HARRIS & COMPANY - Key Persons
Abigail is a thoughtful, detail-oriented advocate whose practice focuses on labour, human rights and employment law. Abigail approaches workplaces as communities. She offers practical, strategic advice to help build and shape workplace culture and applies her creativity and problem solving abilities to resolve workplace disputes. Abigail is passionate about working to make the legal profession more inclusive, diverse and equitable, and has been honoured to serve on the boards of the Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers (BC) Society and the Law Foundation of BC. She has experience with providing EDI training and reviewing policies through an EDI lens.
Abigail earned her law degree from Osgoode Hall Law School, and holds a BA in Political Science and Ethnicity, Race and Migration from Yale University. Before joining Harris, Abigail taught at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, clerked for six justices of the British Columbia Supreme Court and worked as an associate at a national law firm in Vancouver.
Adriana advises and advocates for clients on workplace law matters, with emphasis on labour relations, human rights, and employment issues. While representing clients in both the public and private sectors, she has particular expertise with municipal and health employers, and with the broader public sector, including crown corporations.
Keith has advised clients in the education sector about school, labour, and employment law for more than 25 years. He works with school boards, colleges, university educators and administrators. Assisting them with the full range of legal problems they face, including human rights claims, privacy issues, and dealing with both students and parents. Keith has argued cases in all levels of court, including the Supreme Court of Canada, and before arbitration panels, the Human Rights Tribunal, the College of Teachers, and the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for British Columbia.
In addition to his work in education, Keith's diverse background has seen him advise clients in numerous sectors including high tech, charities, banking, forestry, and credit unions. He also has experience in commercial litigation, arbitration, and international trade. He has appeared as counsel in arbitrations under the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) and the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) rules for international arbitrations to resolve disputes arising under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
Keith's approach is to achieve the best result possible in an efficient way, without incurring unnecessary expenses for the client. He believes in providing proactive advice before decisions are made to minimize the risk of a matter proceeding to court or arbitration.
Joyce became an associate in September 2023 after completing her articles with the firm. Prior to joining Harris, Joyce summered at a management-side labour and employment boutique in Brampton, Ontario.
Joyce received her J.D. from Osgoode Hall Law School in 2022. While at law school, Joyce served as an executive member of the Osgoode Criminal Law Society and as the Director of Intake at Fair Change Community Legal Services, an organization dedicated to advocating for people experiencing homelessness. As an active member of the community, she has also volunteered at For Youth Initiative, a not-for-profit focused on assisting at-risk youth, and at Accessible Media Inc., an organization dedicated to providing accessible media for Canadians who are blind or partially blind.
Joyce spent a semester as a legal intern at the Human Rights Legal Support Centre where she assisted clients with human rights complaints. She also worked as a research assistant on a variety of human rights topics.
Abigail is a thoughtful, detail-oriented advocate whose practice focuses on labour, human rights and employment law. Abigail approaches workplaces as communities. She offers practical, strategic advice to help build and shape workplace culture and applies her creativity and problem solving abilities to resolve workplace disputes. Abigail is passionate about working to make the legal profession more inclusive, diverse and equitable, and has been honoured to serve on the boards of the Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers (BC) Society and the Law Foundation of BC. She has experience with providing EDI training and reviewing policies through an EDI lens.
Abigail earned her law degree from Osgoode Hall Law School, and holds a BA in Political Science and Ethnicity, Race and Migration from Yale University. Before joining Harris, Abigail taught at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, clerked for six justices of the British Columbia Supreme Court and worked as an associate at a national law firm in Vancouver.
Alan is one of the province's leading lawyers in the field of Workers Compensation and Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) on behalf of employers. His practice in this area focuses on representing employers in matters involving assessments, employment status issues, workers' claims for compensation, and OHS. Alan is highly respected in the field; he was retained by the former British Columbia government to be the core reviewer of the Workers Compensation Act, and his critical recommendations led to its initial rewriting in 2002.
Alan also has extensive experience providing labour relations services and advice to employers, with a focus on collective bargaining in both the private and public sectors. He also presents training workshops for clients on a variety of labour-related topics.
Alan takes an engaged, focused, and enthusiastic approach to his practice. He thrives on finding resolutions for his clients by meticulously gathering information to build a solid case. He pays close attention to facts and details, while being sure to avoid assumptions. He brings both a deliberate focus and a sense of humour to his work.
Alyssa represents public and private sector employers on employment, labour and human rights matters. She advises clients on employment issues, including wrongful dismissals, employment contracts and human rights complaints and assists employers in resolving labour disputes in unionized environments. She has appeared before the BC Labour Relations Board, boards of arbitration, and at all levels of court in British Columbia.
Alyssa became an Associate in May 2018 after completing her articles with the firm. Prior to joining Harris, she worked as a Review Officer (Student Intern) at WorkSafeBC. During law school, Alyssa volunteered as a legal intern for Battered Women Support Services and was the coordinator for a mentorship program for the Allard School of Law's Centre for Feminist Legal Studies. She also completed the Judicial Externship Program, where she was an intern to judges of the Provincial Court of British Columbia.
Amanda has assisted clients in a variety of civil litigation proceedings at levels of court in British Columbia, as well as in workers' compensation and occupational health and safety matters before the WorkSafeBC Review Division and Workers' Compensation Appeal Tribunal.
She received her Juris Doctor from the University of Victoria in 2016. During her final semester of law school, Amanda held temporary articles at The Law Centre in Victoria, where she managed a broad spectrum of civil and criminal files, and appeared in Provincial Court, representing clients in criminal defence matters.
Prior to joining Harris, Amanda worked as an associate at a leading boutique litigation firm in Vancouver.
For over 25 years, Rod has represented clients in significant litigation matters at the trial and appellate levels. This includes advising senior decision-makers in public and private corporations and large institutional clients, including utility companies, health authorities, universities, and colleges.
Rod's practice is built on experience and solid relationships. He brings an appreciation of various sensitivities, an understanding of the history and relationships in the areas in which he practices, and a depth of understanding of the legal and regulatory environment.
Rod provides services in a practical, efficient, and sensitive manner. Focused on the effective resolution of complex problems whether they be commercial disputes, governance issues, regulatory disputes, or constitutional challenges.
Rod is very familiar with both advising administrative decision makers and appearing before administrative tribunals on behalf of his clients. Where necessary, Rod also assists clients in appearing before courts on judicial review applications to challenge administrative decisions. Rod has appeared at numerous tribunals as well as before all levels of court in British Columbia, and the Supreme Court of Canada.
Rachel Schechter has a broad privacy and cybersecurity-focused practice, with an emphasis on data governance, compliance, artificial intelligence, access to information, and related disputes. Rachel is a Certified Information Privacy Professional (Canada), and is recognized in Best Lawyers in Canada: Ones to Watch for her work in commercial litigation (2022-2024) and information technology law (2023-2024).
Rachel advises public and private sector organizations with respect to privacy policies and procedures, compliance, data protection, privacy impact assessments, AI usage, access to information, incident response planning, anti-spam regulation, privacy and cybersecurity implications of novel products, services, and technologies, and related due diligence in commercial transactions. Rachel represents public and private sector clients in inquiries before the Information and Privacy Commissioner, and in related judicial review proceedings. Rachel acts as counsel in cybersecurity and privacy breach matters, including ransomware attacks and business email compromise, helping clients manage forensic investigation teams, develop crisis communications and notification and reporting strategies, and manage legal risk.
Rachel has appeared before all levels of Court in British Columbia and the Federal Court. Her dispute resolution experience includes commercial and contract claims, oppression proceedings, privacy breach litigation, defamation claims, complex tort claims, professional negligence and insurance defence litigation. Rachel has experience with intellectual property, trademark, and copyright litigation and domain name disputes under the UDRP and CDRP.
Rachel has a particular interest in the evolution of law in the digital age and its application to new technologies and cross-border disputes. She leverages her in-depth understanding of the Court system, having previously clerked at the Supreme Court of British Columbia, to provide practical and strategic risk management advice to clients.
Armaan practices commercial litigation and employment law. He is a dedicated and detail-oriented advocate, focused on finding practical solutions tailored to each client's unique circumstances. Armaan has represented clients before administrative tribunals and the BC Supreme Court.
Armaan advises clients on contractual disputes, shareholder disputes and business torts, as well as wrongful dismissal claims and employment standards. He also provides advice on employment and commercial contracts.
Armaan began working at Harris as an articling student and became an associate in 2021. Before joining Harris, he worked as an intern in the legal department of a national financial institution, at a nationally recognized non-profit law firm and as a farmhand.
While attending law school, Armaan participated in the Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot, volunteered with the Law Students Legal Advice Program and Pro Bono Students Canada, and was a legal research assistant on his exchange semester at the National University of Singapore.
