chance? Both?

Definitely both. It sounds cheesy, but I couldn’t have gone to law school and through the first few years as a lawyer without my wife’s support. We decided to come to the Okanagan because we feel that this is the right place for our three boys to grow up. I accepted my current position with FH&P Lawyers because the firm is large enough to provide a wealth of knowledge and experience to myself and our clients while being small enough to feel that you are part of a team and not just an employee. Even though COVID-19 and constant mask-wearing makes it harder to get to know people, I have felt very welcomed and people are always willing to give me a few minutes of their time should I have a question.

What is your most significant achievement? What are you proud of so far?

Professionally, I feel the most accomplished when a client thanks me for my help and I feel that it’s a sincere expression of a weight lifted off their shoulders.

What are some key challenges, and more importantly, opportunities for young people in law?

I think the high cost of undergraduate studies and law school and the student loans that come with that are significant challenges for people trying to get into and just out of law school. It can also be quite challenging to find an articling position, but I have been quite fortunate to have articled with an amazing and supportive family lawyer in Edmonton. In terms of opportunities, a legal education allows you to go into a variety of directions that interest you as long as you can find clients who need your services.

What advice would you give a young person starting their legal career?

I think that good mentors and a willingness to keep learning throughout your career are essential. It’s natural to not have all the answers at your fingertips at the start of your career.