Our Lawyers
Mike Tucker
Partner | Litigator & Solicitor
Originally from the UK, Mike obtained a BA (Hons) in Philosophy from Leeds University in 2007 before completing a Graduate Diploma in Law at City University, London in 2009 and his Legal Practice Course at The College of Law, London in 2010. After working for a niche family law firm for 3 years, Mike moved to Nelson in 2013. He has worked with us since that time, and in 2018 was called to the BC Bar.
Trenton M. Zoobkoff
Partner | Litigator & Solicitor
Civil litigator and associate at SMT Law. Trent maintains a broad civil litigation practice and advises clients in a number of areas of law including employment, estate, and commercial litigation. He also has experience in personal injury, disability insurance, and construction law.
Prior to joining SMT Law in 2022, Trent practiced as an associate at a prominent Fraser Valley law firm in Abbotsford. He obtained his Bachelor of Business Administration before earning his Juris Doctor from Thompson Rivers University, Faculty of Law, in 2017. Trent was called to the bar in British Columbia in 2018.
Trent was born and raised in Nelson and is proud to return to the Kootenay’s to provide easy to understand, trusted legal services to the community that he grew up in.
Trenton has appeared before all levels of court in British Columbia. Here is a list of reported decisions of recent successes in the court room:
1. Wosnack v Ficych, 2022 BCCA 139 (Second chair) (Estate)
2. Halvorson v West, 2022 BCSC 457 (Costs)
3. McAuley v Goodrich, 2020 BCSC 2014 (Second Chair) (Personal Injury)
4. Buhler v Lewis, 2020 BCSC 485 (Motor Vehicle Accident - Jurisdictional Dispute)
Raiwal v Khalsa Diwan Society of Abbotsford, 2019 BCSC 29 (Second Chair) (Costs)
Christopher E. Smith, LLB
Partner | Litigator & Solicitor
Christopher Smith is a proud product of the Kootenays. Born and raised in Rossland and Nelson, he grew up exploring the Purcell Mountains before leaving to pursue his education and travel abroad. After a decade of university studies and world travel, Chris returned home to raise his family and build his legal practice in the community he knows and loves.
Chris holds an Honours Degree in Philosophy from the University of Victoria and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Saskatchewan. He has successfully represented clients in a wide range of civil disputes before the Supreme Court of British Columbia and has built a reputation as a highly competent courtroom advocate and skilled negotiator.
Over the course of his practice, Chris has developed a particular focus on representing injured parties, advocating firmly and compassionately for clients navigating difficult and often complex circumstances.
Chris founded Purcell Law, a respected Kootenay-based practice, which merged with SMT Lawyers in January 2026. He now continues his practice as a Partner with SMT Lawyers, bringing his extensive litigation experience and strong regional roots to the firm’s clients.
Valerie W. Feltz
Barrister & Solicitor, Fernie/Sparwood/Cranbrook
Val is a family lawyer serving clients throughout the East Kootenays from SMT Lawyers' Fernie office.
Originally from Portland, Oregon, Valerie began her legal career in 2012 as a criminal defence lawyer with Metropolitan Public Defender, where she developed a strong foundation in courtroom advocacy. During her time there, she conducted more than 29 jury trials, representing clients facing charges ranging from simple assault to murder.
After relocating to Fernie in 2019 and completing the National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) and British Columbia licensing process, Valerie continued practicing in the East Kootenays, bringing her extensive litigation experience to family law. She has appeared regularly before both the Provincial Court and Supreme Court of British Columbia, helping clients navigate separation, parenting arrangements, guardianship, child and spousal support, and property division.
Valerie understands that family law matters often arise during some of life's most difficult transitions. She is committed to providing practical advice, compassionate support, and strong advocacy, ensuring her clients feel informed, respected, and confidently represented throughout the legal process.
Our Staff
Syrina Radcliffe
Legal Assistant
Syrina was born in Trail, BC. She moved down to the Lower Mainland where she completed her high school graduation and the Legal Administrative Assistant Program. Upon completion of the Legal Assistant Program, Syrina moved back to the Kootenays, working for another personal injury law firm for 7 years before joining SMT Lawyers in 2013.
hayley harrington
LEgal Assistant
Hayley joined SMT Lawyers in 2025 through the firm's merger with Leon Pigott & Co. Her practice focuses on corporate law, where she brings a thoughtful, detail-oriented, and organized approach to helping clients navigate a wide range of business and commercial matters.
Outside the office, Hayley enjoys exploring the outdoors and making the most of everything the Kootenays has to offer. Whether hiking local trails, venturing into the backcountry, or simply spending time in nature, she values the balance and perspective that the outdoors provides.
Sarah Slootweg
legal assistant
Sarah began working with Chris in 2023 after completing the Office Administration program at Selkirk College. She joined SMT Lawyers through the merger with Purcell Law and continues to play an important role in supporting the Fernie office and the firm's clients. Sarah particularly enjoys assisting the conveyancing team with residential and commercial real estate transactions, helping ensure each file progresses smoothly from start to finish.
Outside of work, Sarah enjoys spending time with her children, taking her dog for walks with her husband, and reading whenever she has the chance.
Ghez Naka
Legal Assistant
Ghez has spent the majority of her life in the Kootenay area, only leaving for a short period to attend post-secondary school. She has worked for the firm in the Nelson office since 2015.
Krista Ecker
Paralegal
Born and raised in Nelson, Krista is proud to be part of the SMT Lawyers team serving clients throughout the Kootenays. She is committed to providing organized, dependable, and approachable support, helping clients navigate legal matters with professionalism, kindness, and respect. She values collaboration and enjoys being part of a team dedicated to delivering exceptional client service.
Outside the office, Krista enjoys spending time outdoors, gardening, crafting, and travelling with her family. She feels fortunate to live, work, and serve the community she has always called home.
Brianne Jaegli
Conveyance Assistant
As a member of SMT Lawyers' Conveyancing team, Brianne is always eager to learn, take on new challenges, and support her colleagues wherever she is needed. She is committed to providing exceptional client service and helping ensure each real estate transaction is a positive experience for clients from start to finish.
Outside the office, Brianne enjoys exploring the mountains with her family and making the most of the Kootenay lifestyle. An avid reader, she's just as happy curled up with a good book as she is out on her next adventure.