Michela practices largely in the areas of access and privacy law and also works closely with clients in the entertainment sector with respect to workplace and commercial/contract matters.
As part of her privacy law practice, she represents clients in proceedings before the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for British Columbia and provides strategic advice to both public and private sector clients on their obligations under both provincial and federal privacy legislation including with respect to the handling of information requests; third-party service contracts; the implementation of various technology in the workplace; and the collection, use and disclosure of personal information. Additionally, she provides virtual and in-person workshops to organizations regarding privacy awareness, privacy officer training, and with respect to more specific topics like employee monitoring.
As part of her entertainment law practice, she represents theatres, studios, equipment companies and production companies in contract drafting and negotiations for studio space, stage and equipment rentals and related services. She also advises clients from all industries on workplace law matters, but has a particular focus on the film and theatre sectors. Specifically, she advises on human rights and employment issues; she assists productions with internal investigations regarding bullying and harassment allegations; and she provides virtual and in-person respectful workplace training, including sessions tailored for crew members and cast of all ages working in film and television. She brings a keen sense of practicality and problem-solving to the legal issues she helps her clients resolve. Michela joined Harris as an articled student, and became an associate in September 2015. She became a partner in January 2023.
Recent Speaking Engagement
- “LGBTQIA lawyers”, (panelist), Womxn in Law Series, Global Lawyers of Canada, February 2021
Publications
- “Upsetting The Apple Cart: Certifying Class Actions For Food Labelling Reform”, Canadian Class Action Review, Volume 11, Issue 1, 2015
- “Moral Rights And Mods: Protecting Integrity Rights In Video Games”, UBC Law Review, Volume 46, Number 3, 2013
Professional & Community Involvement
- Member at Large, Freedom of Information & Privacy Law Section, Canadian Bar Association, British Columbia Branch
- Member, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Community (SOGIC) Section, Canadian Bar Association, British Columbia Branch
- Executive, Start Proud Vancouver, 2016 – present
- Committee Member, Hoop-Law Society, 2016 – present
- Member, Sports Lawyers Association (SLA), 2013 – present
*Law Corporation
Practice Areas
Year of Call
- British Columbia, 2015
- State Bar of California, 2020
Education
- JD, University of British Columbia, 2014
- MA, University of the Fraser Valley, 2012
- BA, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, 2010