Art Grant has a rich and distinguished legal career that has crossed provincial geographic and linguistic borders. Fluent in English and French, Art practices in civil litigation. He has worked on a wide variety of matters, covering aboriginal and constitutional law, construction litigation, professional liability, commercial disputes, administrative, intellectual property, class actions, insurance and personal injury law. This extensive experience has equipped him with a unique set of skills and perspectives from which to view and address a case. Art is one of only a few lawyers who practices in both construction and aboriginal law. This background allows him to appreciate issues from various perspectives including cultural, legal, business and personal.
Formerly a law clerk at both the Supreme Court of Canada and the Supreme Court of British Columbia, Art developed an understanding of the different factors at play both at trial and appellate level courts. He applies this knowledge to every legal matter he conducts. He has appeared before all levels of court in British Columbia, from the Provincial Court of British Columbia to the Supreme Court of Canada. He has acted as counsel in cases in administrative tribunals, commercial arbitrations and mediations. Art enjoys seeking practical solutions to difficult legal problems.
His love of law has shaped his approach to work as well as his belief system. He is deeply dedicated to and actively involved in his professional and community associations, and is a dependable and tireless supporter thereof. Equally important to Art is the transfer of knowledge and experience to promising young lawyers. He is well known for inviting colleagues to visit his office to discuss cases and all things legal.
Art has been actively involved with the CBA since 1990 and has served on and chaired numerous committees and sections. Among his national committee activities, he was involved with the Constitutional Law and Human Right Section and the review of constitutional and human rights law issues of concern in the federal arena. In the construction law field, Art co-authored the 3rd edition of the Canadian Law of Architecture and Engineering (2020) with Beverley McLachlin, former Chief Justice of Canada.
Art also has a long love affair with the sport of rowing and still rows recreationally and competitively on the waters around North Vancouver.
Brad assists public and private sector employers with labour, employment, human rights, and workers' compensation matters. In particular, he advises employers with respect to worker injury claims, occupational health and safety, employee substance use issues, grievances, and collective agreement interpretations as they relate to day-to-day operations.
Brad is thoughtful, assertive, and has a flair for finding the right answer. He enjoys interacting with his clients and learning about their business, the needs of their customers, and their goals. By doing so, he quickly earns the place of trusted advisor.
Brad began working at Harris as an articling student before becoming an associate in 2013. He currently sits on Harris' Student Committee, where he plays an active role in the recruitment of future team members.
Nicole practices in all areas of workplace law. Prior to joining Harris as an associate in 2022, Nicole worked at a labour, employment and litigation firm in Calgary, Alberta. Nicole has appeared before the Court of King's Bench of Alberta and boards of arbitration. She has assisted on matters before all levels of court in Alberta, the Human Rights Tribunal and the Labour Relations Board.
During law school, Nicole volunteered her time towards various clinics and advocacy services including Student Legal Services, a clinic providing legal information and representation to low-income residents, and Equity Watch, an organization promoting workplaces free of bullying, harassment and discrimination.
Nicole's practical approach to law draws on her previous nine-year career working in human resources at an international energy company. Nicole has maintained her CPHR designation from her previous career and credits her human resources background for her ability to connect with clients, thoughtfully listen to their needs and provide practical solutions that reflect business realities.
Lana practices in the area of corporate and commercial litigation, administrative and employment law. She advises her clients on a broad range of issues involving complex contractual disputes, tort claims, construction, builders' liens, collection and enforcement of debts, workplace law including wrongful dismissals, human rights complaints, and prohibited action complaints under the Workers Compensation Act.
Lana is a steadfast advocate and has appeared before all levels of court in British Columbia and assisted on matters before the Supreme Court of Canada. She has also attended and appeared on matters before various administrative tribunals in British Columbia.
Lana, together with her colleagues from Taylor Jordan Chafetz, one of the city's leading litigation boutiques, joined Harris in December 2014. She became a partner in 2016.
Armaan practices commercial litigation and employment law. He is a dedicated and detail-oriented advocate, focused on finding practical solutions tailored to each client's unique circumstances. Armaan has represented clients before administrative tribunals and the BC Supreme Court.
Armaan advises clients on contractual disputes, shareholder disputes and business torts, as well as wrongful dismissal claims and employment standards. He also provides advice on employment and commercial contracts.
Armaan began working at Harris as an articling student and became an associate in 2021. Before joining Harris, he worked as an intern in the legal department of a national financial institution, at a nationally recognized non-profit law firm and as a farmhand.
While attending law school, Armaan participated in the Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot, volunteered with the Law Students Legal Advice Program and Pro Bono Students Canada, and was a legal research assistant on his exchange semester at the National University of Singapore.
Colin Gibson has practiced labour, employment, human rights, and post-secondary education law since his call to the British Columbia bar in 1986. Colin is ranked by his peers as one of the leading management-side labour and employment lawyers in British Columbia.
The majority of Colin's practice involves acting for universities, colleges, and institutes in British Columbia's post-secondary and university sectors. In addition to providing advice and representation on employment, labour relations, human rights, and student issues, Colin provides strategic guidance to higher education clients on a variety of complex matters such as governance, policy development, executive compensation, and statutory compliance.
Colin also advises and represents employers in a wide range of private sector industries. He builds long relationships with his clients by understanding their goals and priorities, and by being diligent, strategic, and responsive. He is highly regarded not only by his employer clients, but also by board members, union representatives, and other key stakeholders.
Colin was our firm's Managing Partner from 2015 though 2019.
Daniel provides strategic advice and representation to private and public sector employers on a wide range of labour, employment, and human rights issues including labour disputes, grievance arbitrations, employment standards, employment contracts, human rights and accommodation, and related litigation. He takes a solutions-oriented approach to all client matters-whether it is union organizing, collective bargaining, grievance arbitration, or human rights issues, Daniel works with clients to find a tailored solution that works for them.
Before joining Harris in 2022, Daniel worked as an associate at a management-side labour and employment law boutique in Toronto. There, he represented clients on all aspects of labour, employment, and human rights law at the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, the Ontario Labour Relations Board, the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal, and other administrative tribunals.
Daniel received his Juris Doctor from Queen's University in 2020. While attending law school, he won the Queen's Law Prize in Labour Law and the Stringer, Brisbin, Humphrey Prize in Labour Law for excellence in labour law.
David maintains a broad litigation, labour, and employment law practice. His focus is on assisting clients to avoid disputes before they arise and on resolving disputes practically and efficiently when they do. He has a wide range of experience, including complex contractual disputes, torts, insolvency, construction claims, and labour, employment, and human rights issues.
David is an experienced advocate. He has appeared before all levels of court in British Columbia and Alberta, the Ontario Superior Court, and the Federal Court, as well as various administrative tribunals in British Columbia. He has extensive experience acting for clients in alternative dispute resolution processes, including mediations and arbitrations.
David joined Harris in 2022 after practicing in one of Vancouver's leading litigation boutiques.
David acts for both public and private sector clients in relation to all aspects of employment, labour relations and human rights law. This includes advising on, drafting and negotiating contracts of employment and independent contractor agreements, collective agreements, policies and other materials relating to terms and conditions of employment, with a particular emphasis on issues relating to the employment of senior executives. David also regularly represents employers in employment and labour related disputes including before labour arbitrators, human rights tribunals, the Workers' Compensation Appeals Tribunal, the courts and other administrative tribunals.
David's ability to convey difficult legal concepts clearly and in a way that can be readily understood is appreciated by his clients. He is highly regarded for his ability to analyze and respond to complex legal arguments in defending clients against claims, and for his pragmatic approach to resolving issues taking into account the commercial context. David is efficient, meticulous and responsive to client needs.
Prior to joining Harris in 2014, David practiced for over five years at a major multi-national law firm in Canberra, Australia, acting predominantly for public sector clients in relation to employment and labour matters. At the conclusion of law school in 2007, David received the University Medal in Law from the Australian National University, the highest academic honour bestowed by the University. David is qualified to practice law in both Canada and Australia.
Sara is a proactive and reliable advocate. She thoughtfully engages with clients to find reasonable and practical solutions to workplace issues. Sara's practice focuses on labour, human rights, and employment.
Prior to joining Harris in 2023, Sara worked at the Community Social Services Employers' Association (CSSEA) providing services in collective agreement interpretation, duty to accommodate, and disciplinary matters. She has experience representing public sector employers in mediations, expedited arbitrations, and administrative boards and tribunals.
In her spare time, Sara has sought out educational opportunities by taking Masters level law courses in international human rights through Osgoode Hall Law School.
