Our Legal Team
Gail Sharma
Gail has been working with unions and individuals seeking WorkSafeBC (WCB) compensation for more than 17 years. Gail has had the opportunity to work with a diverse range of clients with a variety of issues, and she understands the intricacies of the appeal process. Gail’s focus on this area of law gives her clients the advantage of having an experienced WCB lawyer on their side as they move through the appeal process.
- Bachelor of Laws, UBC
- Bachelor of Commerce (Honours), UBC
- Member of Law Society of BC
- Member of Canadian Bar Association (BC Branch)
Risha Sidhu
Prior to joining GKS Law Firm, Risha practiced wills and estates, civil, real estate, employment and family law at an international firm in downtown Vancouver. Risha has a range of experience including discoveries, mediations, settlement conferences, arbitrations, and trials. She has successfully represented clients at both the Provincial and Supreme Courts of British Columbia. She is able to assist clients in English, Punjabi, and Hindi. Risha is dedicated by providing her clients with high value and creative legal solutions. She is passionate about ensuring her clients are supported during each stage of their matter.
Prior to attending law school, Risha completed her Bachelor of Arts in Criminology at Simon Fraser University while volunteering at the B.C Children’s Hospital and Richmond Soccer Youth Association. Risha completed her Juris Doctor at Bond University. At Bond University, Risha was awarded First in Class in Contract Law achieving the highest mark in her cohort. She later obtained her Masters of Laws from Bond University with a specialization in Dispute Resolution. Risha was called to the Bar in British Columbia in 2020.
Out of the office, Risha is active in her local community. She serves as Board of Director at the Richmond Community Foundation and is regularly engaged as a keynote speaker at local high schools. Risha enjoys travelling, hiking, biking, reading and watching sports.
Education
- Bachelor of Arts, Simon Fraser University
- Juris Doctor (Honours), Bond University
- Masters of Law (Honours), Bond University
Professional Memberships
- Canadian Bar Association
- Vancouver Bar Association
- Trial Lawyers Association of British Columbia
Lauren Chancellor
Lauren’s practice is focused on Workers’ Compensation appeals. She understands this can be a difficult system to navigate for someone that is injured. Her goal is to streamline the process for the worker and help them on their road to recovery.
Prior to joining GKS Law Firm, Lauren practiced criminal defence and administrative driving law at a firm in downtown Vancouver. Lauren has a range of experience including bail and sentencing hearings, conducting trials, drafting submissions, and reviewing extensive disclosure. She has represented clients at both the Provincial and Supreme Courts of British Columbia.
During law school, Lauren was a student caseworker for the Innocence Project at Peter A. Allard School of Law. She helped applicants with their innocence claims and assisted in legal reform to fight against wrongful convictions. She published a paper in the Criminal Law edition of the Manitoba Law Journal. This paper, “Public Contempt and Compassion: Media Biases and Their Effect on Wrongful Convictions”, investigates news and social media’s effect on the Canadian criminal justice system. Lauren made recommendations for legal reform to improve the criminal justice system’s use of juries to ensure a fairer trial for the accused.
Lauren previously studied history and film studies at the University of Victoria. In her free time, Lauren enjoys visiting museums and attending theatre productions in Vancouver. She was the writer and creator for a website that reviewed theatre in the Lower Mainland.
Education
- Juris Doctor, Peter A. Allard School of Law, 2020
- Bachelor of Arts, University of Victoria, 2016
Professional Memberships
- Law Society of British Columbia
- Canadian Bar Association (BC Branch)
- Vancouver Bar Association
- Criminal Defence Advocacy Society
Publications
Public Contempt and Compassion: Media Biases and their Effect on Juror Impartiality and Wrongful Convictions
• Manitoba Law Journal · Sep 1, 2019
http://themanitobalawjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/articles/MLJ_42.3/42.3_Chancellor.pdf
Helan Spindari
Helan’s practice focuses on Workers’ Compensation appeals, where she combines a strong background in Workers’ Compensation Law with a unique perspective from her time as a WorkSafeBC Review Officer. In that role, Helan was responsible for making decisions on workplace injuries, which gives her in-depth knowledge of the WorkSafeBC process and the decision-making framework that governs compensation claims.
This insight allows Helan to effectively represent injured workers by anticipating how their claims may be evaluated, identifying potential challenges, and formulating effective strategies to secure the benefits they deserve.
Helan’s experience also includes articling at an insurance corporation and representing clients before the British Columbia Supreme Court, further refining her advocacy skills. Her commitment to securing the best outcomes for injured workers is at the heart of her practice.
Helan earned her Juris Doctor from Thompson Rivers University, where she was awarded the Dean’s Course Prize for Contracts Law and Immigration and Refugee Law. During law school, she served as a senior editor for the Thompson Rivers University Law Review, a teaching assistant for an Advanced Research and Writing course, and volunteered with the Law Students’ Legal Advice Program to support vulnerable communities.
Outside of her legal practice, Helan enjoys cooking, watching Netflix, and spending time with family and friends.
Education
- Juris Doctor, Thompson Rivers University
- Bachelor of Arts, Criminology, Simon Fraser University
Professional Memberships
- Law Society of British Columbia
Mantiksha Khaira
At GKS Law Firm, Mantiksha is more than just a paralegal – she’s your reliable ally, ensuring your legal matters are handled with precision and care. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for efficient multitasking, Mantiksha ensures that deadlines are met and your needs are anticipated, all while managing multiple tasks effortlessly.
With over 2 years of experience supporting lawyers and clients, Mantiksha has honed her skills in legal research, client-focused legal support and document management, making your legal journey smoother and more efficient. Fluent in English, Hindi, Punjabi, and Urdu, she bridges language gaps, providing seamless assistance to clients from diverse backgrounds.
What sets Mantiksha apart is her commitment to exceptional client service. She doesn’t just meet expectations; she exceeds them. Clients appreciate her ability to anticipate needs, solve problems creatively and deliver outstanding customer service. Mantiksha’s warmth and professionalism ensures that every interaction leaves you feeling confident and supported.
Certified by VCC’s accredited paralegal program, Mantiksha’s expertise is matched only by her passion for art. When she’s not assisting clients, you can find her creating stunning paintings.
Education
- Bachelors of Arts, University of British Columbia (Major in Sociology)
- Paralegal Diploma , Vancouver Career College
Professional Memberships
- BC Paralegal Association
Join Our Team
GKS Law Firm is a growing law firm that represents injured workers in their Workers’ Compensation (WorkSafeBC) claims. We are always looking to expand our team in Burnaby with motivated lawyers interested in this field of law.
The ideal candidate for our firm:
- has an interest in Administrative Law, with experience in Workers’ Compensation matters being an asset, but not required;
- is capable of presenting at oral hearings and producing written submissions;
- is committed to creating strong client relationships; and
- is capable of taking on a high level of responsibility.
If you are interested in working in a supportive and positive work environment, please forward your resume and law school transcripts to gsharma@gkslawfirm.com.
A Dedicated Work Injury
Law Firm By Your Side.
We’ll guide you through the appeal process – we’re in it together. If your WorkSafeBC (WCB) claim has been denied, we’ll work out your legal options and work quickly (within legal deadlines) to appeal the decision.
consultation.