Fiona H Mcfarlane Email & Phone Number

Vancouver, Bc, Ca

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Fiona H. McFarlane (she/her) and the Workplace Investigation team assist clients when discord occurs in the workplace, specifically we conduct third party neutral investigations and assessments using culturally and trauma informed practices. Working to provide employers with facts, Fiona aims to provide information and legal analysis so balance can be restored in the workplace and solutions are sustainable.

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Responsible, as part of a team, for the research and analysis of legal issues and the development of policy options for the Benchers and Law Society departments and provides support to Law Society Committees and Task Forces. Duties include: • Drafting reports and presentations to Benchers, including the Truth and Reconciliation Advisory Committee and the Ethics and Lawyer Independence Advisory Committees.• Collaborated with the Senior Advisor, Indigenous Engagement in the development and delivery of an internal lunch and learn called The Road to the IERM [Indigenous Engagement in Regulatory Matters] Report. • Providing policy analysis on programs and proposals, such as amendments to the Law Society Rules and 2023 Member’s resolutions. • Providing opinions on points of law.

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

I design, conduct, and manage complex research and analytical projects with respect to policy and regulation issues, including legal, practice advice, and practice development. My role requires me to research and develop comprehensive policy, regulation, strategic, and quality initiatives and other divisional and corporate practice and process proposals to support legislative, regulatory, and policy requirements/amendments and functional practice requirements. In addition, I present draft proposals for the Senior Executive Committee, Board of Directors or other committees for consideration and approval and prepare memoranda, guidelines, and other materials related to compensation, assessment, and prevention matters.My role requires me to work with internal stakeholders to problem solve, and effectively communicate in writing and when presenting information orally to a variety of audiences.

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

As a general employment lawyer, I combined a keen litigator mindset with a careful consideration of the context to reach practical, positive outcomes for my clients. My practice was a mixed employee and employer practice. Helping employers and employees navigate their sometimes rocky employment relationships, my focus was on empowering clients to eventually no longer need my legal advice and support. My background in both the public and private sectors mad me an excellent fit for businesses and workers operating in traditional industries and more contemporary markets.

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

At Rubin Thomlinson, I conducted workplace investigations into allegations of harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying, and other problematic workplace behaviour. In addition, I provided workplace investigation and human rights training to staff at all levels.

Vancouver

As Government Counsel, my cases involved legal issues relating to the decisions and actions of government, particularly in relation to Aboriginal law. Within this role, I appeared at the BC Supreme Court, the Federal Court of Canada, and the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal. A major part of my work was representing the Canadian government in over 200 cases through the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement. Other examples of my work include: + Obtained a multi-million settlement against Bowater Forest Products for rent arrears and monies to remediate environmental damage. + Represented government in several human rights cases where the complainant had a possessory interest in reserve land. + Managed the first 18 months of document production for a large, multi-department litigation in the BC Supreme Court, resulting in thousands of documents being produced. + Represented the federal government in an action launched by a First Nation over soil contamination on their reserve.

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Based in Ottawa, I was also junior government counsel at the Commission of Inquiry into the Investigation of the Air India Flight 182 bombing, and represented the government in Pension Appeal Board hearings across the country.

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

I reviewed documents for Cabinet confidences and provided legal advice.

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

I worked for Public Works and Government Services Canada on the Commission of Inquiry into Sponsorship Program and Advertising Activities. When the hearings moved from Ottawa to Montreal, I joined the Cabinet Confidences/ Counsel section in the Privy Council Office.

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Throughout my law career, I have always maintained a strong interest in employment and privacy law. During a year-long sabbatical from my work at the Government of Canada, I had the opportunity to work with Alliance Lex Law Corporation where I conducted legal research and prepared analysis on privacy issues and compliance obligations for senior counsel. I also managed a client caseload where I provided strategic legal advice on litigation options.

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

During my time at Foreign Affairs, I wrote briefing notes and other policy documents related to peacekeeping, nuclear disarmament and the United Nations General Assembly. I also attended several meetings in New York while Canada was part of the United Nations Security Council.

Bachelor Of Laws (Ll.B.), Law

New Media Journalism Certificate, Journalism

Bachelor Of Arts (B.A.), Geography & Political Science

Political Science And Government