Nicole R. Howell
One of the firm's founding partners, Nicole Howell attended the
University of British Columbia where she obtained a degree in
Philosophy. She received her law degree from the University of
Victoria in 1998.
Nicole represents both employees and employers and advises on
such matters as termination, wrongful dismissal, constructive
dismissal, just cause, employment standards, human rights,
worker status (ie. employee vs. independent contractor) and
disability claims. Her practice covers all matters arising prior
to, during, or after employment, for example: negotiating
severance packages, probationary employees, suspensions,
allegations of cause, breach of fiduciary and related duties,
and non-competition or non-solicitation agreements.
While knowledgeable in all aspects of employment matters, Nicole
has particular experience and interest in files involving
allegations of cause, constructive dismissal, and breach of
non-competes. She has successfully argued employment cases at
the provincial, supreme, and court of appeal levels, as well as
both Employment Standards and Employment Insurance appeals.
With experience representing both sides of employment matters,
Nicole is able to maintain an unbiased and realistic assessment
of each case with a view to negotiating the best resolution as
efficiently as possible. Nicole's clients appreciate her
practical and down-to-earth approach as well as her tenacity
when advocating on their behalf.
When not practising law, Nicole spends most of her time on the
North Shore mountains or Whistler mountain with either her
snowboard or one of her mountain bikes. She competed in the Test
of Metal endurance race in Squamish in 2005, 2006, 2008, and
2010.
Professional Associations:
- President, Vancouver Bar Association 2007
- Elected Director, Vancouver Bar Association 2003 - 2006
- Member, Employment Law Subsection, Canadian Bar Association, BC Branch
- Member, Human Rights Subsection, Canadian Bar Association, BC Branch
- Member, Women's Lawyers Forum, Canadian Bar Association, BC Branch