Michael acts for clients in both the public and private sectors, with expertise in the area of education law. In addition to 11 years as a member of Harris' Education Group, Michael was General Counsel for the BC Public School Employers Association (BCPSEA) and the Vancouver School Board (VSB). He acted as lead negotiator and spokesperson for BCPSEA in bargaining, including during the illegal withdrawal of services in 2005. At VSB he was responsible for education, real estate, and commercial law matters, in addition to labour and employment work. Michael's past experience affords him unique insights into the education sector and the rare perspective of having been counsel, client, and negotiator.
Michael also held the positions of General Counsel and Director of Employee Relations for the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC). While at ICBC, Michael provided general corporate law advice to executive and senior management on employment, labour, compensation, privacy, intellectual property, insurance, and regulatory matters.
Leah advises clients on workplace law, including employment, labour and human rights matters. Leah enjoys the people-focused nature of workplace law and providing practical advice to clients to help them prevent problems before they arise.
Leah began at Harris in 2019 as a summer student and became an associate with the firm in 2021. Before joining Harris, Leah worked as a labour relations intern for a Crown corporation, as a recruiter in IT staffing and under the Service Canada program for the federal government.
During law school, Leah was a student ambassador and peer tutor. She participated in the Allard School of Law's Business Law Clinic where she provided advice to small businesses and not-for-profit organizations. Leah received the Tevlin Gleadle Curtis prize in Individual Employment Law and the Stikeman Elliot Award for students with an interest in business law in recognition of her academic achievements.
David acts for both public and private sector clients in relation to all aspects of employment, labour relations and human rights law. This includes advising on, drafting and negotiating contracts of employment and independent contractor agreements, collective agreements, policies and other materials relating to terms and conditions of employment, with a particular emphasis on issues relating to the employment of senior executives. David also regularly represents employers in employment and labour related disputes including before labour arbitrators, human rights tribunals, the Workers' Compensation Appeals Tribunal, the courts and other administrative tribunals.
David's ability to convey difficult legal concepts clearly and in a way that can be readily understood is appreciated by his clients. He is highly regarded for his ability to analyze and respond to complex legal arguments in defending clients against claims, and for his pragmatic approach to resolving issues taking into account the commercial context. David is efficient, meticulous and responsive to client needs.
Prior to joining Harris in 2014, David practiced for over five years at a major multi-national law firm in Canberra, Australia, acting predominantly for public sector clients in relation to employment and labour matters. At the conclusion of law school in 2007, David received the University Medal in Law from the Australian National University, the highest academic honour bestowed by the University. David is qualified to practice law in both Canada and Australia.
Elias practices in all areas of workplace law and civil litigation. He has appeared before the Provincial Court, Supreme Court of British Columbia, the Alberta Human Rights Tribunal, and has assisted with matters at arbitrations, tribunals, and all levels of court in British Columbia.
Elias received his Juris Doctor from the University of Alberta (UofA) in 2022. During law school, he represented the UofA in the National Labour Arbitration Moot and the National Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Law Moot, where both of UofA teams made it to the championship round and won the Top Oralist Team award and Top Law School runner up awards. He was a Writing Fellow, assisting in the delivery of the first-year legal research and writing class.
Elias is an advocate for access to justice issues. He was the program coordinator for the UofA's Pro Bono Students Canada chapter. He also worked closely with Student Legal Services of Edmonton (SLS) throughout law school. At SLS, he worked in the legal education and reform project and later established the Special Initiatives Project, through which he oversaw many pro bono initiatives, including the development of SLS' Human Rights Project, which provides legal representation to low income parties at the human rights tribunal.
Drawn to the people-focused nature of workplace law, Ellen values the opportunity to have a positive impact on an organization's work environment. She currently acts for and advises clients in both labour and employment, as well as administrative law. Before joining Harris & Company as an Associate in 2020, she summered and articled at the firm.
Ellen obtained her J.D. from the Peter A. Allard School of Law at the University of British Columbia in 2019. During law school, she spent a semester working at the Indigenous Community Legal Centre in Vancouver's Downtown East Side. She assisted with civil and criminal files and appeared on behalf of clients in Provincial Court. Ellen also worked as a research assistant on a variety of administrative law topics.
While attending law school, Ellen received the Richard R. Sugden, QC prize in Advanced Trial Advocacy and the Lawson Lundell Prize in Administrative Law, demonstrating her legal aptitude and propensity for hard work.
Practice Areas
Workplace Law
Ilan's practice focuses on labour, employment, and human rights. He offers legal and strategic advice to employers on issues such as collective agreement interpretation, collective bargaining, employee discipline, privacy law, and the duty to accommodate. Ilan represents his clients before federal and provincial labour relations boards, arbitration boards, administrative tribunals and the courts.
Ilan's approach is thoughtful, perceptive, and determined. He creates strong relationships with his clients, paying close attention to details to help them successfully navigate difficult issues. Ilan is a dynamic advocate and recognizes that his clients often have both a personal and financial stake in the result.
Ilan utilizes his past experience working as legal counsel and labour relations consultant to the Health Employers' Association of British Columbia (HEABC) with his healthcare clients. He also works with clients in the transportation, education, and municipal sectors.
Geoff has practised in the areas of workplace law and litigation for approximately 30 years. Geoff has built his practice by offering strategic, straightforward and practical advice to his clients, with a strong focus on responsiveness and service. He represents both private and public sector employers in a wide variety of industries.
Geoff has appeared on appeals before the Supreme Court of Canada, the Federal Court of Appeal, and the BC Court of Appeal. He acts for employers in wrongful dismissal actions, debt actions, injunction applications, long-term disability cases, and other court matters. He also represents employers in collective bargaining, arbitration and human rights hearings, labour relations board proceedings, and before other administrative tribunals.
From 2009 to 2014, Geoff was our firm's Managing Partner and was a member of our firm's Management Committee for 12 years. He has also sat on boards of directors of not-for-profit organizations.
Andy practices civil litigation with an emphasis on construction law and commercial litigation. Andy is an exceptionally organized problem solver. He approaches each matter with an efficient and detailed analysis in the client's perspective to provide optimal and well-rounded solutions that consider ramifications for his clients beyond each matter. He has a broad range of experience, including contractual disputes, debt claims, construction disputes, shareholders' dispute, human rights issues, and workplace law. He has represented clients in administrative tribunals, the British Columbia Supreme Court, and in mediations.
Andy obtained his Juris Doctor degree from Peter A. Allard School of Law and holds a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and minor in Mathematics from University of British Columbia. During law school, Andy represented Peter A. Allard School of Law in the Bowman National Tax Moot.
Andy's clients benefit from his in-house legal experience. Andy handled litigation strategy with litigation counsel at a technology company, and he also worked at the legal department of a financial institution.
Mike is a civil litigator practicing employment, construction and commercial litigation. He takes a practical, result-oriented approach to dispute resolution.
In advocating for his clients, Mike brings to bear broad litigation experience including in the areas of insurance defence, coverage disputes, transportation and maritime law, and federal prosecutions. He regularly appears before the BC Supreme Court and has appeared before several administrative tribunals. Mike previously worked at a large, national litigation firm.
Mike received his Juris Doctor from the University of Victoria in 2018. Outside of his practice, Mike enjoys downhill skiing at the local hills and Sun Peaks in the Interior, cooking for friends and family, and spending time with his wife and young son.
Art Grant has a rich and distinguished legal career that has crossed provincial geographic and linguistic borders. Fluent in English and French, Art practices in civil litigation. He has worked on a wide variety of matters, covering aboriginal and constitutional law, construction litigation, professional liability, commercial disputes, administrative, intellectual property, class actions, insurance and personal injury law. This extensive experience has equipped him with a unique set of skills and perspectives from which to view and address a case. Art is one of only a few lawyers who practices in both construction and aboriginal law. This background allows him to appreciate issues from various perspectives including cultural, legal, business and personal.
Formerly a law clerk at both the Supreme Court of Canada and the Supreme Court of British Columbia, Art developed an understanding of the different factors at play both at trial and appellate level courts. He applies this knowledge to every legal matter he conducts. He has appeared before all levels of court in British Columbia, from the Provincial Court of British Columbia to the Supreme Court of Canada. He has acted as counsel in cases in administrative tribunals, commercial arbitrations and mediations. Art enjoys seeking practical solutions to difficult legal problems.
His love of law has shaped his approach to work as well as his belief system. He is deeply dedicated to and actively involved in his professional and community associations, and is a dependable and tireless supporter thereof. Equally important to Art is the transfer of knowledge and experience to promising young lawyers. He is well known for inviting colleagues to visit his office to discuss cases and all things legal.
Art has been actively involved with the CBA since 1990 and has served on and chaired numerous committees and sections. Among his national committee activities, he was involved with the Constitutional Law and Human Right Section and the review of constitutional and human rights law issues of concern in the federal arena. In the construction law field, Art co-authored the 3rd edition of the Canadian Law of Architecture and Engineering (2020) with Beverley McLachlin, former Chief Justice of Canada.
