About Veronica
Veronica brings more than 30 years of legal experience to mediating workplace, business and commercial disputes. Her practice focuses on, but is not limited to, matters in which the parties are represented by legal counsel or supported by professional advisors, whether before formal proceedings begin or once a claim, complaint or grievance is underway.
Veronica mediates disputes involving:
- wrongful dismissal and other employment claims
- workplace human rights complaints
- harassment and workplace conflict
- grievances and other labour relations matters, including collective bargaining impasses
- board governance disputes
- business, commercial and tenancy disputes
Veronica holds the Q.Med designation from the ADR Institute of Canada, is a member of ADRBC and has served as a contract mediator with the B.C. Human Rights Tribunal. She works with the parties and their counsel before the session to understand the issues, interests at stake and any obstacles to settlement, so the mediation begins with a clear sense of what needs to be resolved. She is well prepared, patient and thoughtful, with a creative approach to problem solving, and is candid when candour will help the parties reach a durable, practical resolution. Her aim is to help the parties reach an outcome they can accept and their advisors can confidently recommend.
Veronica has represented both individual and employer clients in court, through to the Court of Appeal, and before administrative tribunals in human rights, employment standards, occupational health and safety, privacy and tenancy matters. Her labour relations experience includes grievance arbitration, collective bargaining and complaints before labour and industrial relations boards. This background gives her a clear understanding of litigation risk, cost and timing, as well as the tangible and intangible pressures on counsel, advisors and their clients. She is comfortable navigating complex, multi-party interests. Throughout her career, Veronica has emphasized proactive conflict resolution and has favoured mediated over litigated outcomes.
Veronica’s perspective on workplace, business and commercial disputes is also informed by her work as a Human Resources Manager for Western Canada, founding and leading her own law firm for over 16 years, serving on and advising boards, and owning a strata commercial building. She understands the practical, financial and relationship considerations that shape decisions in these matters.
Veronica continues to provide legal advice and related human resources support to select clients and has a formal role within the firm as an internal advisor. Her experience of being a business owner and employer, and her understanding of workplace law together with her sensitivity to the dynamics of workplace relationships, helps the firm’s lawyers and its clients build productive, long-term working relationships and keeps her mediation practice grounded.
Outside of work, Veronica enjoys the outdoors and fitness pursuits. She likes to wind down with yoga, a novel, time at her piano or a long walk with her dog.
Based in the Okanagan and Calgary, Veronica mediates in person and by video conference. She welcomes inquiries about whether a matter is a good fit.
Email Veronica: [email protected]