Melanie Samuels

Melanie Samuels has carved a distinguished path in the legal field, dedicating over three decades to labor and employment law. At Singleton Urquhart Reynolds Vogel LLP, she holds a pivotal role, steering the Employment and Labour Group as its Chair while also serving as the Co-Chair for both the Diversity and Inclusivity and Strategic Planning Committees. Breaking new ground, Melanie became the inaugural female member of the firm's Management Committee. Her expertise extends to advising on a broad spectrum of workplace issues, ranging from employee discipline and dismissal to the crafting of employment contracts and policies. Moreover, Melanie is an authority on navigating human rights matters, including harassment and the obligation to accommodate.

Melanie's expertise particularly shines in the creative sectors, such as the film and music industries, where she is instrumental in shaping harassment policies. She offers guidance on establishing workplace protocols to address bullying and harassment effectively. Her involvement doesn't stop at advice; she actively engages with employers to probe into these claims, offering strategies to tackle such challenging issues. Melanie's insights on workplace concerns like bullying and harassment are sought after, making her a regular speaker and trainer committed to promoting respectful work environments across various industries.

Her proficiency also spans business-related immigration issues, where Melanie adeptly handles labour market impact assessments, exemption applications, and permits for work and temporary residence. She navigates the intricacies of Permanent Residency Applications, including Provincial Nominee Programs, Canadian Experience Class, Express Entry, and Federal Skilled Worker Programs. Melanie's support extends to Spousal and Family Sponsorships and Rehabilitation Applications, showcasing her versatility in legal matters.

As a recognized voice in workplace law, Melanie frequently shares her knowledge with the legal community and various industry groups. Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts from Lee College (University of Judaism/UCLA) in 1986 and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of British Columbia in 1989. She was called to the Bar of British Columbia in 1990. Her excellence in litigation has earned her a spot as a "Litigation Star" in Benchmark Canada – The Definitive Guide to Canada’s Leading Litigation Firms & Attorneys.

Melanie's legal practice spans several key areas, including employment and labor, immigration, corporate commercial, and entertainment law, reflecting her comprehensive expertise and commitment to legal excellence.