Geoff has practised in the areas of workplace law and litigation for approximately 30 years. Geoff has built his practice by offering strategic, straightforward and practical advice to his clients, with a strong focus on responsiveness and service. He represents both private and public sector employers in a wide variety of industries.
Geoff has appeared on appeals before the Supreme Court of Canada, the Federal Court of Appeal, and the BC Court of Appeal. He acts for employers in wrongful dismissal actions, debt actions, injunction applications, long-term disability cases, and other court matters. He also represents employers in collective bargaining, arbitration and human rights hearings, labour relations board proceedings, and before other administrative tribunals.
From 2009 to 2014, Geoff was our firm's Managing Partner and was a member of our firm's Management Committee for 12 years. He has also sat on boards of directors of not-for-profit organizations.
Ilan's practice focuses on labour, employment, and human rights. He offers legal and strategic advice to employers on issues such as collective agreement interpretation, collective bargaining, employee discipline, privacy law, and the duty to accommodate. Ilan represents his clients before federal and provincial labour relations boards, arbitration boards, administrative tribunals and the courts.
Ilan's approach is thoughtful, perceptive, and determined. He creates strong relationships with his clients, paying close attention to details to help them successfully navigate difficult issues. Ilan is a dynamic advocate and recognizes that his clients often have both a personal and financial stake in the result.
Ilan utilizes his past experience working as legal counsel and labour relations consultant to the Health Employers' Association of British Columbia (HEABC) with his healthcare clients. He also works with clients in the transportation, education, and municipal sectors.
Jae facilitates the mobility of individuals from other countries to Canada, whether for short-term or long-term assignments. She advises on employer compliance audits and provides corporate immigration planning that is tailored to the organization and its needs. She also assists high net worth individuals, professionals and their families with various immigration matters, including family sponsorship, permanent residence, citizenship and complex immigration matters including previous refusals, inadmissibility and residency issues.
Previously, Jae managed the immigration practice of a national firm in Vancouver. Originally from Toronto, Jae has handled complex cases across the country, working with fast-paced immigration teams at an international company and immigration boutique firms including her own. Jae also taught immigration law at the University of British Columbia. In her spare time, she is actively contributing to the Canadian Bar Association's National Immigration Section's Executive, currently as Senior CPD Coordinator, to lead and organize the development of immigration courses throughout the year for the immigration bar.
As a seasoned immigration lawyer with over 10 years of experience, she is passionate about advocating on behalf of her clients so that more families and organizations can achieve their dreams in Canada - while promoting the profile of Canada as a safe and equitable country in which to live and do business. Jae has been recognized by Chambers and Partners (2024) as one of the leading immigration lawyers nationwide, under the "Associate to Watch" category.
Jae is fluent in English, French and Korean. In addition to her law degree from the Faculty of Law at McGill, she graduated from the French language and literature specialist program at the University of Toronto with high distinction.
Nicole's practice is focused on employment law and litigation. She frequently advises clients on a wide range of employment issues, including employment contracts, terminations, wrongful dismissals, constructive dismissals and human rights issues. In particular, Nicole has an interest in employment contracts and has extensive experience drafting employment contracts and advising on contractual issues.
A valued member of Harris' commercial litigation team, Nicole is a smart, practical and effective advocate. She has a wide-range of experience in both employment and commercial disputes and has appeared at all levels of court in British Columbia.
Prior to relocating to Vancouver and joining Harris in 2011, Nicole worked as a commercial litigator in Toronto at a large national firm. Nicole is a proud graduate of Dalhousie Law School and has fond memories of her years in Halifax. Outside of work, Nicole spends most of her time enjoying life in Vancouver with her two daughters and her husband.
Robyn combines an extensive civil litigation practice with relevant experience in employment law. She has advised and represented clients in a variety of sectors with complex corporate and commercial litigation issues, including professional regulatory matters, contractual disputes, shareholder disputes, negligence, breaches of trust and fiduciary duties, and civil fraud. Robyn's employment law work has included acting on behalf of employers and employees with respect to wrongful dismissals, human rights complaints, and discrimination claims as well as providing general advice on a variety of employment related matters. Robyn also has experience conducting commercial arbitrations under the Commercial Arbitration Act.
Although she has successfully settled numerous files, Robyn does not hesitate to take matters to trial when appropriate and has argued before all levels of court in British Columbia. Her trial experience also includes a brief position as Crown Prosecutor while on secondment to the Ministry of the Attorney General.
Before joining Harris in 2016, Robyn was a partner at one of Vancouver's leading litigation firms.
Jessica is a detail-oriented lawyer who works hard to find creative and practical solutions to her clients' labour and employment issues. She advises and represents employers in both the private and public sector on various workplace issues. In particular, she focuses on labour grievances, human rights issues, discrimination and accommodation complaints, employment standards complaints, and workplace investigations. She has appeared before the BC Human Rights Tribunal, the BC Employment Standards Branch, and the BC Labour Relations Board, in addition to appearing before labour arbitrators on various files.
Jessica has over a decade of experience working with clients of all sizes. Although she represents employers in a wide variety of sectors and industries, Jessica has particular expertise working in the K-12 education, film and television, and insurance sectors. Before moving to Vancouver and joining Harris, Jessica practised at a large international firm in their San Francisco office. As a result of her background, Jessica is also able to provide unique legal insight for U.S.-based companies with Canadian employees, or who are looking to expand their businesses and hire staff in British Columbia.
Jessica is also a member of the Harris COVID-19 Response team, and as part of that team has worked diligently to keep clients informed of legislative and public health changes pertaining to COVID-19 which impact employers and the workplace. She enjoys the challenge of finding practical solutions to the complex and evolving problems the pandemic has thrown at the employer community.
Vince advises and represents public and private sector employers in labour relations, employment law, and human rights. He has particular experience advising on collective agreement issues and wrongful dismissals. Vince has acted as chief spokesperson and adviser for employers in first contract and renewal collective agreement situations involving a broad range of public and private sector trade unions. Vince's clients range from small, local employers to large, international organizations, mostly in the mining, financial services, aviation, retail, and manufacturing sectors.
Vince is a creative, personable, and persuasive lawyer. He believes in understanding his client's long-term goals as well as their day-to-day issues. By building genuine relationships with his clients, Vince is able to solve both their small and large human resource problems with care, steering them through to keep their operations running smoothly. While Vince works hard to keep people out of court and arbitration, he is a very skilled litigator who represents his clients vigorously and with thorough attention to detail.
Before joining Harris as a partner in 2003, Vince worked as an associate and as a partner at a management-side labour and employment law boutique firm in Toronto, where he advised private and public sector clients on all aspects of labour relations and employment law.
Joyce became an associate in September 2023 after completing her articles with the firm. Prior to joining Harris, Joyce summered at a management-side labour and employment boutique in Brampton, Ontario.
Joyce received her J.D. from Osgoode Hall Law School in 2022. While at law school, Joyce served as an executive member of the Osgoode Criminal Law Society and as the Director of Intake at Fair Change Community Legal Services, an organization dedicated to advocating for people experiencing homelessness. As an active member of the community, she has also volunteered at For Youth Initiative, a not-for-profit focused on assisting at-risk youth, and at Accessible Media Inc., an organization dedicated to providing accessible media for Canadians who are blind or partially blind.
Joyce spent a semester as a legal intern at the Human Rights Legal Support Centre where she assisted clients with human rights complaints. She also worked as a research assistant on a variety of human rights topics.
Peter provides advice and representation to employers on human rights matters, collective agreement interpretation, discipline, and collective bargaining strategy. He has negotiated collective agreements on behalf of many of his clients, acting as spokesperson during negotiations. Peter advises and represents clients in aviation, food processing, broadcasting, and education, including boards of education and post-secondary institutions.
Peter has regularly appeared before the Labour Relations Board, Canada Industrial Relations Board, labour arbitration boards in British Columbia and Yukon, Human Rights Tribunals, the Supreme Court of British Columbia, and BC Court of Appeal.
Peter is an experienced, thorough, and confidence-inspiring counsel. When someone comes to him with a problem, he uses his skill to gather key information from everyone who is directly and indirectly involved in order to build a solid case. He particularly enjoys the hardest cases, including terminations, and approaches them with a relentless and tenacious focus. His decades of experience makes him a valuable resource to clients as he expertly guides them through the legal process, representing them well, and making them feel comfortable.
Fran has significant expertise in freedom of information and privacy law, and for over 20 years has provided both strategic and practical advice to public and private sector clients about their rights and obligations under federal and provincial privacy and access statutes.
