Kamloops Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson has reached a $42,000 settlement with his former lawyer over unpaid legal bills. The agreement resolves a fee dispute that had been ongoing since earlier this year.
Under the settlement, Hamer-Jackson will pay $41,998.46 to Owen Bird Law Corporation. The total invoiced amount was $78,498.46, with $36,500 already paid. The remaining balance will accrue interest from the date of the court order until fully paid, though previous interest on overdue amounts has been waived.
The dispute arose from legal services provided by Daniel Coles while representing Hamer-Jackson in multiple code of conduct complaints. Court documents show that Coles will also write a letter to city council on the mayor’s behalf, requesting reimbursement for some legal fees related to these complaints. However, Coles expressed doubt that the letter would produce results.
During a call discussed in the settlement letter, Hamer-Jackson confirmed his intention to pay all fees in full. He explained that delays in payment were due to financial difficulties, including ongoing efforts to sell his home, boat, and a commercial property on Victoria Street West.
Coles described the resolution as a relief. “I am pleased to put this unpleasant fee dispute behind us,” he wrote, marking the end of his solicitor-client relationship with the mayor.
Invoices specifically linked to code of conduct matters total $22,242.10. According to Coles, the mayor may request council approval for reimbursement, but approval is not guaranteed. City of Kamloops bylaws allow council members to seek repayment for legal costs tied to complaint responses, with council deciding whether to grant it.
Hamer-Jackson’s legal troubles have contributed to rising costs for the city. Midway through his term, estimates suggested his actions had already cost taxpayers over $1 million in additional expenses.
In addition to the settlement with Coles, Hamer-Jackson faced a separate legal claim from another former lawyer, David McMillan, who sought around $35,000 in fees. A B.C. Supreme Court judge has sealed the hearing on that case.
The mayor has faced multiple pay reductions after being found in breach of the council’s code of conduct. These decisions, along with the ongoing legal disputes, have placed additional financial and administrative strain on city resources.
Hamer-Jackson is actively trying to liquidate assets to manage these obligations. His house, boat, and commercial property remain on the market. The mayor stated that his inability to pay prior bills was due solely to financial hardship.
While Coles has agreed to assist with one final letter regarding reimbursement, he warned that council may only reschedule motions for repayment, leaving the mayor responsible for further proceedings. The settlement ensures clarity on outstanding debts while ending the professional relationship between Hamer-Jackson and Coles.
This agreement closes one chapter of a broader pattern of legal and financial issues faced by the mayor, highlighting the significant costs that can arise from code of conduct complaints and legal disputes involving city officials.
