Profile – Catalina Rodriguez

about Catalina

My clients are humans first and foremost, and their legal problems at work impact their health and their lives. I am passionate about service and I strive to bring a mindful approach to everything I do, personally and professionally.

I am an employment lawyer with 20 years of experience acquired in law firms and in corporations as in-house counsel in the retail and banking sectors. I advise clients in all matters related to the workplace.

My experience as a workplace investigator includes sectors such as construction, municipal government, post secondary education, forestry, aviation, indigenous governance, banking, retail, public health sector, and the non-profit sectors. I have investigated complaints of misconduct, sexual harassment, racism, and bullying. I am a trauma informed investigator, and I consider this to be a continuous and on-going learning commitment.

As a mediator, I assist parties with resolving disputes related to the workplace, whether the dispute is arising from personal relationship issues, or whether the dispute is under active litigation. My mediation credentials include my experience as a Certified Organizational Coach from UBC, the Advanced Mediation course through the Justice Institute of B.C. and multiple courses through the Continuing Legal Education Society of British Columbia.

I am a trainer and facilitator on best practices on prevention of bullying and harassment and conflict resolution in the workplace through StandUp Teams ™, as well as on leadership development topics related to diversity and inclusion such as unconscious bias.

Growing up in Bogota, Colombia, I attended Universidad de Los Andes Law School. I interned in Bogota with a global law firm and practiced with a commercial and maritime insurance firm. Upon immigrating to Canada, and working in the legal field on various capacities, I went back to law school, this time at the University of British Columbia. I have a CPHR designation (Chartered Professional in Human Resources).

Committed to well being, I dedicate time for exercise, walks and meaningful time with my daughter and loved ones. I firmly believe that being centered makes me a better lawyer, investigator and mediator.

Catalina in the news

The Law Times | Catalina on diversity, inclusion and leadership

The Globe and Mail | Should my employer be paying for my COVID-19 tests if they’re making it a new requirement for the job?

HR Law Canada | Catalina writes on the importance of bystander intervention to prevent and address bullying and harassment

SHRM | Catalina comments on workplace investigations

SHRM | Catalina comments on microaggressions

Advisor Magazine | Catalina comments on the human rights compliance aspect of “quiet quitting”

PeopleTalk magazine Winter 2021 | Catalina wrote about conducting workplace investigations under the Canada Labour Code

The Corker Collective Podcast. Episode #187, March 8, 2022. | Catalina was interviewed by Stephanie Corker on various legal topics

The Joyful Practice for Women Lawyers Podcast. Episode #48, April 20, 2022. | Catalina was interviewed by Paula Price on courageous conversations at work, harassment, money and advocating for yourself

client reviews

I would like to complement and recommend Forte Law’s Catalina Rodriguez and Sarah Ewart for successfully concluding a contentious labour matter for my company. They have dispelled the myth that you have to go to downtown Vancouver to find good legal help. I was pleased to find this conveniently located White Rock law firm that was able to provide me with professional, competent, and friendly service.
– Russ C.

Catalina took on my case and made me feel very comfortable and safe. It was a difficult time that was made very smooth and I never had to worry about being taken advantage of. It’s hard to trust someone in sensitive circumstances, but I never had a doubt. I would recommend her to anyone going through a difficult time with employment. She will have your back 100%
– Karl S.

It was a fortunate day when I sought legal support from Catalina Rodriguez. I was in a situation where I felt overwhelmed and unprepared. Catalina’s strong communication skills and ability to project logic over chaos put me at ease immediately. I felt like I was receiving both excellent strategic legal advice, and kindness and understanding. Catalina is a lawyer who is both excellent in her field and exemplary as a caring human. She guided me to a  fruitful conclusion to my legal matter. The only sad part is that we miss her! 
– Kate H.

In a very difficult time in my work life I found myself needing legal help. As I’m sure many feel about obtaining Legal Counsel, it is a bit of a difficult and an unforeseen expense. Forte Law (specifically Catalina Rodriguez) was completely transparent with her billing from the get go and never varied from her original position. Catalina was informed, professional and had a demeanor that comforted me when I needed it most. At no time during a lengthy process did I have any problem reaching Catalina nor her support staff. All my queries were answered with importance and professionalism. At times though there were several questions that I asked by impulse. Those questions were answered seriously and with a recognition that the questions, although they may not have been completely relevant to my situation, but were important to me. I would ask Catalina to help me in a workplace situation again without hesitation.
– Chris M.

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