About Us
Howard Chern Employment Law represents the natural evolution of Geoffrey Howard’s more than 30 years of employment law practice and Sebastian Chern’s 8 years of employment law practise.
Geoff started out in employment law as a junior lawyer in Toronto representing mainly employees, pursuing their wrongful dismissal claims and learning the ropes in civil litigation. On returning to his native Vancouver in 1994, Geoff knew he wanted to focus on employment law.
While working at the growing Vancouver office of international law firm Gowlings as an associate and then a partner for over 18 years, he gained broader business and commercial litigation experience, which he put to use when advising his growing employer client base. After stints at leading local employment and business boutique firms, he was ready to fulfill a longstanding ambition of starting his own firm in September 2020, forming Howard Employment Law (now Howard Chern Employment Law).
Geoff was delighted his legal assistant Nikki Morrow jumped at the opportunity to “join him in HEL”, where she helps set up firm systems to better serve our clients and also handles on office administration and accounting responsibilities as Office Coordinator. His wife Marie-Claire manages the finances and operations of the firm.
Sebastian joined the firm on day one as an Associate and has built strong practice skills, in-depth knowledge of employment law, while demonstrating a strong client service ethic. A natural business developer, he has formed his own client base while giving back as an executive of the local chapter of the Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers.
His days in “HEL” ended June 1, 2026, when he became a partner/shareholder and we changed our name to “Howard Chern Employment Law”.
Founder Geoffrey Howard brings more than 30 years of experience in employment and labour law matters, representing clients in employment-related business and commercial litigation.
OUR VALUES
At HCEL, our core values are simple:
- Dedication to client service, including regular communications, prompt responses to client emails and calls, and always keeping cost in mind when advising clients on their next step.
- Delivering high quality work product within a practical framework that is grounded in our clients’ business needs.
- A relaxed but professional style.
- We believe every employer, from the small local firm to the multi-national, and every level of employee is entitled to the same high level of service.
- We like to help non-profits. Geoff has been advising a long list of non-profits for many years. HCEL extends special fee arrangements to non-profits.
- Nous parlons francais! Geoff is French, speaks and writes fluent French and enjoys the opportunity to advise francophone clients, as well as assisting English-speaking clients with issues in Québec.
“Geoff has been excellent to work with, and offers proactive and practical solutions. Geoff has become a valued member of our team by offering these legal services!”
R.B.