Fran's approach to access and privacy matters is to guide clients to the most effective and efficient resolution of their issues, to mediate practical solutions, narrowing or resolving issues where possible, and to incur litigation costs only on matters of interpretive importance or principle. She cares about her clients and is warm, reliable and humorous. When clients work with Fran they often quickly regard her as a friend and trusted adviser who will help them through complex and difficult issues. When disputes can't be resolved, Fran is a tireless advocate.
Before returning to university to take her law degree, Fran was employed for 10 years as a labour relations practitioner representing employers in health care, municipalities and government.
Daniel provides strategic advice and representation to private and public sector employers on a wide range of labour, employment, and human rights issues including labour disputes, grievance arbitrations, employment standards, employment contracts, human rights and accommodation, and related litigation. He takes a solutions-oriented approach to all client matters-whether it is union organizing, collective bargaining, grievance arbitration, or human rights issues, Daniel works with clients to find a tailored solution that works for them.
Before joining Harris in 2022, Daniel worked as an associate at a management-side labour and employment law boutique in Toronto. There, he represented clients on all aspects of labour, employment, and human rights law at the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, the Ontario Labour Relations Board, the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal, and other administrative tribunals.
Daniel received his Juris Doctor from Queen's University in 2020. While attending law school, he won the Queen's Law Prize in Labour Law and the Stringer, Brisbin, Humphrey Prize in Labour Law for excellence in labour law.
Kacey advises and represents private and public employers on all aspects of the employment relationship. In particular, she focuses on grievances, human rights issues, wrongful dismissals, discrimination claims, policy reviews, and employment agreements. She has appeared before the Supreme Court of British Columbia and the BC Court of Appeal, as well as the BC Labour Relations Board, the Canada Industrial Relations Board, the BC Human Rights Tribunal, and the Workers' Compensation Appeal Tribunal.
Kacey has over a decade of experience working with small, medium, and large federal and provincial clients, predominantly in the post-secondary, film and television, and high technology sectors.
Kacey takes a calm, quiet, and practical approach to employment law matters. She enjoys a challenge and specializes in solving seemingly intractable problems. She methodically sifts through information to uncover underlying issues and then, armed with that knowledge, crafts a tailored solution for the situation. She balances her detail-oriented nature with a genuine enjoyment of the human aspect of her work, which fosters strong, long-term relationships with her clients.
Kacey is co-chair of the firm's Higher Education group.
Rod is primarily focused on construction and commercial litigation. Prior to joining the firm, Rod articled at a boutique litigation firm where he gained a broad range of experience in the areas of insurance defence litigation, criminal law, family law, commercial and estate litigation. While attending law school, Rod interned at a large firm in downtown Vancouver and in Shanghai for a large global firm gaining a wide array of corporate law experience.
Rod has acted as lead counsel on three trials and as second chair on several more trials. He has appeared before the Provincial Court of British Columbia, the Supreme Court of British Columbia, the British Columbia Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court of Canada. Further to this, Rod has worked with owners advising and acting on their behalf for $200M construction projects. He also routinely represents owners and contractors on smaller construction projects.
Meg practices in all areas of workplace law. Prior to joining Harris as an associate in 2022, Meg completed her articles at a full-service firm in downtown Vancouver. She has assisted on matters before the Civil Resolution Tribunal, the Workers Compensation Appeal Tribunal, the Human Rights Tribunal, and the BC Supreme Court.
Meg received her Juris Doctor from the University of Victoria, where she placed third nationally in the Canadian Client Consultation Competition. Throughout her law degree, she was an elected representative on the Curriculum Committee and advocated for a diverse, inclusive, and practical legal education.
Drawing from prior work experience in human resources, Meg's practice is characterized by her pragmatic and down-to-earth approach. She has an appreciation for the broader personal and professional implications of legal issues in the workplace and offers solutions tailored to her clients' unique needs.
The largest area of Andy's practice is occupational health and safety (OHS), an expanding area of the law and one of increasing concern for employers. He provides strategic advice and representation to his clients on issues relating to the Workers Compensation Act, the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, the Canada Labour Code, and associated federal OHS regulations. He is especially skilled at working on matters regarding serious injuries and fatalities, including advising clients on crisis management and how to avoid administrative penalties and prosecutions in such serious cases. Andy has advised employers in 40 cases involving workplace fatalities.
Keith has advised clients in the education sector about school, labour, and employment law for more than 25 years. He works with school boards, colleges, university educators and administrators. Assisting them with the full range of legal problems they face, including human rights claims, privacy issues, and dealing with both students and parents. Keith has argued cases in all levels of court, including the Supreme Court of Canada, and before arbitration panels, the Human Rights Tribunal, the College of Teachers, and the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for British Columbia.
In addition to his work in education, Keith's diverse background has seen him advise clients in numerous sectors including high tech, charities, banking, forestry, and credit unions. He also has experience in commercial litigation, arbitration, and international trade. He has appeared as counsel in arbitrations under the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) and the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) rules for international arbitrations to resolve disputes arising under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
Keith's approach is to achieve the best result possible in an efficient way, without incurring unnecessary expenses for the client. He believes in providing proactive advice before decisions are made to minimize the risk of a matter proceeding to court or arbitration.
Kristina represents both public and private sector employers with experience in employment, labour, human rights, and civil litigation. She strives to provide effective, timely and proactive solutions for her clients.
Kristina advises employers on a variety of issues with a focus on dispute resolution, either in court or by alternative dispute resolution processes. She has prepared written submissions for matters before the Human Rights Tribunal and Labour Relations Board and has assisted with matters before the Provincial Court of British Columbia.
Prior to joining Harris, Kristina summered and articled at an international law firm. During her articles, Kristina co-founded Raise the Bar, an initiative empowering underprivileged youth to become legal professionals.
Kristina received her JD from the University of British Columbia in 2020. While at law school, Kristina was a student clinician with the International Justice and Human Rights Clinic, where she co-authored a report to the International Criminal Court. She also volunteered with the Law Students' Legal Advice Program, the Civil Chambers Program, Legal Education Outreach, and the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada.
Madeline practices in all areas of workplace law with a focus on human rights and all aspects of the litigation process, with a particular interest in injunctions. She has appeared before the British Columbia Supreme Court, the Federal Court, the British Columbia Human Rights Tribunal and the British Columbia Labour Relations Board. Madeline also regularly presents to employers and other lawyers on key issues in workplace law.
Prior to her legal career, Madeline obtained her Bachelor of Social Work from McGill University and her Master's of Social Work at the University of Toronto. She then practiced as a therapist and advocate with children and youth experiencing sexual and physical abuse. Madeline's professional background has informed her belief that workplace issues are fundamentally personal issues requiring individualized solutions. She credits her social work background for her ability to be a thoughtful listener and an intuitive problem-solver.
While attending law school at the University of Victoria, Madeline spent a clinical term at the Law Centre providing legal representation to underserved clients, acted as a peer tutor and teaching assistant, and was a finalist at the National Canadian Client Consultation Competition. She also volunteered with Pro Bono Students Canada and Access Pro Bono. In recognition of her achievements, Madeline received the Blake, Cassels & Graydon First Year Achievement Prize, the Lars Alfred Lindholm Memorial Scholarship for academic excellence in employment law, the Guild Yule LLP Advocacy Scholarship and the Ronald S. Nairne Memorial Award.
Jae-Yeon Lim ("Jae") practises exclusively in Canadian immigration law, focusing primarily on corporate immigration. She represents employers from diverse industries, ranging from family-owned enterprises to high-tech companies, as well as high net worth individuals and families seeking temporary and permanent relocation to Canada.
Jae facilitates the mobility of individuals from other countries to Canada, whether for short-term or long-term assignments. She advises on employer compliance audits and provides corporate immigration planning that is tailored to the organization and its needs. She also assists high net worth individuals, professionals and their families with various immigration matters, including family sponsorship, permanent residence, citizenship and complex immigration matters including previous refusals, inadmissibility and residency issues.
Previously, Jae managed the immigration practice of a national firm in Vancouver. Originally from Toronto, Jae has handled complex cases across the country, working with fast-paced immigration teams at an international company and immigration boutique firms including her own. Jae also taught immigration law at the University of British Columbia. In her spare time, she is actively contributing to the Canadian Bar Association's National Immigration Section's Executive, currently as Senior CPD Coordinator, to lead and organize the development of immigration courses throughout the year for the immigration bar.
As a seasoned immigration lawyer with over 10 years of experience, she is passionate about advocating on behalf of her clients so that more families and organizations can achieve their dreams in Canada - while promoting the profile of Canada as a safe and equitable country in which to live and do business. Jae has been recognized by Chambers and Partners (2024) as one of the leading immigration lawyers nationwide, under the "Associate to Watch" category.
