Peace of Mind for Every Generation
We are passionate about helping people understand complex will and estate law. We love meeting new parents who wish to appoint a guardian in their wills and establish testamentary trusts for their children. We also enjoy providing advice to individuals who require more in-depth planning, such as those in a second marriage, business owners, parents of a dependent adult child, or those who have assets in different jurisdictions.
We provide professional support to those who are dealing with the legal side of the loss of someone close to them. We strive to make your experience with us one where you can comfortably have an open, honest conversation and get answers to your questions from an experienced source. We care about taking a thoughtful, compassionate approach to our services with our clients and providing them with solutions they can take confidence in.
In addition to estate law we have a thriving residential real estate practice where we assist clients with purchases, sales, refinances, and transfers of property between family members.
We Can Be Your Guide in Estate Matters
Get informed guidance from our experienced legal team for estate planning, estate administration and real estate law in both BC and Alberta.
Experience & Journey
Marissa Berry, BA, LLB, TEP
Founder, Principal Lawyer
Marissa is a lawyer with 20+ years of guiding clients through complex legal matters with clarity, care, and confidence.
Marissa combines deep legal knowledge with a compassionate, client-centred approach, building lasting relationships grounded in trust and integrity. Marissa takes the time to fully understand her client’s situation and carefully drafts legal documents to bring effect to her client’s intentions.
Marissa is a perceptive and proactive advocate with sound judgment. Known for remaining calm under pressure while delivering practical, results-driven solutions. She is recognized for clear, concise communication and a consistent ability to achieve positive, meaningful outcomes.
Quick Facts
Marissa has over 20 years of experience in law and is fully qualified to practice both estate planning and estate administration law for both BC and Alberta!
Prior to establishing Oak Tree Estate Law, Marissa practiced estate law at a top tier national firm in both their Calgary and Vancouver offices. Marissa also previously managed CIBC Trust Company covering Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. In this role, Marissa advised high net worth individuals with respect to their estate planning and oversaw CIBC Trust’s administration in its role as Power of Attorney, Executor and Trustee. Marissa resided in Alberta until 2020 when she moved to the Okanagan with her family.
Choosing to put down roots in the Okanagan and work locally, Marissa opened Oak Tree Estate Law in Kelowna in 2022. Marissa’s practice focuses on wills, estates and residential real estate. Marissa maintains her admission to the law societies of both Alberta and British Columbia. This allows Marissa the unique ability to assist clients on both sides of the provincial boarder.
Marissa is a member of the Kelowna Estate Planning Society, a TEP member of STEP Okanagan, and a member of the Canadian Bar Association Wills and Trusts and Real Estate sections. Marissa is also a member of the British Columba Funeral Association. Previously, she was president of the Calgary Estate Planning Society, a former Executive member of the Canadian Bar Association Wills and Trusts Calgary section and a former board member of the Kelowna Estate Planning Society.
Marissa has a breadth of experience in estate planning and administration including:
- Second marriage estate planning
- Inter Vivos and Testamentary Trusts
- Insurance Trusts
- Deeds of Intention
- Deeds of Gift
- Corporate Wills
- International Estates
- Grants of Probate and Estate Administration
- Numerous Court appearances including applications to:
- Vary wills,
- Confirm invalid wills,
- Vary trusts,
- Declarations of death,
- Pass accounts,
- Committeeship appointments and
- Remove executors, attorneys and trustees.
Taylor Anne Sali, BA&Sc, JD
Associate Lawyer
Taylor Anne’s practice focuses on estate planning, estate administration, estate litigation, and real estate transactions. She appreciates the personal and compassionate nature of estate law and recognizes the importance of guiding clients through complex and sensitive matters with care, clarity, and understanding.
She grew up in Kelowna and is proud to be practicing law in her hometown. Prior to pursuing her Juris Doctor, she obtained a Bachelor of Arts and Science from McGill University.
Taylor Anne frequently represents clients in court on committeeship matters, advocating for individuals and families dealing with issues of incapacity, personal and financial decision-making, and future care planning. She understands the emotional and legal complexities these matters can involve and works closely with clients to help them navigate the process with confidence and reassurance.
She is a strong and poised advocate committed to delivering thoughtful and solution-focused legal guidance that is tailored to each client’s unique needs, helping them navigate decisions with confidence and peace of mind.
Niha Julka, BA, LLB, LLM
Law Clerk
Niha completed her Bachelor of Laws at IP University in Delhi, India, and went on to earn her Master of Laws (LLM) from Cambridge University in the UK. After graduation, she gained experience working with a global law firm in personal injury law before joining the Legal Policy & Research Unit of the International Bar Association as a Legal Consultant. Having cleared the All India Bar Examination, Niha is also entitled to practice law in India.
She relocated to Canada in 2025 and anticipates obtaining her NCA Certificate of Qualification in 2026. Having lived and worked across three continents, Niha brings a global perspective to Oak Tree Estate Law. Her exposure to diverse cultures and legal systems has given her a deep appreciation for different viewpoints, allowing her to connect easily with people from all walks of life.
She enjoys estate law because it allows her to play a meaningful role in helping families navigate important life transitions. She appreciates the care, attention to detail, and complexity that estate planning requires, and takes pride in supporting the work that helps clients protect their loved ones and secure their legacies.
Niha hopes to continue to grow as a solicitor in Canada.
Jennifer Hunt
Conveyancer
Jennifer brings a deep level of experience to our office. Jennifer has been a legal assistant for over 30 years and is able to assist with both Alberta and BC matters. Jennifer is sharp, capable and proactive. She is an invaluable asset to our team.
Lara Heames
Legal Assistant
Lara relocated from the United Kingdom to Canada in 2021 and moved to Kelowna, British Columbia in 2024 to further her education and pursue a career in the legal field. She is nearing completion of her Business Diploma and plans to continue expanding her knowledge within the legal industry.
As a Legal Assistant, Lara is involved in every stage of the client process, working closely alongside two experienced lawyers. With several years of experience in client-facing roles, she has developed strong communication and organizational skills. Lara is also known for her professionalism and dependability, along with a touch of British humour.
Lara has a growing interest in estate planning and administration. She especially enjoys drafting probate applications and assisting with the estate administration files. Lara is passionate about continuing to grow professionally at Oak Tree Estate Law.