Alana Hughes

When it comes to finding the right lawyer, it can feel like you're rolling the dice. But honestly, I believe that legal battles aren’t just about who can shout the loudest or play the toughest game. Instead, it’s about understanding people, being approachable, and finding common ground—things that often lead to better outcomes. That’s where I come in. My team and I have built our reputation by being hardworking, fair, and genuinely invested in the cases we handle. We’ve seen firsthand how treating everyone with respect—clients, opposing parties, and colleagues—can make all the difference.

Here's a quick rundown of what I bring to the table:

Mediation: If you're looking for a more collaborative approach to resolving a dispute, mediation might be the way to go. It's all about getting everyone around the table with a neutral third party to hash things out and find a middle ground that everyone can live with.

Med-Arb: A mix of mediation and arbitration, Med-Arb kicks off with an attempt to settle things through mediation. If that doesn’t get us across the finish line, we transition straight into arbitration, where a binding decision gets made. It’s a way to keep things efficient and avoid dragging disputes through the courts.

Arbitration: For disputes that require a more formal approach but without the hassle of traditional litigation, arbitration offers a faster, binding resolution from an impartial arbitrator. It’s particularly useful for complex issues where you need a definitive answer without spending years fighting it out.

Workplace Investigations: I handle in-depth, unbiased investigations into workplace and sexual violence claims for employers, universities, and Indigenous organizations. My role is to ensure that these entities fulfill their responsibilities while taking these complaints seriously and fostering safe environments.

Policy Reviews: Got policies that need a second look? I can help workplaces and educational institutions review and enhance their policies to make sure they’re up to date and compliant with current laws and best practices.

Personal Injury Cases: Due to recent changes with the ICBC system, I’m no longer handling most motor vehicle accident claims in BC. But if you’ve been injured in other ways, like on private property, in a civil case for sexual assault, from a defective product, or due to any kind of negligence, I’m here to help. I still offer free initial consultations to see if there’s a way forward for you.

Wills and Estate Planning: At Forward Law, we’ve got a dedicated crew that specializes in wills and estate planning. Whether you need to get your affairs in order, set up a trust, or make sure your loved ones are protected after you're gone, we’ve got your back with personalized solutions that meet your needs.

I’ve always been known for being a good listener, someone who genuinely cares and takes a thoughtful approach to every case. What sets me apart is my combination of compassion, common sense, and a bit of humor—I find that’s often the key to making tough situations a little easier. If that sounds like the kind of lawyer you’d want on your side, feel free to reach out. You can email me at [email protected] or call me at 250-434-2333.

Specialties:

• Dispute resolution (mediation, med-arb, arbitration)

• Workplace investigations and policy review

• General negligence and injury cases

• Wills and estate planning

Credentials:

• LLB from the University of Saskatchewan (2007)

• LLM Candidate at Osgoode Hall Law School (2025)

• Certified in Mediation and Arbitration through ADR BC

If you’re looking for someone who brings a human touch to the law, I’m here to help.