Colin Gibson has practiced labour, employment, human rights, and post-secondary education law since his call to the British Columbia bar in 1986. Colin is ranked by his peers as one of the leading management-side labour and employment lawyers in British Columbia.
The majority of Colin's practice involves acting for universities, colleges, and institutes in British Columbia's post-secondary and university sectors. In addition to providing advice and representation on employment, labour relations, human rights, and student issues, Colin provides strategic guidance to higher education clients on a variety of complex matters such as governance, policy development, executive compensation, and statutory compliance.
Colin also advises and represents employers in a wide range of private sector industries. He builds long relationships with his clients by understanding their goals and priorities, and by being diligent, strategic, and responsive. He is highly regarded not only by his employer clients, but also by board members, union representatives, and other key stakeholders.
Kyle is a civil and commercial litigator with extensive experience in a wide range of disputes. He has successfully represented clients in corporate and commercial disputes, contractual disputes, construction disputes, tort and property disputes, and general litigation matters. Kyle also takes on collections matters, contentious employment and labour disputes.
Kyle has successfully represented clients at all levels of court in British Columbia and in arbitrations and mediations.
Before entering the legal profession, Kyle attended Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, B.C. where he obtained his undergraduate degree while playing collegiate baseball for the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack. He then went on to the Western Major Baseball League before commencing his legal studies at Thompson Rivers University in 2015.
Prior to joining Harris in 2022, Kyle was a litigation associate at a leading regional firm.
Lana practices in the area of corporate and commercial litigation, administrative and employment law. She advises her clients on a broad range of issues involving complex contractual disputes, tort claims, construction, builders' liens, collection and enforcement of debts, workplace law including wrongful dismissals, human rights complaints, and prohibited action complaints under the Workers Compensation Act.
Lana is a steadfast advocate and has appeared before all levels of court in British Columbia and assisted on matters before the Supreme Court of Canada. She has also attended and appeared on matters before various administrative tribunals in British Columbia.
Lana, together with her colleagues from Taylor Jordan Chafetz, one of the city's leading litigation boutiques, joined Harris in December 2014. She became a partner in 2016.
Leah advises clients on workplace law, including employment, labour and human rights matters. Leah enjoys the people-focused nature of workplace law and providing practical advice to clients to help them prevent problems before they arise.
Leah began at Harris in 2019 as a summer student and became an associate with the firm in 2021. Before joining Harris, Leah worked as a labour relations intern for a Crown corporation, as a recruiter in IT staffing and under the Service Canada program for the federal government.
During law school, Leah was a student ambassador and peer tutor. She participated in the Allard School of Law's Business Law Clinic where she provided advice to small businesses and not-for-profit organizations. Leah received the Tevlin Gleadle Curtis prize in Individual Employment Law and the Stikeman Elliot Award for students with an interest in business law in recognition of her academic achievements.
Kyle is a civil and commercial litigator with extensive experience in a wide range of disputes. He has successfully represented clients in corporate and commercial disputes, contractual disputes, construction disputes, tort and property disputes, and general litigation matters. Kyle also takes on collections matters, contentious employment and labour disputes.
Kyle has successfully represented clients at all levels of court in British Columbia and in arbitrations and mediations.
Before entering the legal profession, Kyle attended Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, B.C. where he obtained his undergraduate degree while playing collegiate baseball for the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack. He then went on to the Western Major Baseball League before commencing his legal studies at Thompson Rivers University in 2015.
Prior to joining Harris in 2022, Kyle was a litigation associate at a leading regional firm.
Elias practices in all areas of workplace law and civil litigation. He has appeared before the Provincial Court, Supreme Court of British Columbia, the Alberta Human Rights Tribunal, and has assisted with matters at arbitrations, tribunals, and all levels of court in British Columbia.
Elias received his Juris Doctor from the University of Alberta (UofA) in 2022. During law school, he represented the UofA in the National Labour Arbitration Moot and the National Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Law Moot, where both of UofA teams made it to the championship round and won the Top Oralist Team award and Top Law School runner up awards. He was a Writing Fellow, assisting in the delivery of the first-year legal research and writing class.
Elias is an advocate for access to justice issues. He was the program coordinator for the UofA's Pro Bono Students Canada chapter. He also worked closely with Student Legal Services of Edmonton (SLS) throughout law school. At SLS, he worked in the legal education and reform project and later established the Special Initiatives Project, through which he oversaw many pro bono initiatives, including the development of SLS' Human Rights Project, which provides legal representation to low income parties at the human rights tribunal.
Lindsie Thomson is Harris & Company's managing partner. Exceptionally organized and efficient, Lindsie is adept at developing a deep understanding of how a workplace functions in order to find durable solutions and winning arguments.
Lindsie's labour and employment law practice is a mix of day-to-day interaction with clients on labour, employment, and human rights issues, as well as representation of employers in labour arbitrations, labour relations board hearings, human rights tribunal proceedings, employment standards proceedings, and in appeals to the BC Supreme Court and Court of Appeal.
Although she works with employers in a variety of sectors, Lindsie has an established education law practice, representing employers in both the K-12 and post-secondary sectors in sectorally-significant arbitration cases and advising employers on issues related to policy drafting, board governance, accommodation, and student and parent issues.
Madeline practices in all areas of workplace law with a focus on human rights and all aspects of the litigation process, with a particular interest in injunctions. She has appeared before the British Columbia Supreme Court, the Federal Court, the British Columbia Human Rights Tribunal and the British Columbia Labour Relations Board. Madeline also regularly presents to employers and other lawyers on key issues in workplace law.
Prior to her legal career, Madeline obtained her Bachelor of Social Work from McGill University and her Master's of Social Work at the University of Toronto. She then practiced as a therapist and advocate with children and youth experiencing sexual and physical abuse. Madeline's professional background has informed her belief that workplace issues are fundamentally personal issues requiring individualized solutions. She credits her social work background for her ability to be a thoughtful listener and an intuitive problem-solver.
While attending law school at the University of Victoria, Madeline spent a clinical term at the Law Centre providing legal representation to underserved clients, acted as a peer tutor and teaching assistant, and was a finalist at the National Canadian Client Consultation Competition. She also volunteered with Pro Bono Students Canada and Access Pro Bono. In recognition of her achievements, Madeline received the Blake, Cassels & Graydon First Year Achievement Prize, the Lars Alfred Lindholm Memorial Scholarship for academic excellence in employment law, the Guild Yule LLP Advocacy Scholarship and the Ronald S. Nairne Memorial Award.
Kristina represents both public and private sector employers with experience in employment, labour, human rights, and civil litigation. She strives to provide effective, timely and proactive solutions for her clients.
Kristina advises employers on a variety of issues with a focus on dispute resolution, either in court or by alternative dispute resolution processes. She has prepared written submissions for matters before the Human Rights Tribunal and Labour Relations Board and has assisted with matters before the Provincial Court of British Columbia.
Prior to joining Harris, Kristina summered and articled at an international law firm. During her articles, Kristina co-founded Raise the Bar, an initiative empowering underprivileged youth to become legal professionals.
Kristina received her JD from the University of British Columbia in 2020. While at law school, Kristina was a student clinician with the International Justice and Human Rights Clinic, where she co-authored a report to the International Criminal Court. She also volunteered with the Law Students' Legal Advice Program, the Civil Chambers Program, Legal Education Outreach, and the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada.
Drawn to the people-focused nature of workplace law, Ellen values the opportunity to have a positive impact on an organization's work environment. She currently acts for and advises clients in both labour and employment, as well as administrative law. Before joining Harris & Company as an Associate in 2020, she summered and articled at the firm.
Ellen obtained her J.D. from the Peter A. Allard School of Law at the University of British Columbia in 2019. During law school, she spent a semester working at the Indigenous Community Legal Centre in Vancouver's Downtown East Side. She assisted with civil and criminal files and appeared on behalf of clients in Provincial Court. Ellen also worked as a research assistant on a variety of administrative law topics.
While attending law school, Ellen received the Richard R. Sugden, QC prize in Advanced Trial Advocacy and the Lawson Lundell Prize in Administrative Law, demonstrating her legal aptitude and propensity for hard work.
Alyssa represents public and private sector employers on employment, labour and human rights matters. She advises clients on employment issues, including wrongful dismissals, employment contracts and human rights complaints and assists employers in resolving labour disputes in unionized environments. She has appeared before the BC Labour Relations Board, boards of arbitration, and at all levels of court in British Columbia.
Alyssa became an Associate in May 2018 after completing her articles with the firm. Prior to joining Harris, she worked as a Review Officer (Student Intern) at WorkSafeBC. During law school, Alyssa volunteered as a legal intern for Battered Women Support Services and was the coordinator for a mentorship program for the Allard School of Law's Centre for Feminist Legal Studies. She also completed the Judicial Externship Program, where she was an intern to judges of the Provincial Court of British Columbia.
