OUR TEAM
Labour Rights Law opened its “doors” in 2013 as the first virtual labour, employment, and human rights law office in Canada. Labour Rights Law provides legal advice on workplace matters to all provinces and territories except Quebec.
Sebastien approaches law as a creative problem solver. He has more than 37 years of labour relations experience in both unionized and non-unionized work environments. As a strong advocate, and one known for his practical and innovative solutions, he is your “go-to” lawyer for your human rights, and labour and employment needs.
Sebastien’s advocacy skills were developed through a broad range of labour relations experiences in the public sector (Federal, British Columbia, and Alberta), the private sector in both BC and Alberta, and in the Construction Industry in Alberta, BC and Saskatchewan. In addition, he has considerable experience representing both unionized and non-unionized police officers, healthcare workers, BC Nurses’ Union members, as well as other professionals.
Over the years he has also gained experience in a surprisingly broad range of intersecting fields of law including: Accommodation of Addictions, Bankruptcy and Insolvency, Defamation, Disability, Torts, and Police Law, to name a few.
Sebastien doesn’t give “lip service” to workplace and human rights; he has lived and breathed it for decades. These concerns were cemented at the Labour College of Canada (CLC), his studies in Industrial Relations at Athabasca University, and during law school at the Faculty of Law, University of Alberta. His firm commitment to access to justice motivated him to be called to the Bar in both British Columbia and Alberta.
He has had the good fortune of representing clients in the Appellate Courts in both British Columbia and Alberta, before the BC Supreme Court, the Alberta Court of Queen’s Bench, the United States Bankruptcy Court in the District of Delaware, the Alberta Surrogate Court in Bankruptcy, as well as the Provincial Courts in both BC and Alberta. He has also represented clients before a broad range of administrative tribunals including the Canada Industrial Relations Board, the Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan Labour Relations Boards, the Canada Pension Appeal Board, the Human Rights Tribunals for Canada, BC and Alberta, the Workers Compensation Boards in both BC and Alberta, and the BC Workers Compensation Appeal Tribunal.
As a recognized member of the law community, he is frequently invited to make presentations on a wide variety of topics to professional colleagues in law, to labour relations professionals and practitioners, and to union officers, stewards, and members. For more than 17 years he has participated in the Canadian Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral program to make access to justice more available and affordable.
His personal interest in computers and technology has led him to develop a highly automated and self-sufficient approach to the practice of law. In 2013, we introduced to the legal marketplace one of the first virtual labour, employment and human rights law offices in Canada: Labour Rights Law. As a result of our innovated law office environment, in 2017 our Firm was honoured to receive the Innovative Workplace Award from the Canadian Bar Association (BC Branch).
Our philosophy is that we are people with legal education and experience helping other people to resolve their legal challenges and issues. We look forward to the honour of you letting us help you!
SEBASTIEN ANDERSON
Barrister & Solicitor, Managing Partner
LL.B., Labour College of Canada ’83
SEBASTIEN ANDERSON
Barrister & Solicitor, Managing Partner
LL.B., Labour College of Canada ’83
Sebastien approaches law as a creative problem solver. He has more than 37 years of labour relations experience in both unionized and non-unionized work environments. As a strong advocate, and one known for his practical and innovative solutions, he is your “go-to” lawyer for your human rights, and labour and employment needs.
Sebastien’s advocacy skills were developed through a broad range of labour relations experiences in the public sector (Federal, British Columbia, and Alberta), the private sector in both BC and Alberta, and in the Construction Industry in Alberta, BC and Saskatchewan. In addition, he has considerable experience representing both unionized and non-unionized police officers, healthcare workers, BC Nurses’ Union members, as well as other professionals.
Over the years he has also gained experience in a surprisingly broad range of intersecting fields of law including: Accommodation of Addictions, Bankruptcy and Insolvency, Defamation, Disability, Torts, and Police Law, to name a few.
Sebastien doesn’t give “lip service” to workplace and human rights; he has lived and breathed it for decades. These concerns were cemented at the Labour College of Canada (CLC), his studies in Industrial Relations at Athabasca University, and during law school at the Faculty of Law, University of Alberta. His firm commitment to access to justice motivated him to be called to the Bar in both British Columbia and Alberta.
