Sebastian Chern
Associate
“Whether the file is routine or complex, Sebastian works tirelessly to deliver effective advocacy and advice aligned with client goals.”
Sebastian Chern is an Associate with Howard Employment Law. Practicing in employment and labour law, Sebastian provides strategic and practical solutions and advice for workplace issues to both employers and employees.
He represents clients in employment-related litigation and disputes in the BC Supreme Court and Small Claims Court, the Human Rights Tribunal and the Employment Standards Branch, where he has appeared as counsel numerous times. Sebastian provides cost-effective service at HEL, particularly for employee clients.
Prior to joining Howard Employment Law, Sebastian practiced at Chilliwack boutique civil litigation firm, advising and representing a diverse range of clients with employment law problems and claims. He also represented parties in real property, construction, and corporate commercial disputes and litigation.
Born in South Africa, Sebastian moved to Vancouver at a young age. After receiving an English Literature degree from UBC, he attended law school at the University of Victoria, where he also participated in the Law Centre clinic program as a temporary articling student.
Outside of practising law, Sebastian is a now-retired rugby player and coach who still supports his South African Springboks. He now enjoys the gentler pleasures of surfing, fishing, camping, and weightlifting.
Sebastian is also actively involved in the legal community. As a Director-at-Large for the Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers, Sebastian is committed to advancing the interests of the Asian Canadian legal community and promoting diversity and inclusion in the legal profession. Sebastian is an active member of the organization’s Mentorship and Advocacy Committees, where he uses his experience and expertise to support and guide the next generation of lawyers and advocate for the rights of marginalized communities.
Education & Credentials
- Call to the Bar: British Columbia, 2018
- University of Victoria, 2017, J.D.
- University of British Columbia, 2013, B.A.
Publications
- Contributing Author, FACL BC Position Paper on the Proposed Legal Professionals Regulatory Modernization
- Contributing Author, The CanLII Manual to British Columbia Civil Litigation
- Co-Author and Panelist, Post-COVID Constructive Dismissal Update, Employment Law Conference 2023, CLE BC
- Sebastian is co-author of HEL’s regular Employer Alerts and Blog Posts on employment law topics.
” I have recommended Howard Employment Law to many colleagues and will continue to do so. Thank you for your assistance and support.”
M.L.