Jeffrey Bastien

In Dentons' Vancouver bureau, Jeff Bastien plays a crucial role as a legal advisor within the Employment and Labour sector. Jeff offers strategic counsel to employers on a broad spectrum of employment, labour, and human rights issues. His expertise covers guiding employers through complex legal scenarios, including the recruitment and dismissal of employees, crafting employment agreements, devising workplace policies, ensuring compliance with employment standards, and navigating occupational health and safety requirements. Jeff also delves into the intricacies of human rights, accommodation duties, privacy concerns, and the legal ramifications of business restructuring and transactions.

Jeff's prowess extends to litigation and dispute resolution, where he champions the cause of his clients in cases of wrongful dismissal, human rights complaints, and breaches of post-employment restrictions. His litigation experience spans appearances across all judicial levels in British Columbia, as well as before various boards, tribunals, and in proceedings before the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for British Columbia.

His professional journey is marked by notable advisory roles to prestigious clients. Jeff advised Motorola Solutions, Inc., in its acquisition of Envysion, Inc., provided legal support to a maritime transportation firm during a strategic acquisition, and guided Herschend Family Entertainment Corporation through employment issues related to its purchase of the Vancouver Aquarium. His legal acumen has led to significant victories in court and before tribunals, including the dismissal of several high-profile cases against The Salvation Army and successful defense against wrongful dismissal claims.

Jeff's contributions to legal knowledge include co-authoring articles on emerging legal trends, such as the impact of British Columbia’s Non-Disclosure Agreements Act on workplace investigations, and discussing the personal liability of directors and officers for unpaid wages. His insights into changes in Canadian employment and labour law reflect his deep understanding of the field.

An active member of the legal community, Jeff engages in various subsections of the Canadian Bar Association and regularly shares his knowledge through webinars and conferences, covering topics from employment law developments to the legal aspects of COVID-19 workplace management.

Jeff's educational background includes a Juris Doctor and a Bachelor of Science from the University of British Columbia, further solidifying his foundation in law and his analytical approach to legal challenges. Since his admission to the British Columbia bar in 2013, Jeff has been recognized for his significant contributions to corporate and commercial litigation, earning accolades from his peers and industry publications.