He has had the good fortune of representing clients in the Appellate Courts in both British Columbia and Alberta, before the BC Supreme Court, the Alberta Court of Queen’s Bench, the United States Bankruptcy Court in the District of Delaware, the Alberta Surrogate Court in Bankruptcy, as well as the Provincial Courts in both BC and Alberta. He has also represented clients before a broad range of administrative tribunals including the Canada Industrial Relations Board, the Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan Labour Relations Boards, the Canada Pension Appeal Board, the Human Rights Tribunals for Canada, BC and Alberta, the Workers Compensation Boards in both BC and Alberta, and the BC Workers Compensation Appeal Tribunal.
As a recognized member of the law community, he is frequently invited to make presentations on a wide variety of topics to professional colleagues in law, to labour relations professionals and practitioners, and to union officers, stewards, and members. For more than 17 years he has participated in the Canadian Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral program to make access to justice more available and affordable.
His personal interest in computers and technology has led him to develop a highly automated and self-sufficient approach to the practice of law. In 2013, we introduced to the legal marketplace one of the first virtual labour, employment and human rights law offices in Canada: Labour Rights Law. As a result of our innovated law office environment, in 2017 our Firm was honoured to receive the Innovative Workplace Award from the Canadian Bar Association (BC Branch).
Our philosophy is that we are people with legal education and experience helping other people to resolve their legal challenges and issues. We look forward to the honour of you letting us help you!
SHERRY SHIR
Barrister & Solicitor, Partner
JD (UBC), BMLSc (UBC)
Sherry loves her interactions with clients. You will likely notice Sherry’s high level of client care, as she is professional, courteous, and sensitive to provide tailored solutions to individuals’ needs. She excels at building client trust that she is discreet and will act on your behalf as a formidable advocate.
She graduated with a Juris Doctor degree from the University of British Columbia, Faculty of Law after she obtained a Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science from UBC.
During law school, she worked as a volunteer in UBC’s Law Students’ Legal Advice Program and as a Summer Research Assistant at a leading union-side labour law firm in downtown Vancouver.
She joined the Labour Rights Law Office as an Articled Student in May 2014, and became an Associate Lawyer in May 2015. She was called to the BC Bar on 15 May 2015. In early 2019, Sherry became a partner in the Firm.
Sherry has appeared in the BC Supreme Court, the BC Provincial Court (Civil and Family Divisions), as well as the Federal Court of Canada. In addition, Sherry has appeared before the Labour Relations Board, the BC Human Rights Tribunal, the Canada Human Rights Commission, the Canadian Industrial Relations Board, the Workers Compensation Board, the Workers Compensation Appeal Tribunal, among many other administrative tribunals.
We think that Sherry is a “multitasker” extraordinaire! In addition to her busy law practice and Firm administrative responsibilities, she is a wife and mother of three school-aged children. We are very lucky to have Sherry co-piloting our team!
Sherry is a member of the Law Society of British Columbia, Canadian Association of Labour Lawyers, and the Canadian Bar Association.
Sherry, speaks, reads, and writes Farsi fluently.
Called to the BC Bar on 22 May 1998, Heather has considerable experience in civil litigation, labour and human rights law. She articled at a reputable full-service law firm from 1997-1998, and practiced law as an associate lawyer at a litigation firm in downtown Vancouver from 1998 – 2001. Heather practiced as an associate lawyer with an aboriginal law, union-side labour and human rights firm in Vancouver from 2001-2008 and from Sept. 2008 – December 2009, she conducted legal research for them from Central America. From 2010-2019, she held the positions of legal counsel and senior labour relations representative (and labour relations consultant, through 2020) for a large BC faculty staff association where she oversaw the work of its labour relations staff and she represented the faculty staff association before the BC Labour Relations Board and in labour arbitrations.
Heather has a BA in Political Science from the University of Western Ontario (1984); a Master of Philosophy degree in Development Studies, University of Sussex, UK (1988); a Juris Doctor from UBC (1997); and a Master of Laws from UBC (2019).
