Alana Hughes

WHY SHOULD YOU CHOOSE ME?

I practise exclusively in workplace and employment law, acting for both employees and employers across British Columbia. My work spans the full lifecycle of workplace disputes and relationships, including litigation, mediation, arbitration, workplace investigations, and strategic advice.

I regularly represent clients in wrongful dismissal and constructive dismissal claims, human rights matters, employment contract disputes, and complex workplace conflicts. I also assist employers with policy development and review, risk management, and navigating difficult employment issues before they escalate into litigation.

In addition to advocacy, I bring extensive experience as a neutral. I act as a mediator and arbitrator, including in Med-Arb processes, offering parties efficient, practical, and principled dispute resolution tailored to the realities of the workplace. I also conduct independent workplace investigations, including investigations into harassment and sexual violence, for employers, academic institutions, and Indigenous organizations. My investigations are thorough, impartial, and grounded in procedural fairness.

Known for being a careful listener, I bring a calm, reasoned approach to emotionally charged workplace disputes. Clients value my ability to balance empathy with strategic thinking while never losing sight of the human impact of conflict.

I approach each situation with a blend of reason and intelligence, and my knack for fair decision-making really sets me apart. If you’re seeking a lawyer who combines compassion with determination and a dash of good humour, I may be the right fit for you.

EXPERTISE AND SERVICES:

Mediation

• Facilitated negotiation with a neutral third party.

Arbitration

• Binding decision by a neutral arbitrator. This is suitable for complex disputes requiring a formal binding decision.  This is an efficient way to avoid the traditional litigation path, and allows for a timely conclusion to your client’s dispute.

Med-Arb

• A combination of mediation and arbitration, Med-Arb begins with a customized process tailored to the unique aspects of your client’s dispute. We first attempt to resolve the issue through mediation. If mediation is unsuccessful, we then move to binding arbitration, providing a streamlined and efficient resolution.

Workplace Investigations

• I conduct thorough impartial Investigations under workplace and sexual violence policies for employers, academic institutions, and Indigenous bands. My goal is to ensure these organizations meet their obligations and take workplace harassment and sexual violence complaints seriously.

Policy Review

• I am always happy to assist workplaces and educational institutions in reviewing and improving their existing policies.

Personal Injury Litigation

• As this area of law has changed under our current ICBC system, I am no longer able to assist most people injured in motor vehicle accidents within BC. If you have been injured in another way, and your injury is the fault of someone else, I am still offering free initial consults to see if there is any way I can assist.  These types of injuries include such things as injuries that occur because of dangers located on private property, civil cases for sexual assaults, product malfunctions and various other injuries that occur as the result of negligence.

Support for Survivors of Federal Indian Hospitals

• Having supported many Survivors through the Indian Residential Schools settlement process, I understand how deeply personal it is to revisit the past, and I’m committed to walking alongside you at your own pace — with respect, clarity, and compassion. I can assist by explaining eligibility, preparing and submitting claims, trauma-informed interview support, document assistance, and ongoing communication with the claim’s administrator, so Survivors and their families never have to navigate the process alone.

AREAS OF PRACTICE

• • • • • • • • Dispute Resolution (mediation, med-arb, arbitration)
              • Workplace Investigations
            • Workplace Policy Review
            • General Injuries Caused by Negligence
            • Wills and Estate Planning
            • Support for Survivors of Federal Indian Hospitals

QUALIFICATIONS

• • • • LLB 2007, University of Saskatchewan
      • Called to the Bar of British Columbia, 2008
      • Mediation, Alternative Dispute Resolutions Institute of British Columbia, 2023
      • Arbitration, Alternative Dispute Resolutions Institute of British Columbia, 2024
      • LLM, Osgoode Hall Law School, 2025
      • Certificate in Law Teaching, Osgood Hall Law School, 2025