Nicole Williams

Senior Manager, Employment Counsel @ Wealthsimple | In-House Employment Lawyer | Former HR | CPHR

Greater Vancouver Metropolitan Area

About

I am a dual-jurisdiction employment lawyer with over 13 years of combined experience spanning in-house employment law, private practice and progressive human resources roles. I currently work as Senior Manager, Employment Counsel at Wealthsimple, Canada’s leading financial innovator, advising on complex workplace matters across Canada and the United States while supporting the company’s rapid growth and people focused culture. Before law, I spent eight years leading HR initiatives within global organizations. That experience shaped how I practice today - delivering legal advice that is practical, human-centered and aligned with business realities. My work spans employment legal advice and strategy, executive and employee agreements, workplace investigations, human rights and accommodation matters, regulatory compliance and risk management. I specialize in translating legal risk into actionable guidance that empowers leaders and HR teams to make confident, thoughtful decisions. I thrive at the intersection of law, HR, and business - building employment frameworks that are compliant, scalable and supportive of high-performing and inclusive cultures.

Experience

  • Senior Manager, Employment Counsel at Wealthsimple
    Jan 2026 - Present · 6 mos

  • Associate Legal Counsel - Employment at lululemon
    Apr 2024 - Feb 2026 · 1 yr 11 mos

  • Employment and Labour Lawyer at Harris & Company LLP
    Sep 2022 - Apr 2024 · 1 yr 8 mos

    Specialized in workplace law at Western Canada’s largest management-side employment and labour boutique firm, advising on complex provincial and federal matters for public and private companies.

  • McLennan Ross LLP (1 yr 3 mos)
    • Employment & Labour Lawyer
      Jul 2022 - Sep 2022 · 3 mos

      Represented management-side interests for one of Western Canada's largest and most respected Labour & Employment groups, handling high-stakes litigation and advisory work for complex and diverse workforces.

    • Articling Student
      Jul 2021 - Jul 2022 · 1 yr 1 mo

  • Summer Student, Legal Services at ATB Financial
    May 2020 - Dec 2020 · 8 mos