Meg practices in all areas of workplace law. Prior to joining Harris as an associate in 2022, Meg completed her articles at a full-service firm in downtown Vancouver. She has assisted on matters before the Civil Resolution Tribunal, the Workers Compensation Appeal Tribunal, the Human Rights Tribunal, and the BC Supreme Court.
Meg received her Juris Doctor from the University of Victoria, where she placed third nationally in the Canadian Client Consultation Competition. Throughout her law degree, she was an elected representative on the Curriculum Committee and advocated for a diverse, inclusive, and practical legal education.
Drawing from prior work experience in human resources, Meg's practice is characterized by her pragmatic and down-to-earth approach. She has an appreciation for the broader personal and professional implications of legal issues in the workplace and offers solutions tailored to her clients' unique needs.
Michael acts for clients in both the public and private sectors, with expertise in the area of education law. In addition to 11 years as a member of Harris' Education Group, Michael was General Counsel for the BC Public School Employers Association (BCPSEA) and the Vancouver School Board (VSB). He acted as lead negotiator and spokesperson for BCPSEA in bargaining, including during the illegal withdrawal of services in 2005. At VSB he was responsible for education, real estate, and commercial law matters, in addition to labour and employment work. Michael's past experience affords him unique insights into the education sector and the rare perspective of having been counsel, client, and negotiator.
Michael also held the positions of General Counsel and Director of Employee Relations for the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC). While at ICBC, Michael provided general corporate law advice to executive and senior management on employment, labour, compensation, privacy, intellectual property, insurance, and regulatory matters.
Sari has practiced for over 20 years in the areas of labour relations, human rights, and employment law. She defends employers before arbitration boards, human rights tribunals, labour relations boards and other administrative tribunals, and at the Supreme Court of British Columbia and the BC Court of Appeal.
In her labour practice, she works primarily with public sector clients ranging from boards of education and health authorities to transportation authorities and post-secondary institutions, as well as non-profit societies and private sector clients within the healthcare field. Believing in a preventative approach, Sari presents regularly at seminars and conferences on education law, labour, employment and human rights issues.
In her education practice, Sari advises boards of education, independent schools and post-secondary institutions on a broad range of issues involving students, parents, employees and board governance matters.
Sari's thoughtful, efficient, knowledgeable approach is based on her deep experience in the education and health sectors, and her understanding of the issues within labour law and human rights. Sari works through every problem thoroughly to find the right solutions.
Lindsie Thomson is Harris & Company's managing partner. Exceptionally organized and efficient, Lindsie is adept at developing a deep understanding of how a workplace functions in order to find durable solutions and winning arguments.
Lindsie's labour and employment law practice is a mix of day-to-day interaction with clients on labour, employment, and human rights issues, as well as representation of employers in labour arbitrations, labour relations board hearings, human rights tribunal proceedings, employment standards proceedings, and in appeals to the BC Supreme Court and Court of Appeal.
Although she works with employers in a variety of sectors, Lindsie has an established education law practice, representing employers in both the K-12 and post-secondary sectors in sectorally-significant arbitration cases and advising employers on issues related to policy drafting, board governance, accommodation, and student and parent issues.
Mike is a civil litigator practicing employment, construction and commercial litigation. He takes a practical, result-oriented approach to dispute resolution.
In advocating for his clients, Mike brings to bear broad litigation experience including in the areas of insurance defence, coverage disputes, transportation and maritime law, and federal prosecutions. He regularly appears before the BC Supreme Court and has appeared before several administrative tribunals. Mike previously worked at a large, national litigation firm.
Mike received his Juris Doctor from the University of Victoria in 2018. Outside of his practice, Mike enjoys downhill skiing at the local hills and Sun Peaks in the Interior, cooking for friends and family, and spending time with his wife and young son.
Nicole's practice is focused on employment law and litigation. She frequently advises clients on a wide range of employment issues, including employment contracts, terminations, wrongful dismissals, constructive dismissals and human rights issues. In particular, Nicole has an interest in employment contracts and has extensive experience drafting employment contracts and advising on contractual issues.
A valued member of Harris' commercial litigation team, Nicole is a smart, practical and effective advocate. She has a wide-range of experience in both employment and commercial disputes and has appeared at all levels of court in British Columbia.
Prior to relocating to Vancouver and joining Harris in 2011, Nicole worked as a commercial litigator in Toronto at a large national firm. Nicole is a proud graduate of Dalhousie Law School and has fond memories of her years in Halifax. Outside of work, Nicole spends most of her time enjoying life in Vancouver with her two daughters and her husband.
Nicole practices in all areas of workplace law. Prior to joining Harris as an associate in 2022, Nicole worked at a labour, employment and litigation firm in Calgary, Alberta. Nicole has appeared before the Court of King's Bench of Alberta and boards of arbitration. She has assisted on matters before all levels of court in Alberta, the Human Rights Tribunal and the Labour Relations Board.
During law school, Nicole volunteered her time towards various clinics and advocacy services including Student Legal Services, a clinic providing legal information and representation to low-income residents, and Equity Watch, an organization promoting workplaces free of bullying, harassment and discrimination.
Nicole's practical approach to law draws on her previous nine-year career working in human resources at an international energy company. Nicole has maintained her CPHR designation from her previous career and credits her human resources background for her ability to connect with clients, thoughtfully listen to their needs and provide practical solutions that reflect business realities.
Peter provides advice and representation to employers on human rights matters, collective agreement interpretation, discipline, and collective bargaining strategy. He has negotiated collective agreements on behalf of many of his clients, acting as spokesperson during negotiations. Peter advises and represents clients in aviation, food processing, broadcasting, and education, including boards of education and post-secondary institutions.
Peter has regularly appeared before the Labour Relations Board, Canada Industrial Relations Board, labour arbitration boards in British Columbia and Yukon, Human Rights Tribunals, the Supreme Court of British Columbia, and BC Court of Appeal.
Peter is an experienced, thorough, and confidence-inspiring counsel. When someone comes to him with a problem, he uses his skill to gather key information from everyone who is directly and indirectly involved in order to build a solid case. He particularly enjoys the hardest cases, including terminations, and approaches them with a relentless and tenacious focus. His decades of experience makes him a valuable resource to clients as he expertly guides them through the legal process, representing them well, and making them feel comfortable.
Rachel Schechter has a broad privacy and cybersecurity-focused practice, with an emphasis on data governance, compliance, artificial intelligence, access to information, and related disputes. Rachel is a Certified Information Privacy Professional (Canada), and is recognized in Best Lawyers in Canada: Ones to Watch for her work in commercial litigation (2022-2024) and information technology law (2023-2024).
Rachel advises public and private sector organizations with respect to privacy policies and procedures, compliance, data protection, privacy impact assessments, AI usage, access to information, incident response planning, anti-spam regulation, privacy and cybersecurity implications of novel products, services, and technologies, and related due diligence in commercial transactions. Rachel represents public and private sector clients in inquiries before the Information and Privacy Commissioner, and in related judicial review proceedings. Rachel acts as counsel in cybersecurity and privacy breach matters, including ransomware attacks and business email compromise, helping clients manage forensic investigation teams, develop crisis communications and notification and reporting strategies, and manage legal risk.
Rachel has appeared before all levels of Court in British Columbia and the Federal Court. Her dispute resolution experience includes commercial and contract claims, oppression proceedings, privacy breach litigation, defamation claims, complex tort claims, professional negligence and insurance defence litigation. Rachel has experience with intellectual property, trademark, and copyright litigation and domain name disputes under the UDRP and CDRP.
Rachel has a particular interest in the evolution of law in the digital age and its application to new technologies and cross-border disputes. She leverages her in-depth understanding of the Court system, having previously clerked at the Supreme Court of British Columbia, to provide practical and strategic risk management advice to clients.
Rachel is active in the Vancouver legal community. She is the Vice Chair of the CBABC Freedom of Information & Privacy Law section Executive and serves as a Member-at-Large on the CBABC's Women Lawyers Forum Executive.
In her spare time, Rachel enjoys exploring BC with her dog, Teddy, and trying new recipes (mostly successfully).
Suzanne has built a strong practice in access and privacy law. She advises both public and private sector employers on their responsibilities as they navigate the implications of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA), the Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA), the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and other related legislation. Suzanne regularly provides one-on-one training to in-house privacy and access coordinators on responding to access requests, conducting internal investigations, and the use of internal system information.
In addition to privacy law, Suzanne has extensive experience in education and health law. Suzanne has represented various healthcare and educational professionals and organizations, providing advice in a range of areas including employment, professional regulatory proceedings and compliance, court and administrative tribunal proceedings, procurement, and contract negotiations.