Heather brings with her considerable volunteer experience in human rights matters:
Legal Intern, Centre for Justice and International Law, Mexico litigation team (May – Nov. 2009) with respect to two petitions before the Inter-American Court of Human Rights;
International Caravana of Lawyers and Judges to Colombia, as a Delegate and Leader of the Canadian Delegation in support of human rights lawyers and defenders in Colombia (2012, 2014, 2016);
Lawyers’ Rights Watch Canada, Board Member and Colombia Monitor (ongoing); and
Peace Brigades International–Canada, Board Member 2015 to date.
Heather speaks and writes Spanish. Outside of law, she enjoys music, gardening and studying permaculture, and spending time in nature.
HEATHER NEUN
Senior Associate Lawyer
BA (Western), MPhil (Sussex, UK), JD (UBC), LLM (UBC)
HEATHER NEUN
Senior Associate Lawyer
BA (Western), MPhil (Sussex, UK), JD (UBC), LLM (UBC)
Called to the BC Bar on 22 May 1998, Heather has considerable experience in civil litigation, labour and human rights law. She articled at a reputable full-service law firm from 1997-1998, and practiced law as an associate lawyer at a litigation firm in downtown Vancouver from 1998 – 2001. Heather practiced as an associate lawyer with an aboriginal law, union-side labour and human rights firm in Vancouver from 2001-2008 and from Sept. 2008 – December 2009, she conducted legal research for them from Central America. From 2010-2019, she held the positions of legal counsel and senior labour relations representative (and labour relations consultant, through 2020) for a large BC faculty staff association where she oversaw the work of its labour relations staff and she represented the faculty staff association before the BC Labour Relations Board and in labour arbitrations.
Heather has a BA in Political Science from the University of Western Ontario (1984); a Master of Philosophy degree in Development Studies, University of Sussex, UK (1988); a Juris Doctor from UBC (1997); and a Master of Laws from UBC (2019).
Heather brings with her considerable volunteer experience in human rights matters:
Legal Intern, Centre for Justice and International Law, Mexico litigation team (May – Nov. 2009) with respect to two petitions before the Inter-American Court of Human Rights;
International Caravana of Lawyers and Judges to Colombia, as a Delegate and Leader of the Canadian Delegation in support of human rights lawyers and defenders in Colombia (2012, 2014, 2016);
Lawyers’ Rights Watch Canada, Board Member and Colombia Monitor (ongoing); and
Peace Brigades International–Canada, Board Member 2015 to date.
Heather speaks and writes Spanish. Outside of law, she enjoys music, gardening and studying permaculture, and spending time in nature.
ANTHONY MOFFATT
Associate Lawyer
LL.B., M.A., B.Hum.
Anthony Moffatt practices exclusively in the area of employment, labour relations and human rights. Anthony is a strong communicator and an assertive advocate, and has successfully represented clients in wrongful dismissal actions, employment standards complaints, labour board applications, and human rights proceedings.
Before joining the Labour Rights Law Office, Anthony was a Senior Policy and Legal Advisor at WorkSafeBC where he provided advice to the Board of Directors and drafted policy and occupational health and safety regulations. Anthony regularly practices in the area of workers compensation and occupational health and safety, providing clients with his insights and wealth of experience in this area of law.
Anthony practised employment and labour law at a national law firm in Ontario and a large downtown firm in Vancouver. The years he spent practicing for these firms, as well as his time at Labour Rights Law, has given him a solid understanding of both the management and labour sides of every issue. No matter what side of the file Anthony is on, however, he enjoys developing client-centered relationships and takes pride in his ability to listen carefully and understand each client’s unique needs and goals.
Over the years, Anthony has been recognized as an expert on employment and human rights issues. He has published articles and presented on numerous employment law-related topics, including privacy law and human rights law. Anthony is also responsible for the Firm’s marketing activities.
Anthony was called to the Ontario Bar in 2007 and to the BC Bar in 2010. He holds a Bachelor of Humanities degree from Carleton University (2000), a masters degree in political science from the University of Toronto (2002), and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of British Columbia (2006).
In Anthony’s spare time, he enjoys being with his loved ones, including his young dog, Riker. He loves telling stories, and, if you love to eat, Anthony loves to cook. Yes, besides being a formidable advocate, he is a foodie!
