James Hsu

Head of Employer Services, Lawyer

604-913-5332
james@portalaw.ca

James (he/him) is the Head of Employer Services at PortaLaw. His employer and management clients come from a range of industries, both in the profit and non-profit sectors, with operations across the country. The common thread is that they all value treating their own people and others with respect as a part of their business practices. 

James helps his clients navigate the entire lifecycle of the employment relationship:

• The hiring process, including drafting and negotiating employment agreements, advising on compensation arrangements, and advising on bringing in workers when purchasing a business. 

• During employment, including performance management and discipline, managing the medical accommodations, regulatory compliance(employment standards, human rights, occupational health and safety), preparing and advising on policies and procedures, updating agreements and dispute management.

  An important part of James’ practice is providing real-time advice on the all aspects of human resources issues, to clients who may not have in-house employment counsel or a human resources department.

•  The end of employment (and post-employment matters), including advising on dismissals and negotiated departures, defending, pursuing, and resolving post-employment disputes, along with ending employment within a sale of a business.

A smaller part of James’ practice still includes advocating for workers. He represents professionals with complex compensation packages, including variable compensation and equity stake. He advises key employees and fiduciaries around entering and exiting organizations, particularly when their employment roles overlap with business ownership.  

Prior to finding his place at PortaLaw,  James worked at a large national law firm, a boutique business law firm and as in-house counsel to an e-commerce technology company.  He believes delivering legal services should be guided by three H’s.  We need to be Helpful, providing practical and cost-effective solutions; we must be Honest, whether with the advice our clients need to hear or transparency about fees; and we should also take a Human approach in our practice that’s responsive to others’ individual needs.   

In addition, James is generally a Happy guy.  Outside of work, you can find James on the tennis court, ski hill, on a bike or seeking out a new restaurant.  He also volunteers with S.U.C.C.E.S.S., Social Venture Partners and Jewish Family Services - in addition to managing PortaLaw's monthly pro bono summary clinic, the OpenPorta Employment Law Clinic.