James Hsu
Who I Represent + How I Help
James (he/him) is the Head of Employer Services at PortaLaw. As an employment and workplace lawyer, James advises both employers and employees on all aspects of the workplace.
James primarily works hand in hand with smaller to mid-sized organizations from a range of industries, both in the profit and non-profit sectors, with operations across the country. An important part of James’ practice is providing real-time advice to clients who may not have in-house employment counsel or a human resources department.
His clients include:
service-based businesses (engineering, architecture, finance, consulting, law firms, counselling, massage therapy, physiotherapy, construction, repair and maintenance, daycares, coaching, teaching, real estate and property management),
retail businesses,
software and technology companies,
restaurants and bars,
Indigenous organizations (both profit and non-profit), and
non-profit organizations, including with volunteer boards.
The common thread among James’ clients 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 buying a business.
During employment, including performance management and discipline, managing medical accommodations, regulatory compliance (employment standards, human rights, occupational health and safety), preparing and advising on policies and procedures, updating agreements and dispute management.
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 includes advocating for workers. As part of this, he advises professionals with complex compensation packages (such as variable compensation and equity), including around entering and exiting organizations.
When necessary, James will also bring or defend legal claims filed in BC Supreme Court, BC Provincial Court (Small Claims), at employment standards tribunals (both provincial and federal), at human rights tribunals (both provincial and federal) along with at WorkSafeBC (including Prohibited Action complaints).
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Before 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, who strives to find balance between impactful work and enjoying life.
Community involvement is important to James, and within the firm, he manages PortaLaw’s monthly pro bono summary clinic, the OpenPorta Employment Law Clinic. Outside of the firm, James serves on the board of directors for S.U.C.C.E.S.S., one of the largest social services agencies in Canada which provides important services to newcomers to Canada, seniors care and affordable housing services. James also serves on the board of directors of the Hsu and Hsieh Foundation, which supports various causes through grants, scholarships, bursaries, and donations. James is a partner with Social Venture Partners (SVP) Vancouver, which supports non-profits through a venture philanthropy model, and he volunteers with Jewish Family Services.
Outside of work, you can find James on the tennis court, ski hill, on a bike, or seeking out a new restaurant.
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Employer Advice
Employee Advice
Dismissals + Severance
Non-Competition + Non-Solicitation Agreements
Negotiation, Mediation + Dispute Resolution + Litigation
Workplace Relations + Conflict Resolution + Litigation
Legal Compliance for Human Resources
Bullying + Harassment
Sexual Harassment
Accommodation + Disability Management
Employment Contracts + Workplace Policies
Occupational Health + Safety
Innovative + Accessible Legal Services
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Law Society of BC, 2017
University of British Columbia, J.D., 2016
University of British Columbia, Bachelor of Arts, 2013
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Presenter, Damages vs. Debt, Mitigation in Fixed Term Contracts, CLEBC, 2026
Guest Lecturer, Human Rights in Recreational Management, Langara College Department of Recreation Studies, 2026
Presenter, Inside the Grey Zone: Real-Life Lessons on Performance and Cultural Accommodation in Indigenous Workplaces, Human Resources Management for Indigenous Communities, 2025
Co-Author, When your Residential Tenant is also your Employee, CLEBC, 2025
Presenter, Utilizing Employment Documents within Indigenous Workplaces, Human Resources Management for Indigenous Communities, 2024
Keynote Presenter, Approaches to Problem Solving, CPHR BC + Yukon, Vancouver Legal Symposium, 2024
LinkedIN Live Guest, BC Pay Transparency Act 101 – Salary Transparency and the Job Search, the Modern Job Hunt by Ryan Fetterly, 2024
Podcast Guest, Taking a Break and Throwing your Own Party with James Hsu, Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers BC, 2024
Podcast Host, From Almost Leaving Law to Partnership with Albert Klein, Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers BC, 2021
Co-Author, Recent Employment Standards Act Amendments Enhance Leaves and Enforcement, PeopleTalk, 2019
In addition, James regularly provides in-house presentations for his clients on various workplace issues.
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James Hsu is an absolute star if you're looking for an employment lawyer. He is thoughtful in his communication, his response time is impeccable, and his advice is not only spot on but straight forward to understand for a non-lawyer business owner. On any engagement, he is clear on what is proposed and what the deliverable will be. I can't recommend James and PortaLaw enough.
James provided exceptional guidance during a challenging employment situation. His strategic approach balanced legal expertise with practical solutions, helping me achieve a positive outcome efficiently. He was clear about options, respectful of my goals, and genuinely invested in finding the best path forward. Highly recommend for anyone navigating workplace issues in BC.
James Hsu is an exceptional lawyer who helped me through a challenging legal matter. He was recommended to me by a colleague and completely exceeded my expectations. James was knowledgeable, kind, and had answers to all my questions. He provided clear explanations, offered realistic advice, and demonstrated a deep understanding of my needs. I'd highly recommend James for any legal matters without hesitation.
