Professional Background
Ms. Samuels has gained extensive experience in Labour and Employment Law, articling and practicing at Fasken Martineau and then at Lawson Lundell for over 17 years, prior to joining Singleton Urquhart. She advises clients on all employment and labour relations issues including discipline and dismissal, severance arrangements and employment contracts, human rights issues, benefits administration and all other employment and labour related matters.
Ms. Samuels also specializes in business related immigration including applications for labour market opinions, exemption applications, and temporary work permits. She also assists in the filing of permanent residency applications under the Provincial Nominee Programs, the Canadian Experience Class and Federal Skilled Worker Program. She also assists with spousal and family sponsorships.
Experience
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Advising on individual termination and group layoffs in non-union and unionized workforces;
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Advising on employment issues related to sales of business and bankruptcy proceedings;
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Negotiating and drafting Employment Agreements;
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Preparing and implementing Personnel Policies including Workplace Harassment Policies and investigating human rights complaints
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Filing labour market opinion applications and exemptions for mining and hospitality industries and in unusual circumstances
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Advising on all matters relating to business immigration including work permits, and permanent residency applications
Education
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One year program, Hebrew University: 1984 -1985
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Bachelor of Arts, Lee College (University of Judaism/ UCLA): 1986
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Bachelor of Laws, University of British Columbia: 1989
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Called to the Bar of British Columbia: 1990
Professional Activities
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Human Resources Management Association, Member
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Canadian Bar Association (B.C. Branch) Labour Law, Human Rights and Immigration Law Subsections, Member
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American Immigration Lawyers Association, Canadian Chapter, Member
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Vancouver Bar Association, Executive Past Member
Community Activities
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The Lipstick Brigade – servicing women in need at shelters throughout the Lower Mainland, Founder
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Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver, Executive Member
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Jewish Family Services Agency, Family Visionaries Campaign past Co-chair
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Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver, Campaign Cabinet
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Co-chair, Teaching for Tomorrow, King David High School