Joseph A. Zak

Lawyer | Year of Call - 1980

Joseph grew up in southern B.C. in Boundary Country and attended the University of British Columbia graduating with a combined degree in commerce and law. He moved to Kamloops to begin his legal career and has remained in the city ever since. His practice is focused on helping clients who are suffering personal injuries or loss through motor vehicle collisions, slip and fall accidents, and faulty or defective products. Joseph represents many clients throughout BC and Alberta who have been denied coverage by their insurance companies. Incorporating mediations and settlement conferences are a routine part of what he does to advance the interests of his clients. He believes strongly in the principals of seeking fair justice for those who have been injured or wronged by the negligence of others.

Education

• Bachelor of Law – University of British Columbia (1979)
• Bachelor of Commerce – University of British Columbia (1978)

Professional Associations

• Law Society of British Columbia – Unauthorized Practice Committee
• CBA National Insurance Law Section - Past Chair
• Trial Lawyers Association of British Columbia - Board of Governors
• Kamloops Bar Association
• American Association for Justice

Volunteer Activities

• St. Ann’s Academy Advisory Board - Past Chair
• Kamloops Brain Injury Association - Member
• TLABC Kamloops Roundtable Conference - Chair
• Northern Brain Injury Conference - Presenter

Tara J. Decker

Lawyer | Year of Call - 1997

Tara was born and raised in a farming community in Saskatchewan. She moved to British Columbia to attend law school. While at the University of British Columbia, she met her husband and, following graduation, returned with him to his home town of Kamloops where they raised their family. Tara articled with HMZ Law (now Zak & Decker Law) where she continues to practice. Her areas of practice include insurance litigation, personal injury law, employment law and estate law. Always interested in sharing her specialized knowledge with others, Tara has been a guest lecturer at Thompson Rivers University’s Faculty of Law and has presented talks on a variety of topics to brain injury organizations, medical residents and others over the years.

Education

• Bachelor of Law, UBC (1996)
• Bachelor of Arts, with honours – University of Saskatchewan (1993)

Professional Associations

• Law Society of British Columbia
• Kamloops Bar Association

Volunteer Activities

• Interior Health Authority West – Clinical Ethics Committee
• Freestyle Canada – Board of Directors
• Brain Injury Alliance – Board of Directors
• Volunteer coach with Kamloops Volleyball Association
• Kamloops Brain Injury Association – President

If you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence, our experienced lawyers are here to help you secure the compensation you deserve. We are committed to protecting your rights and guiding you through the legal process.

• Slip/trip and falls – property owners and other occupiers have a legal duty to maintain safe premises for people using the property. If you have been injured due to an unsafe condition on someone else’s property, we may be able to help you pursue compensation for your injuries, medical expenses and lost wages.
• Assaults – while criminal proceedings focus on the punishment of the offender, victims of an assault may be able to pursue civil remedies to compensate for the injuries they have suffered at the hands of another person. If you are a victim of interpersonal violence or physical assault, our lawyers are here to help.

If you have encountered issues at work, such as workplace harassment, discrimination or wage disputes, our lawyers are here to protect your rights. We advocate for employees and ensure that workers are treated fairly. Every employee has the right to a safe and respectful workplace and we can help you navigate BC’s human rights laws.