MADELINE HARDEN
Associate Lawyer
LL.B., B.Com.
We welcomed Madeline as an Articling Student in 2018 and she was called to the Bar in BC in October 2019.
Before articling in BC, Madeline was a fully trained lawyer in New South Wales, Australia. She obtained her Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice in 2015 from the College of Law in Sydney, following her graduation from the University of Wollongong with a joint Bachelor of Law and Bachelor of Commerce degree. During her studies in Sydney, Madeline interned for an organization assisting individuals and not for profit organizations to access the legal system in order to receive advice and representation. She also spent time working for the Australian Indigenous Governance Institute researching best practice organizational governance. Escaping the summer heat of Sydney, Madeline returned “home” to the North Shore Mountains in December 2015.
Prior to articling with the Firm, Madeline was employed by large provincial union in BC, where she assisted the legal team with matters before arbitrators, mediators, and the BC Labour Relations Board. Her experience and keen understanding of the health sector gives her extra credibility in the healthcare field as compared to a generalist lawyer. Madeline has also assisted clients in many other sectors to improve their lives.
Everyone at this firm, as well as clients, love to work with Madeline. You likely will too.
In her spare moments, she enjoys spending time in the mountains, climbing or skiing with the Alpine Club of Canada.
We welcomed Madeline as an Articling Student in 2018 and she was called to the Bar in BC in October 2019.
Before articling in BC, Madeline was a fully trained lawyer in New South Wales, Australia. She obtained her Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice in 2015 from the College of Law in Sydney, following her graduation from the University of Wollongong with a joint Bachelor of Law and Bachelor of Commerce degree. During her studies in Sydney, Madeline interned for an organization assisting individuals and not for profit organizations to access the legal system in order to receive advice and representation. She also spent time working for the Australian Indigenous Governance Institute researching best practice organizational governance. Escaping the summer heat of Sydney, Madeline returned “home” to the North Shore Mountains in December 2015.
Prior to articling with the Firm, Madeline was employed by large provincial union in BC, where she assisted the legal team with matters before arbitrators, mediators, and the BC Labour Relations Board. Her experience and keen understanding of the health sector gives her extra credibility in the healthcare field as compared to a generalist lawyer. Madeline has also assisted clients in many other sectors to improve their lives.
Everyone at this firm, as well as clients, love to work with Madeline. You likely will too.
In her spare moments, she enjoys spending time in the mountains, climbing or skiing with the Alpine Club of Canada.
MADELINE HARDEN
Associate Lawyer
LL.B., B.Com.
REBECCA JACKSON
Barrister and Solicitor
LL.B. (Hon.), B.S.N. (Hon.), BSKin.
We are excited about Rebecca joining our team! Rebecca Jackson, LL.B (Honours), B.N. (Honours with Great Distinction), B.Sc. (Kinesiology) joined our Firm as an Articled Student on 3 September 2019. She obtained her law degree at the University of Sussex, in the UK in 2017. Thereafter, she successfully completed the National Committee of Accreditation exams through the Federation of Law Societies of Canada in order to be eligible to obtain a position as an Articling Student in Canada. Before Law School, Rebecca studied nursing graduating with a Bachelor in Nursing from the University of Lethbridge in 2012. In 2008, she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology at the University of Alberta. Between 2004 – 2005, she studied at Tezukayama Gakuin University in Osaka, Japan, where she studied Japanese art, culture, history, language, and multimedia. While studying in Japan, she somehow managed to find time to teach English, as well as train in Kyokushin Karate.
Until recently, Rebecca worked as a Registered Nurse for the Northern Health Authority at the Bulkley Valley District Hospital on an acute care unit, as well as in Home and Community Care in Smithers, BC. She previously worked as an RN for Alberta Health Services, Foothills Medical Centre, in Calgary, AB, in Medical Cardiology. While Rebecca will be dearly missed by her colleagues in nursing, she has promised to bring her pursuit of excellence and her commitment to care and compassion to assist our clients to resolve their legal challenges.
Aside from her impressive academic pursuits and her employment history, Rebecca enjoys both karate and kickboxing, when she isn’t dancing (ballroom and ballet), surfing, swimming, hiking or paddle boarding. She also enjoys playing the piano and baking.
