Paula Krawus

She/Her | Cofounder, Lawyer

604-332-6126
paula@portalaw.ca

English, French, Polish

    

Who I Represent + How I Help

Paula (she/her) is an employment lawyer who advises both employers and employees on all aspects of the workplace. Working with clients on both sides of the employment relationship gives her a valuable perspective. She understands the practical realities that shape workplace dynamics and disputes. Paula helps her clients anticipate how the other side is likely to think, what they may push for, what they may resist, and where there may be room to find common ground.

Professionals, managers and senior leaders should hire Paula when negotiating new contracts or reviewing severance agreements. Paula helps employees participating in internal HR investigations or experiencing discrimination.

She helps small and medium-sized employers structure their workplaces in ways that not only meet their legal obligations but go beyond them. She works with businesses and nonprofits to build fair, sustainable workplaces where both leaders and employees can enjoy their day-to-day work and find genuine job satisfaction.

Paula has experience helping employers and employees across all industries in BC, and has knowledge and insight in: regulated professionals and services (dentistry, medicine, real estate, architecture, engineering, and law); paramedical (counselling, therapy, physiotherapy and massage therapy); fashion, lifestyle and retail; real estate and property management; construction and general contracting; high technology; and First Nations organizations.

When necessary, Paula represents clients in court and tribunals. She regularly litigates in the BC Supreme Court, BC Provincial Court, the Employment Standards Branch, the Human Rights Tribunal, WorkSafeBC, the Federal Labour Programme and the Canadian Human Rights Commission (and Tribunal).

  • At her core, Paula is a people person. She is known for being approachable, charismatic, and a thoughtful listener, qualities that help her quickly understand what her clients are going through and what matters most to them. Whether she is advising an employer managing a difficult workplace issue or an employee navigating a challenging career moment, Paula brings a practical, steady approach to helping clients move forward.

    Paula believes that strong workplace relationships are rooted in fairness and respect. When those foundations are present, both employers and employees are far more likely to succeed over the long term. 

    Outside of the office, Paula is predictable Vancouverite. You’ll find her skiing, hiking, or bopping around local coffee shops in search of the best brew in town. She enjoys taking in the city’s art and culture, as well as satiating her curiosity by travelling abroad.

    • Employee Advice + Litigation

    • Employer Advice + Litigation

    • Dismissals + Severance

    • Negotiation, Mediation + Dispute Resolution

    • Workplace Relations + Conflict Resolution

    • Legal Compliance for Human Resources

    • Bullying + Harassment

    • Accommodation and Disability Management

    • Employment Contracts + Workplace Policies

    • Occupational Health + Safety

    • Innovative + Accessible Legal Services

    • Law Society of BC, 2016

    • University of Ottawa, J.D., LL.L, 2015

    • Simon Fraser University, Bachelor of Arts, 2012

    • Paula and her team are smart, trauma informed, and helpful beyond expectations.

    • I'm so furtunate worked with Paula and her team at PortaLaw, they are very responsive, collaborative and absolutely professional, they walked me through all the process and options I have and guided me through a very successful journey which reached a great result exceeded my expectation! Thanks Paula and your teaｍ! You're amazing!

    • Paula Krawus is not only competent and professional, I also felt her sincerity and care throughout the whole process. She made sure I understood the whole ordeal and followed up to make sure I got everything that was agreed upon. I would recommend PortaLaw to anyone seeking their services.

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