Nicole Byres is a partner of the firm and Chair of the Labour and Employment Practice Group. Her practice focuses on Labour Relations & Employment Law, including the bargaining, drafting and enforcement of collective agreements, arbitrations, human rights and employment standards issues, wrongful dismissal claims and health and safety (WCB) issues.

With a strong background in business litigation Nicole has appeared before various administrative tribunals, the British Columbia Utilities Commission, and at all levels of courts in BC. She also has extensive experience in the regulation, generation, transmission, sales and export of electrical energy, and is one of the founding directors of British Columbia Transmission Corporation. Prior to joining Clark Wilson, Nicole spent 13 years as in-house counsel with an integrated mining, refining, and energy generation company, and 9 years in private practice with a focus on business litigation.

Through her years of experience as in-house counsel, and through her service to various Boards and Committees, Nicole understands the importance of delivering cost-effective and practical legal advice and solutions, and regularly provides strategic business and corporate governance advice. Nicole has been recognized in "Women in the Lead" (2004, 2006 and 2008), a Canadian directory of women whose professional expertise and experience recommend them as candidates for corporate board appointments.

Nicole obtained her Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of British Columbia in 1982, and in addition has had in-depth business management training, including completion of the Executive Program at the Richard Ivey School of Business in 1995.

Labour

Negotiating and drafting collective agreements and other Letters of Understanding relating to benefits and pensions, trade & job flexibility, contracting out and open shop tendering.

Acting for employers requiring injunctive relief from illegal picketing and strikes.

Leading enforcement proceedings including civil & criminal contempt applications.

Advising parties on union successorship issues upon purchase and sale of businesses.

Representing employers at grievance arbitrations.

Advising on bargaining in bad faith, unfair representation, certification and decertification issues.

Successfully defending employers in unfair labour applications.

Employment

Advising employers on employment agreements and policies, and structuring severance packages.

Advising employers on issues relating to employees with disabilities, return to work programs and accommodation.

Advising employers on progressive discipline, attendance management programs and termination of employees.

Acting for employers in wrongful dismissal actions.

Providing advice to employers on confidentiality, non-competition and non-solicitation agreements.

Advising employers and boards of directors on fiduciary obligations of officers and directors.

Advising employers on WCB accident, disability and pension benefits applications and appeals, as well as during accident investigations and prosecutions.

Advising employers on Heath & Safety issues, including return to work programs and long term disability.

Human Rights

Advising employers with respect to all stages of human rights complaints including internal and external investigations, and settlement conferences & hearings.

Drafting workplace harassment policies which include company specific procedures for dealing with employee complaints.

President's Strategic Advisory Council, The University of British Columbia (2007-present)

Canadian Bar Association: Vice Chair, BC Branch, Women Lawyers Forum Executive (2009-present) – Chair, BC Branch, Work Life Balance Committee (2004-2006) – Co-Chair, BC Branch, Childcare Special Committee (2002-2004) -- Member, BC Branch, Steering Committee President's Forum (2001).

British Columbia Transmission Corporation: Chair, Corporate Governance Committee (2006-2010) – Director (2003-2010).

University of British Columbia: Board of Govenors (2002-2008) – Member, Executive Committee (2003-2008) – External Vice-Chair (2005-2008) – Chair, Finance Committee (2005-2008) – Chair, Governance Committee (2006-2008) – Member, President Selection Committee (2005-2006) – Chair, Property and Planning Committee (2003-2005) – Member, Board of Governors-GVRD Joint committee (2003-2005) – Vice President & Provost Selection Committee (2003).

UBC Investment Management Trust Inc: Director (2005-2009) -- Member, Governance Committee (2008-2009) -- Member, Human Resources Committee (2005-2008).

Catholic Independent Schools: Director, Nelson Diocese Society (1999-2001).

St. Michael's Catholic School Council: (1997-2002); Chair (1999-2001)

VSE/CDNX Committee for Discipline hearings Chairperson (1997-2000)

Law Society of British Columbia (1983- )

Canadian Bar Association (1983- )

CBA, Corporate Counsel Association (1986- )

BC Human Resources Management Association (2009-)

Canadian Association of University Solicitors (2009-)

Canadian Association of Counsel for Employers ("CACE") (2008- )

Kootenay Bar Association (1984-2005); Secretary (1985-1986); Treasurer (1986-1987)