Robyn combines an extensive civil litigation practice with relevant experience in employment law. She has advised and represented clients in a variety of sectors with complex corporate and commercial litigation issues, including professional regulatory matters, contractual disputes, shareholder disputes, negligence, breaches of trust and fiduciary duties, and civil fraud. Robyn's employment law work has included acting on behalf of employers and employees with respect to wrongful dismissals, human rights complaints, and discrimination claims as well as providing general advice on a variety of employment related matters. Robyn also has experience conducting commercial arbitrations under the Commercial Arbitration Act.
Although she has successfully settled numerous files, Robyn does not hesitate to take matters to trial when appropriate and has argued before all levels of court in British Columbia. Her trial experience also includes a brief position as Crown Prosecutor while on secondment to the Ministry of the Attorney General.
Before joining Harris in 2016, Robyn was a partner at one of Vancouver's leading litigation firms.
Sara is a proactive and reliable advocate. She thoughtfully engages with clients to find reasonable and practical solutions to workplace issues. Sara's practice focuses on labour, human rights, and employment.
Prior to joining Harris in 2023, Sara worked at the Community Social Services Employers' Association (CSSEA) providing services in collective agreement interpretation, duty to accommodate, and disciplinary matters. She has experience representing public sector employers in mediations, expedited arbitrations, and administrative boards and tribunals.
In her spare time, Sara has sought out educational opportunities by taking Masters level law courses in international human rights through Osgoode Hall Law School.
Sari has practiced for over 20 years in the areas of labour relations, human rights, and employment law. She defends employers before arbitration boards, human rights tribunals, labour relations boards and other administrative tribunals, and at the Supreme Court of British Columbia and the BC Court of Appeal.
In her labour practice, she works primarily with public sector clients ranging from boards of education and health authorities to transportation authorities and post-secondary institutions, as well as non-profit societies and private sector clients within the healthcare field. Believing in a preventative approach, Sari presents regularly at seminars and conferences on education law, labour, employment and human rights issues.
In her education practice, Sari advises boards of education, independent schools and post-secondary institutions on a broad range of issues involving students, parents, employees and board governance matters.
Sari's thoughtful, efficient, knowledgeable approach is based on her deep experience in the education and health sectors, and her understanding of the issues within labour law and human rights. Sari works through every problem thoroughly to find the right solutions.
Brad assists public and private sector employers with labour, employment, human rights, and workers' compensation matters. In particular, he advises employers with respect to worker injury claims, occupational health and safety, employee substance use issues, grievances, and collective agreement interpretations as they relate to day-to-day operations.
Brad is thoughtful, assertive, and has a flair for finding the right answer. He enjoys interacting with his clients and learning about their business, the needs of their customers, and their goals. By doing so, he quickly earns the place of trusted advisor.
Brad began working at Harris as an articling student before becoming an associate in 2013. He currently sits on Harris' Student Committee, where he plays an active role in the recruitment of future team members.
Amanda has assisted clients in a variety of civil litigation proceedings at levels of court in British Columbia, as well as in workers' compensation and occupational health and safety matters before the WorkSafeBC Review Division and Workers' Compensation Appeal Tribunal.
She received her Juris Doctor from the University of Victoria in 2016. During her final semester of law school, Amanda held temporary articles at The Law Centre in Victoria, where she managed a broad spectrum of civil and criminal files, and appeared in Provincial Court, representing clients in criminal defence matters.
Prior to joining Harris, Amanda worked as an associate at a leading boutique litigation firm in Vancouver.
Alan is one of the province's leading lawyers in the field of Workers Compensation and Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) on behalf of employers. His practice in this area focuses on representing employers in matters involving assessments, employment status issues, workers' claims for compensation, and OHS. Alan is highly respected in the field; he was retained by the former British Columbia government to be the core reviewer of the Workers Compensation Act, and his critical recommendations led to its initial rewriting in 2002.
Alan also has extensive experience providing labour relations services and advice to employers, with a focus on collective bargaining in both the private and public sectors. He also presents training workshops for clients on a variety of labour-related topics.
Alan takes an engaged, focused, and enthusiastic approach to his practice. He thrives on finding resolutions for his clients by meticulously gathering information to build a solid case. He pays close attention to facts and details, while being sure to avoid assumptions. He brings both a deliberate focus and a sense of humour to his work.
Suzanne has built a strong practice in access and privacy law. She advises both public and private sector employers on their responsibilities as they navigate the implications of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA), the Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA), the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and other related legislation. Suzanne regularly provides one-on-one training to in-house privacy and access coordinators on responding to access requests, conducting internal investigations, and the use of internal system information.
In addition to privacy law, Suzanne has extensive experience in education and health law. Suzanne has represented various healthcare and educational professionals and organizations, providing advice in a range of areas including employment, professional regulatory proceedings and compliance, court and administrative tribunal proceedings, procurement, and contract negotiations.
Kacey advises and represents private and public employers on all aspects of the employment relationship. In particular, she focuses on grievances, human rights issues, wrongful dismissals, discrimination claims, policy reviews, and employment agreements. She has appeared before the Supreme Court of British Columbia and the BC Court of Appeal, as well as the BC Labour Relations Board, the Canada Industrial Relations Board, the BC Human Rights Tribunal, and the Workers' Compensation Appeal Tribunal.
Kacey has over a decade of experience working with small, medium, and large federal and provincial clients, predominantly in the post-secondary, film and television, and high technology sectors.
Kacey takes a calm, quiet, and practical approach to employment law matters. She enjoys a challenge and specializes in solving seemingly intractable problems. She methodically sifts through information to uncover underlying issues and then, armed with that knowledge, crafts a tailored solution for the situation. She balances her detail-oriented nature with a genuine enjoyment of the human aspect of her work, which fosters strong, long-term relationships with her clients.
David maintains a broad litigation, labour, and employment law practice. His focus is on assisting clients to avoid disputes before they arise and on resolving disputes practically and efficiently when they do. He has a wide range of experience, including complex contractual disputes, torts, insolvency, construction claims, and labour, employment, and human rights issues.
David is an experienced advocate. He has appeared before all levels of court in British Columbia and Alberta, the Ontario Superior Court, and the Federal Court, as well as various administrative tribunals in British Columbia. He has extensive experience acting for clients in alternative dispute resolution processes, including mediations and arbitrations.
David joined Harris in 2022 after practicing in one of Vancouver's leading litigation boutiques.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Board
Andy practices civil litigation with an emphasis on construction law and commercial litigation. Andy is an exceptionally organized problem solver. He approaches each matter with an efficient and detailed analysis in the client's perspective to provide optimal and well-rounded solutions that consider ramifications for his clients beyond each matter. He has a broad range of experience, including contractual disputes, debt claims, construction disputes, shareholders' dispute, human rights issues, and workplace law. He has represented clients in administrative tribunals, the British Columbia Supreme Court, and in mediations.
Andy obtained his Juris Doctor degree from Peter A. Allard School of Law and holds a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and minor in Mathematics from University of British Columbia. During law school, Andy represented Peter A. Allard School of Law in the Bowman National Tax Moot.
Andy's clients benefit from his in-house legal experience. Andy handled litigation strategy with litigation counsel at a technology company, and he also worked at the legal department of a financial institution.
Prior to joining Harris, Andy practiced at a leading civil litigation boutique.
Andy speaks English and Mandarin.
Jessica is a detail-oriented lawyer who works hard to find creative and practical solutions to her clients' labour and employment issues. She advises and represents employers in both the private and public sector on various workplace issues. In particular, she focuses on labour grievances, human rights issues, discrimination and accommodation complaints, employment standards complaints, and workplace investigations. She has appeared before the BC Human Rights Tribunal, the BC Employment Standards Branch, and the BC Labour Relations Board, in addition to appearing before labour arbitrators on various files.
Jessica has over a decade of experience working with clients of all sizes. Although she represents employers in a wide variety of sectors and industries, Jessica has particular expertise working in the K-12 education, film and television, and insurance sectors. Before moving to Vancouver and joining Harris, Jessica practised at a large international firm in their San Francisco office. As a result of her background, Jessica is also able to provide unique legal insight for U.S.-based companies with Canadian employees, or who are looking to expand their businesses and hire staff in British Columbia.
Jessica is also a member of the Harris COVID-19 Response team, and as part of that team has worked diligently to keep clients informed of legislative and public health changes pertaining to COVID-19 which impact employers and the workplace. She enjoys the challenge of finding practical solutions to the complex and evolving problems the pandemic has thrown at the employer community.
Adriana advises and advocates for clients on workplace law matters, with emphasis on labour relations, human rights, and employment issues. While representing clients in both the public and private sectors, she has particular expertise with municipal and health employers, and with the broader public sector, including crown corporations.