2008
Founded in Vancouver with a focus on protecting BC's natural heritage
2012
Expanded practice to include Indigenous rights and land claims
2016
Launched climate change and carbon trading division
2020
Recognized as top environmental law firm in Western Canada
2024
Celebrated over 500 successful environmental cases
2026
Continuing to lead the way in environmental justice
Sarah Chen, Founding Partner
Environmental Law Specialist | Called to the Bar 2003
I started Halomorphics back in 2008 after spending five years watching big corporations treat environmental regulations like suggestions rather than laws. It was frustrating, honestly. I'd see permits get rubber-stamped, impact assessments glossed over, and local communities - especially Indigenous nations - getting pushed to the sidelines.
The name "Halomorphics" actually comes from soil science - it refers to soils that've adapted to saline conditions, which felt like a good metaphor for what we do. We help clients adapt and thrive within complex environmental frameworks. Yeah, I'm a bit of a nerd about this stuff.
These days, our practice has grown way beyond what I imagined. We've handled everything from major coastal development disputes to carbon credit negotiations. What keeps me going is knowing that every case - whether it's about water rights or climate policy - has real consequences for the land and people we're trying to protect. That's not just legal work, that's legacy work.
Outside the office, you'll find me kayaking around the Gulf Islands or volunteering with stream restoration projects. Can't really separate my work from my life anymore, and I wouldn't want to.
Marcus Whitehorse, Senior Partner
Indigenous Rights & Natural Resources | Called to the Bar 2006
I joined Sarah's team in 2011, and it was probably the best career move I've made. As a member of the Nlaka'pamux Nation, I've got a pretty personal stake in Indigenous rights and land claims work. Too many lawyers treat these cases like abstract legal puzzles, but for me and my community, it's about sovereignty, heritage, and making sure our voices actually get heard.
What drew me to Halomorphics was Sarah's genuine commitment to working WITH Indigenous communities, not just FOR them. There's a huge difference. We don't parachute in with solutions - we listen, we learn, and we build strategies that respect traditional governance and decision-making processes.
I've led our Indigenous rights division since 2012, and we've handled some landmark cases around consultation protocols, resource revenue sharing, and title claims. The work's challenging because you're often up against massive resource companies and government bureaucracies that'd rather not deal with the complexities of Aboriginal rights. But that's exactly why it matters.
I also spend a fair bit of time mentoring young Indigenous students interested in law. We need more of us in these spaces, bringing our perspectives and knowledge systems to the table.
Dr. Amelia Thornton, Partner
Climate Change & Environmental Science | Called to the Bar 2010
I came to law from environmental science - got my PhD in marine biology before deciding I could make more impact in the courtroom than the lab. Some of my colleagues thought I was nuts, but here we are.
I lead our climate change policy and carbon trading practice, which honestly didn't even exist as a distinct field when I started law school. The intersection of science and law fascinates me because you've got to translate complex environmental data into arguments that judges and regulators can actually work with.
Carbon markets are still the Wild West in a lot of ways - there's so much greenwashing and dodgy offset claims floating around. I spend a lot of time helping clients navigate legitimate carbon credit programs while avoiding the scams. It's part detective work, part environmental advocacy, part financial analysis.
What I love about working at Halomorphics is that nobody thinks it's weird when I start talking about ocean acidification or tipping points in climate systems. We're all nerds here, just different flavors.
