Kirsten R. Tonge

Kirsten R. Tonge currently practices Civil Litigation, Family Law, and Estate Litigation. Joining DD Law Group in April 2025, after over 16 years of practicing almost exclusively in insurance defence/motor vehicle accident claims at other Abbotsford law firms, Kirsten is keen to transition her practice, sharing her skills and trial experience to the benefit of her clients.

Kirsten is originally from New Brunswick (forever a Maritimer) but has called Abbotsford her home since 2008. Before beginning her legal career, she worked as an education assistant in Northwest Territories, after completing her undergraduate degree in Sociology and French Language at Concordia University in Montreal. Deciding to return to school, Kirsten moved from Yellowknife to Victoria to complete her Associate of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice, while at the same time working with Saanich Police as a community liaison student and then a 911 operator before law school. It was also during this time that she dived into being a basketball referee after years of playing the sport. Over 25 years, this provided opportunities to travel the country, Washington State and even Alaska for training, along with participating in provincial, national, and international competitions. For Kirsten, being on the basketball court provided a strong foundation for being “in court” as a trial lawyer, with its similarities in terms of the importance of being prepared, fair application and knowledge of the rules, and presenting with confidence.

She was Called to the Bar in British Columbia in 2004, after graduating from University of British Columbia Law School in 2003. Through her early years in Kamloops practicing general civil litigation, personal injury, estate litigation, and administrative law, to her years in Abbotsford, Kirsten has appeared in all levels of court in British Columbia over her legal career, with chambers, trial, and appeal experience. She takes pride in being collegial yet firm, while advocating for her clients.

Kirsten remains actively involved as Past President of the Abbotsford & District Bar Association after years on the executive. With a desire to support local families encountering food insecurity, Kirsten is a proud board member of Gathering Markit in Abbotsford. She is also a longtime member of Trial Lawyers Association of British Columbia and Canadian Bar Association, BC Branch. Outside of work, Kirsten is an average golfer, but an avid hiker with a passion for the mountains, travelling, and being outdoors regardless of the season. A 2024 trek to Annapurna Base Camp in Nepal whetted her appetite for further exploration in the future. She also loves spending time at her cottage on Mayne Island overlooking the ocean, which calls to the Maritimer in her.