An Innovative and forward-thinking business making complex simple
About Umar
From 2000 to 2008, Mr. Umar Sheikh held the position of the Director of Strategic Negotiations at International Machinery. While in this role, he was responsible for mergers and acquisitions in the U.S. and Europe.
From 2008 to 2012, Mr. Sheikh worked for the Ministry of Health in the last role of Director of Labour Relations at British Columbia's Ministry of Health. He provided strategic advice and oversight on provincial labour relations matters, and represented the Ministry of Health at health benefit provider contract negotiations.
From 2014 to 2017 Mr. Sheikh served as General Counsel and Director, Legal Services of the British Columbia Nurses' Union (BCNU) – responsible for providing strategic and legal advice to the BCNU as well as litigating and negotiating grievances and collective agreements for unions and employees. In September, 2017 he was appointed Chief Executive Officer, Negotiations and Strategic Development, of the BCNU. He held this position until 2020 when he was elected to the board of Directors of NAV Canada where Mr. Sheikh continued to utilize his extensive bargaining, negotiations and labour relations experience.
After returning to Victoria to join the firm of Crease Harman LLP., Mr. Sheikh decided to break out on his own with Sheikh Law.
Brittany is an Associate Lawyer with Sheikh Law. Prior to joining the firm, Brittany practiced primarily in the area of civil litigation with a focus on personal injury, including both plaintiff and defence. She has also most recently become certified as a qualified arbitrator.
Born and raised in Victoria, BC, Brittany received her undergraduate degree in Business from Fresno State University, with a specialization in Human Resources. While pursuing her bachelor’s degree, she was involved in the Society of Human Resource Management Chapter and participated in university athletics, including being Captain of the Fresno State swim team in her final year.
Brittany obtained her law degree from Thompson Rivers University in British Columbia. While earning her J.D., she attended summer school at the EBS Business & Law School in Germany and at the University of Victoria.
Prior to entering into the legal field, Brittany worked in Human Resources in the software industry. In her spare time, she enjoys being outside whether it be hiking, biking, walking or running. Brittany also enjoys travel and time with family.
Paralegal
Wendy Ferrara, BCPA and ILCO
Wendy is a Sr. Paralegal with Sheikh Law. Prior to joining the firm, Wendy’s legal career focus has been in litigation of various types, including the areas of commercial/construction, employment/labour, insurance defence and injury law for both for plaintiff and insurers.
Born and raised in Ontario, Wendy attended her post-secondary education at Lakehead University as well as several community colleges where she gained invaluable knowledge while earning various credentials and certifications.
She began studying and working in the legal industry as a legal assistant in 2002 and continued her studies to eventually become a Certified Law Clerk with the Institute of Law Clerks of Ontario in 2006. Since relocating here to beautiful Vancouver Island in 2013, Wendy has earned further qualifications including eDiscovery Executive certification from the Association of E-Discovery Specialists.
Prior to entering the legal field Wendy worked in the hospitality industry and trained in accounting and bookkeeping. In her spare time, she enjoys travelling and spending time outdoors on beautiful Vancouver Island.