Brian Grootendorst has joined YLaw as a partner, bringing years of experience in employment and strata law to the Vancouver-based firm.
Grootendorst has appeared before all levels of British Columbia courts and various tribunals, representing both employers and employees in workplace disputes. His practice focuses on employment law matters and strata corporation issues.
“We are super excited to welcome our employer law partner, Brian Grootendorst to our team,” said Leena Yousefi, CEO of YLaw, who announced the move on LinkedIn. “Brian has years of experience providing advice and defending the rights of employees and employers in all areas of work, and has appeared before various tribunals and levels of court in BC.”
Court experience and notable cases
Grootendorst has secured several significant court victories during his career, according to his firm bio. In Lord v Fraser Health Authority, he successfully argued that a human rights tribunal decision was “patently unreasonable” in a judicial review case that has been cited 229 times.
He also represented a grievor in Gagne v Deputy Head (Correctional Service of Canada), where the client was reinstated with back pay and benefits after three years. Other successful cases include dismissing claims in Sorenson v Saliken Landscaping and cancelling an easement in Im v Sundon Enterprises Inc.
Background and education
The lawyer earned his law degree from the University of Calgary and holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of British Columbia. He began his legal career in 2017 with a boutique litigation firm in Chilliwack.
Beyond his legal practice, Grootendorst serves as president of the board of directors for the Creative Centre Society for Mental Wellness, a nonprofit that provides programs and housing for individuals recovering from mental illness.
