When Craig Mracek decided to open Orca Law in the qathet region, he was following through on a question he had asked himself for years: How can I help?
“I went into law as a mature student because I’ve always believed in service to my community,” explains Mracek. “I’ve worked on major federal files and at the Supreme Court of Canada, but I didn’t feel I was connecting with people on a grassroots level. Orca Law allows me to do that every day.”
Mracek’s legal career has spanned clerkships at the Federal Court, legal counsel for the Supreme Court of Canada, a ministerial appointment to the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, and work with the Department of Justice on Indigenous law.
While the roles were challenging and rewarding, Mracek says he often felt removed from the people he wanted to serve.
“I loved the work, but I wasn’t able to connect directly with clients,” he adds. “Now I can meet people where they are, help them through difficult situations, and hopefully make a difference.”
qathet became home after Mracek and his wife, Kersten Wuthrich, returned to her hometown to raise their two children. With strong family ties in the community, the couple saw it as the right place to put down roots.
Orca Law focuses on family, criminal, real estate, and wills and estates law. Family law, in particular, represents a pressing local need.
“Separations are tragically common and commonly tragic,” says Mracek, recalling a quote from a judge that has stuck with him.
“It’s unfortunate there’s so much demand, but that’s why I dedicate much of my practice to helping people through those difficult times.”
The firm also handles more uplifting moments, such as real estate transactions.
“I love seeing first-time buyers getting the keys to their new home. Those are exciting files.”
Regardless of the situation, Mracek emphasizes empathy.
“Sometimes the most helpful thing I can do is sit with a client in their dark place and say, ‘That must be really hard.’ Empathy goes a long way.”
He also envisions Orca Law as a hub that connects clients with broader community resources, including Vancouver Coastal Health, Lift Community Services, counselling and housing services.
“I’m not a social worker, and I stay in my lane. But if I can bridge the gap and connect someone to the right service, that’s a win.”
That spirit of connection guided the firm’s opening, which included a local food drive. Orca Law matched every donation, collecting 26 boxes for Powell River Action Centre Food Bank.
“We are incredibly grateful for the community’s generosity,” says Mracek.
The Orca Law team is continuing to grow, welcoming Brittany Higgins as a legal assistant.
“Brittany is the newest member of our pod,” says Mracek. “She brings such positivity, and we’re excited to have her on board.”
The firm also recently held a grand prize draw, with local resident Ashley Walsh taking home the honours.
“Congratulations to Ashley,” he adds. “We even snapped a photo together to celebrate.”
Looking ahead, Mracek hopes Orca Law becomes a trusted presence in the community.
“My goal is for the firm to give back at least as much as it receives. We want to grow with the community and be there when people need us.”
Orca Law is located at 4685 Marine Avenue. For more information, call 236.328.4007, email [email protected] or go to orcalawteam.com.
