About
OUR MISSION
Step By Step Law was founded on the principle of full transparency billing.
Offering a broad scope of à la carte legal services, clients have greater authority over selecting their legal services and may choose to do some of the work on their own. If the desire for support flexibility and greater control over costs sounds like it’s best for you, please book a consultation online to get started.
MEET THE OWNER
Jamie Fitzel
Lawyer, Notary & Mediator
Jamie is the founder of Step By Step Law, a modern law firm that delivers accessible and unbundled legal services to clients across British Columbia. Her practice is grounded in a belief that quality legal support should be available to everyone—not just the few who can afford full-service representation. Jamie focuses primarily on family law and brings a calm, grounded energy to even the most complex disputes.
She earned her J.D. at the University of Alberta and studied abroad in Madrid. Jamie also holds a B.A. in Linguistics from Université de Moncton, where she completed the Passport International Program and developed a passion for language and cross-cultural communication.
A member of the Law Society of British Columbia (and formerly called in Alberta), Jamie’s legal experience is diverse. She was a partner at a boutique firm in Edmonton, where she practiced in family law, professional discipline, and estates. She later served as Manager of Legal Education and Information at the Justice Education Society, where she trained teams, authored legal content, and helped improve public legal information resources province-wide. Earlier roles with the Municipal Government Board and Woodlands County further shaped her approach to transparent, principled decision-making and public service.
Juris Doctor, University of Alberta
Bachelor of Arts, Université de Moncton, Specialization in Linguistics
Certificate in the Passport International Program
- Member of Law Society of British Columbia
- Inactive Member of Law Society of Alberta
Apprentice Member of Collaborative Family Separation Professionals
- Canadian Bar Association, mentor to law students
- Access Pro Bono, Advice-a-thon volunteer lawyer
- Edmonton Community Legal Clinic, volunteer lawyer
- Newcomer Volunteer, University of Alberta, welcome and provide support to refugee students
- Rotary Member of Kelowna Now! Rotary Club, past member
- Centre d’accueil et d’accompagnement francophone des immigrants du Sud-Est du Nouveau-Brunswick, volunteer translator
- English
- Français
- Sign Exact English
Nina Fernando
Articled Student
Meet Nina, a dedicated articling student with a passion for advocacy who joined the firm in June 2025, bringing a diverse background in legal support and public service.
Before entering law school at the University of Victoria, Nina worked over a decade within the Alberta justice system as a Senior Judicial Clerk. Her responsibilities grounded her in courtroom procedure, document management, and judicial processes in civil, criminal, family and traffic matters.
Nina completed co-op placements with the BC Ministry of Attorney General gaining experience in small claims litigation, negotiation, and legal drafting. She served as Co-President of the Business Law Club and Pan Asian Student Society, and volunteered with Pro Bono Students Canada’s Amicus Curae project, helping self-represented litigants navigate family law matters with compassion and clarity.
Nina also completed a full-time clinical term at The Law Centre, a legal clinic operated by the University of Victoria that serves the local community. There, she managed a busy caseload spanning family, criminal, and small claims matters, and represented clients before the Provincial Court and various administrative tribunals. Through this immersive, hands-on experience, Nina sharpened her advocacy skills, navigated real-world legal challenges, and worked directly with clients from vulnerable and marginalized backgrounds—further deepening her commitment to access to justice.
When she’s not in the office, Nina finds joy in acrylic painting, yoga, hiking coastal trails, and exploring new cultures through travel. She shares her life with her partner and their flat-coated retriever, Shadow, who ensures daily walks are non-negotiable.
- Juris Doctor, University of Victoria
- BA Hons. Law and Society, York University
- ASB in Business Administration, Excelsior College
- Alberta Courts Paralegal Program, QB
- English
- Tamil
TESTIMONIALS
Clients Recommend Us
Step By Step Law
Out of 5 stars
Overall rating out of 74 Google reviews
I had the best experience. I legitimately could not have asked for a better legal counsel. Thank you so much….highly recommend!
