Overview

Michela’s practice focuses on access to information, data security and privacy law. She regularly assists clients with navigating freedom of information (FOI) requests; delivers a wide range of privacy training and workshops; and provides strategic advice on technological initiatives (including artificial intelligence, biometrics and dash cameras), as well as on the collection, use and disclosure of personal information. She represents public and private sector clients in complaints, reviews, inquiries and other matters before provincial and federal privacy commissioners.

She has extensive experience advising on access and correction requests under PIPA and offers practical, tailored solutions to organizations of all sizes. Her work includes providing one-on-one training to enable clients to manage routine requests independently; advising on representative record sets to help clients build confidence in processing specific files; and overseeing the end-to-end management of complex or high-volume matters, including those involving challenging applicants.

Called to the bar in BC, Alberta and California, Michela brings a unique cross-border perspective to issues such as data transfers, service provider due diligence and the drafting and negotiation of data processing agreements.

Michela is recognized as a Fellow of Information Privacy, a Master Access and Privacy Professional, a Certified Information Privacy Professional (Canada) and a Certified Information Privacy Manager.

She joined Harris as an articled student in 2014 and became a partner in January 2023. She serves as the Chair of the firm’s Student Committee.

In addition, Michela is an adjunct professor at the University of British Columbia’s Peter A. Allard School of Law where she teaches access to information and privacy.

Practice Areas

• Employment Law
• Labour Law
• Human Rights
• Privacy Law
• Immigration Law

Bar Information

Called to the bar: 2015 (BC)