Stein Gudmundseth, K.C. is a founding partner of Gudmundseth Mickelson and one of British Columbia’s most experienced and respected litigators. For more than five decades, he has advised and represented clients in complex, high-stakes disputes, bringing a rare combination of judgment, courtroom skill, and commercial perspective to matters where outcomes carry significant consequences.

Stein’s practice spans commercial litigation, insurance and investment disputes, securities matters, administrative and constitutional law, injunctions, and appeals. He has appeared at all levels of court, including the Supreme Court of Canada. His work includes acting as counsel in RBC Dominion Securities Inc. v. Merrill Lynch Canada Inc., a leading Supreme Court of Canada decision involving coordinated employee departures and competition in the financial services sector. Stein also acted for the Attorney General in a successful appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada in a case concerning government’s obligation to produce confidential Cabinet records in litigation. He is also involved in matters involving major financial institutions, investment firms, and public bodies, where legal issues are closely tied to business and reputational risk.

He is regularly retained on disputes that require both technical strength and careful judgment. His approach is grounded in identifying the issue that will determine the outcome, focusing effort where it will have the greatest impact, and advancing positions with clarity and discipline. He is known for balancing legal analysis with commercial realities, ensuring that litigation strategy aligns with the client’s broader objectives.

He is consistently described in terms that reflect both ability and character. One peer describes him as “a first-rate lawyer who combines common sense, judgment, legal acumen and courtroom skill.” A client has noted that his litigation support is “second to none,” citing his responsiveness, strategic insight, and ability to achieve results that balance legal issues with commercial realities.

Stein taught civil litigation at the University of British Columbia for a decade and has contributed to continuing legal education. He also served for twenty years as Honorary Consul General of Norway in British Columbia and was appointed Commander of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit.

  • Appointed King's Counsel 1999
  • Honorary Consul General of Norway (former)
  • Commander, Royal Norwegian Order of Merit

Important courts and tribunals:

  1. Supreme Court of Canada
  2. British Columbia Court of Appeal
  3. Supreme Court of British Columbia
  4. Arbitration and private dispute resolution forums
  5. Administrative and regulatory proceedings