Legal Services Prince George British Columbia
HSJ Lawyers LLP was founded in 1971 to serve the legal needs in B.C.’s Central Interior.
After 50 years, we have grown into a law firm with 15 lawyers and 25 staff to serve Northern B.C. in all major areas of law.
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Solutions for businesses and individuals
HSJ stands alone in Northern BC, because we stand together.
This law firm is deeply integrated into the Prince George community, HSJ is also an integrated community of its own, with many diverse lawyers, top-tier articling students, a team of skilled paralegals and legal assistants, and a humming network of contacts across the legal and business world.
It makes them one of the biggest and most comprehensive law firms outside of the Lower Mainland, and the gold standard in Northern B.C.
TRUSTED. LOCAL. EXPERIENCED.
Common questions answered
Frequently Asked Questions
Wills & Estates
- Why should you have a lawyer prepare your will?
There are many benefits to having your will prepared by a lawyer. A properly drafted will provides you will peace of mind, but additionally proper estate planning undoubtedly reduces the stress placed on loved ones after your passing. A will is a legally binding document declaring what you want to be done with your property when you die. If you have minor children, a will can also declare who they should live with and how they should be raised in the event of your passing. Learn more
- What’s the difference between a Power of Attorney and a Representation Agreement and do I need both?
The enduring power of attorney is a legal document that allows you to appoint a trusted family member, friend or advisor, to make your legal and financial decisions. This authority to act on your behalf can save your loved ones significant cost and stress should you be unable to manage your own legal and financial affairs. It will also give you the comfort of knowing that your matters are being handled as you wish. Learn more
- What to do if a family member passes?
There are several considerations and steps to take when a family member passes away including making funeral arrangements, managing the affairs of the deceased, and beginning the probate process. A lawyer can best advise you on what steps to take immediately after a death, and can help you through this process. Learn more
Frequently Asked Questions
Employment Law
- I have to downsize my workforce and lay off some employees because business is down and need to stay profitable. What am I required to pay in severance?
First, check if you have a letter or contract of employment for each individual you are laying off. Typically these will set out the terms of ending the employment contract that you should follow closely. Learn more
- Is severance pay mandatory in BC?
Provincially regulated employees must be paid the statutory minimum of reasonable notice (severance) under the Employment Standards Act, upon termination (if the termination is without cause). Some industries and job types are excluded from the requirement of reasonable notice (severance) under the Employment Standards Act, but an employee excluded under the Employment Standards... Learn more
- To what extent must I accommodate an employee who refuses to return to working on-site and in person?
Every situation of this kind is unique, and we strongly suggest you consult with an employment lawyer. In some cases, you must accommodate an employee depending on his or her ability to fulfill their employment duties remotely. You might also be required to provide a modified work environment that meets the current health safety requirements for employees. Termination of an employee who insists on working from home will require forethought and planning. Call us or consult your employment lawyer. Learn more
- What to do if your employment has been terminated?
Immediately after you are terminated take notes of what happened, why you were terminated, and the names of anyone who witness the dismissal. These notes will be important to your lawyer. Before seeing a lawyer you should also write down when you started your job and what your duties were. You should also start looking for another job, as there may be a duty to mitigate any financial loss, even if your dismissal was unjustified. Learn more
Frequently Asked Questions
Family Law
- Can my children choose which parent they wish to live with? How are parental responsibilities decided?
Not exactly. Decisions will be based on what’s in the best interest of the child and, depending on the age, your child may have some input for his/her preference. There is no specific age at which a child can choose the parent they live with. The BC Family Law Act and the federal Divorce Act state that a child's relationships with both parents are important but that all decisions must only be made in your child’s best interests. Learn more
- Do you offer more affordable legal services for separations, divorces and other family matters?
Yes, we have what’s termed “Unbundled family law services.” This à la carte solution is a very good option for those individuals who need limited legal help and are comfortable dividing up the tasks required between you and your lawyer. Many individuals are self-represented in these matters, and they would likely benefit significantly with an experienced lawyer who is hired to support them in the process to resolution. Learn more
- I’m in a common law relationship. What are my rights in dividing our property?
In BC common law relationships are governed by the BC Family Law Act and generally applies if you lived with another person in a marriage-like relationship for at least two years or less than two years but had a child together. Common law couples include individuals of any sexual orientation. Learn more
- What to do if a family member passes?
There are several considerations and steps to take when a family member passes away including making funeral arrangements, managing the affairs of the deceased, and beginning the probate process. A lawyer can best advise you on what steps to take immediately after a death, and can help you through this process. Learn more
Frequently Asked Questions
Corporate & Commercial
- I am having a business dispute – what are my options?
When business disputes arise, it’s important to know your options. In most cases, disputes can be resolved without going to court. Depending on the matter, we may recommend a lawyer-led negotiation to try and resolve your dispute. Other approaches can involve trained mediators or arbitrators who bring the parties together to resolve disputes out of court. However, some disputes may require a courttrial. Your lawyer will help you choose the best approach for your matter.
- What to do about business disputes?
I have a serious disagreement with my partners or fellow shareholders in a business. The first thing is: do not escalate the dispute. Things can be said in anger that can never be taken back and which only result in an even stronger response. We have seen small issues spiral into huge problems. It is a good idea to always keep in mind the possibility that you might be wrong or that at the least there are two sides to the story. Learn more
- Is severance pay mandatory in BC?
Provincially regulated employees must be paid the statutory minimum of reasonable notice (severance) under the Employment Standards Act, upon termination (if the termination is without cause). Some industries and job types are excluded from the requirement of reasonable notice (severance) under the Employment Standards Act,... Learn more
- To what extent must I accommodate an employee who refuses to return to working on-site and in person?
Every situation of this kind is unique, and we strongly suggest you consult with an employment lawyer. In some cases, you must accommodate an employee depending on his or her ability to fulfill their employment duties remotely. You might also be required to provide a modified work environment that meets the current health safety requirements for employees. Termination of an employee who insists on working from home will require forethought and planning. Call us or consult your employment lawyer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Personal Injury Law
- Injured in a slip and fall – is your landlord at fault?
Tenancy Agreements, Liability, and the Fine Print. An elderly gentleman recently came into the office after he had fallen and was injured in the parking lot of his apartment. The landlord had not sanded or salted the ice. He suffered significant injuries from the fall and wanted to sue his landlord. The landlord argued that the client had signed a lease with clauses that excluded his right to sue. Can a landlord do that? Learn more
- What to do if you have been in a car accident?
Immediately After the Collision:
- Remain on the scene and call to obtain assistance from the Police and/or medical services
- Obtain and document as much information as possible
- Names (Other driver and witnesses if possible)
- Phone Numbers
- Driver’s Licence
- Pictures of the vehicles and the scene, before the vehicles are moved...
- Learn more
Car accident?
We can help
1000’s of injury claims successfully settled. No fee charged until you collect.
When accidents occur, there are many moving pieces over and above what happened on that road. Competing forces try to determine the reasons for the incident and who might be to blame. When this happens to you, you need a legal team that has experience and skill in resolving these matters. You might be in physical pain or suffering from other consequences of that accident.
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