Richard Swift, K.C.

Richard was born and raised in British Columbia. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree from Simon Fraser University and his Law degree from the University of British Columbia.

In 1977, Richard moved to the Comox Valley and one year later was joined by his friend, Azim Datoo, to form Swift Datoo in Courtenay. Richard was awarded the designation of Queen’s Counsel (“Q.C.”) in 1989, which is now “King’s Counsel” (“K.C.”).

While Richard’s practice over the years has been varied, his current practice primarily involves real estate (commercial and residential) with an emphasis on land development. He enjoys helping clients navigate the constantly changing business environments in which they operate.

Richard is past president of the Courtenay Rotary Club and a founding director and past president of the Comox Valley Community Foundation. He has supported, and continues to support, numerous community charities and fund-raising events. Richard has also been active in many professional associations, including as a member of numerous committees and the executive of the BC Branch of the Canadian Bar Association, as a lecturer and course designer for the Continuing Legal Education Society of BC, and as a member of several committees of the Law Society of BC.

Richard has served as a member (and chair) of the Board of Governors of the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), and was an original member (and vice chair) of the Board of Directors of the Land Title and Survey Authority of British Columbia. He has also served as a member of the Consumer and Investor Advisory Council of the Ombudsman for Banking Services and Investments, and as a member of the British Columbia Supply and Services Society. Richard served as an Adjudicator with the Disciplinary Panel of the Real Estate Council of British Columbia. He has also chaired the Patient Care Quality Review Board (Island Health) for 10 years.