My first consultation with Jamie was like something out of a dream! She listened to every single word and concern that came out of my mouth, and had such realistic advice to help me move forward. I HIGHLY recommend her, this company, and will definitely be using them moving forward!
So glad I found Jamie, professional and knowledgable, thank you so much for your help!
I can’t say enough wonderful things about Jamie Fitzel! She was absolutely amazing in helping me win my child support case. From start to finish, Jamie was professional, compassionate, and incredibly skilled at her job. She always responded to my emails or phone calls right away, which made me feel supported and confident through the entire process. Her articulating student, Nina, was also fantastic — friendly, approachable, and so helpful in every way. Together, they made an outstanding team. If you’re looking for a family law lawyer who truly cares, works tirelessly, and knows exactly how to get the best outcome, I would highly recommend Jamie Fitzel without hesitation!
Jamie at Step by Step Law is thoughtful, knowledgeable and strategic. She makes herself available, explains her legal process while not being afraid of a fight. Highly recommend!
I had a wonderful experience working with this lawyer. She helped me professionally and efficiently with all the documents I needed. Throughout the process, she answered all my questions clearly and patiently, making everything easy to understand. She’s not only highly skilled but also a genuinely pleasant person to work with and talk to. I’m very grateful for her support and will definitely reach out to her again in the future! Thank you!
Highly recommend Step by Step Law 11/10! Jamie was incredibly helpful and knowledgeable. She answered all my questions, and for something the firm doesn't specialized in, she guided me to where I could get the help I needed. The office environment was also very nice and welcoming.
From the very beginning, Jamie approached my family law case with compassion, clarity, and a deep understanding of the emotional complexities involved. Jamie took the time to truly listen and understand my situation, making sure I felt supported and informed every step of the way. Their communication was always timely, honest, and reassuring—something that made a huge difference during such a stressful period. I’m truly grateful for Jamie’s support, dedication, and professionalism throughout the entire process. If you need a family lawyer who is not only incredibly skilled but also genuinely committed to their clients, I can’t recommend Jamie enough. Christine W.
I cannot recommend Jamie Fitzel highly enough, especially for navigating the emotional and legal challenges of a high-conflict separation. Jamie possesses a unique ability to provide strong representation while maintaining a supportive, guiding presence – that 'soft hand on the back' when things felt overwhelming. She expertly steered the course through difficult negotiations, leveraging her strategic insight to help refine a detailed parenting plan designed specifically to protect and guide our daughter's voice as she grows, all while focusing on achieving a stable resolution. We ultimately reached a comprehensive settlement, a testament to her diligence and guidance. Jamie's blend of legal skill and genuine support was invaluable
Jaime is an incredible lawyer. One of a kind. She is compassionate, patient, kind and warm. In my experience when searching for a lawyer to help me, she was a gem to come across. I cannot recommend Jaime and Step by Step law enough!
Step By Step Law was outstanding in reviewing my legal documents. Jamie was incredibly helpful, professional, and answered all my questions. They explained everything clearly and ensured the process was smooth and efficient. I highly recommend their services!
Fortunate to work with Jamie through legal aid. Though our time was short, Jamie always made me feel like my family and I had her full attention. She was able to let me start trusting lawyers again. No small feat. She was clear, concise and available whenever I needed help. She translated the legalese and court systems in a caring and positive way, so I could understand it. With more people like Jamie out there, there would be less people like me feeling steamrolled by their own government and ancient systems in place. So much gratitude for Jamie and her services. Would highly recommend for anyone starting to wade into the waters of our courts. She can certainly keep you on track and help give you the best possible outcome. Thank you Jamie, I truly appreciate all that you did for my family and myself.
I am incredibly grateful for the exceptional legal perspective I received. Jamie not only provided me with a clear and comprehensive understanding of my options from a legal standpoint, but she also demonstrated genuine empathy for the challenges I am facing. Her professional opinion, was thoughtfully tailored to my specific needs, making me feel seen and heard.Her ability to balance legal expertise with a compassionate approach made a significant difference in helping me navigate this situation with confidence and clarity. I wholeheartedly recommend Step by Step Law services to anyone seeking personalized, insightful, and professional legal guidance.