We are pleased that Rebecca has chosen to launch her legal career with Labour Rights Law Office.
Superior communication skills is why Fatemeh Saidi excels in service to clients. Within the firm she is the administrative organizational wizard. We are fortunate that she is our linchpin for both clients and lawyers alike. Since 2011, she has been our central communications and organizational front-person for the Firm. As such, her self-confidence, approachable demeanor and her high-level of competence create a warm, straight forward, and helpful communication with clients.
Fatemeh is not an Olympic weightlifter, but when it comes to the law, she is a skilled power-lifter. Despite her heavy workload, she attends to the finest of details, which leaves our clients assured that they can trust and rely upon Labour Rights Law. Fatemeh has over 24 years of experience as a Legal Assistant, and the the quality of her work demonstrates the tremendous pride she takes in doing her job well. If you have interactions with Fatemeh, we know that you will be in good hands. She always uses discretion and sound judgement in handling sensitive and confidential client issues. And she’s never too busy to greet you with a smile!
Since Fatemeh has worked with Sebastien for more than 10 years, she is no stranger to leading edge technology, and has mastered the tools of the trade. Fatemeh is truly a “go-to” person at the Firm, a great resource, and a most valuable member of our team.
Fatemeh is fluent in Farsi and English. Outside of work, Fatemeh enjoys International travel as well as spending time with family, friends, and her canine companion “Ebony.” Her first name is pronounced “Fa-Tea-Ma”.
FATEMEH SAIDI
Paralegal
FATEMEH SAIDI
Paralegal
Superior communication skills is why Fatemeh Saidi excels in service to clients. Within the firm she is the administrative organizational wizard. We are fortunate that she is our linchpin for both clients and lawyers alike. Since 2011, she has been our central communications and organizational front-person for the Firm. As such, her self-confidence, approachable demeanor and her high-level of competence create a warm, straight forward, and helpful communication with clients.
Fatemeh is not an Olympic weightlifter, but when it comes to the law, she is a skilled power-lifter. Despite her heavy workload, she attends to the finest of details, which leaves our clients assured that they can trust and rely upon Labour Rights Law. Fatemeh has over 24 years of experience as a Legal Assistant, and the the quality of her work demonstrates the tremendous pride she takes in doing her job well. If you have interactions with Fatemeh, we know that you will be in good hands. She always uses discretion and sound judgement in handling sensitive and confidential client issues. And she’s never too busy to greet you with a smile!
Since Fatemeh has worked with Sebastien for more than 10 years, she is no stranger to leading edge technology, and has mastered the tools of the trade. Fatemeh is truly a “go-to” person at the Firm, a great resource, and a most valuable member of our team.
Fatemeh is fluent in Farsi and English. Outside of work, Fatemeh enjoys International travel as well as spending time with family, friends, and her canine companion “Ebony.” Her first name is pronounced “Fa-Tea-Ma”.
LAURA RAPOSO
Office Manager and Paralegal
Laura has a strong understanding of the many facets of operating a law office. She keeps everyone in our office on track, including the lawyers and partners (which she says is similar to herding cats). She has worked as a legal administrative assistant, paralegal, bookkeeper, and is now our Office Manager.
She has learned these skills by obtaining a Legal Secretary Certificate, a Paralegal Certificate, and has several years of experience working in law offices. Most importantly, she loves a challenge and she has a tremendous appetite for knowledge. Her positive attitude is infectious with staff and lawyers alike, which makes her very easy to work with and a valuable member of our team. Vendors and clients love working with her too, as she is direct, practical, confident, and compassionate.
Laura takes on complex assignments, gathers information, researches legal issues, meets tight deadlines, and delivers superior performance. If we need a painter to spruce up the office, a bartender for a Firm gathering, a legal brief reviewed, a budget-forecast, or answers to questions about invoices, Laura makes it happen. Yes, she is a precious member of the Labour Rights Law Office.
Laura was born in Chilliwack and raised in Kitimat, BC. In the little spare time she has, she enjoys running, biking, music, and photography. Her family is at the top of her love list, as she enjoys spending time with her husband, kids, Laia (her dog), and her family in Kitimat.