In this chapter we shed light on 128 outstanding lawyers operating in the Canadian market and covering a range of matters, including labour relations, employment contracts, compensation matters, human rights and human resources.
Most Highly Regarded
Roper Greyell achieves five listings this year.
Gregory Heywood is a go-to labour litigator who comes “wholeheartedly recommended” by sources who note that he is a “generous spirit who treats colleagues and adversaries with a great deal of respect”.
James Kondopulos possesses a “deep knowledge of all areas of labour and employment law” and is recognised as “an extremely smart practitioner who does not shy away from challenges”.
The “excellent” Thomas Roper QC takes a “brilliant strategic approach” to employment disputes and relations management.
Delayne Sartison QC is a “poised and effective lawyer” who is commended for her exemplary work handling business transfers and restructurings and is highly sought-after by clients in the healthcare sector.
Sandra Guarascio is touted as a “truly amazing lawyer” and “market-leading workplace investigations specialist” with a “profound knowledge of business culture and employment law”.
Harris & Company sees six lawyers winning a listing in our research.
Gavin Hume QC is an “excellent labour and employment lawyer” and “tremendously skilled strategist” with more than 50 years of experience in the field.
Geoffrey Litherland is a “standout attorney” with an immaculate reputation for his expertise in wrongful dismissal actions, injunctions and board proceedings.
Eric Harris QC is a “pioneer in the employment field” and is “exceptional in respect of his legal skills and client relations”.
Donald Jordan QC earns acclaim for his stellar track-record in workplace disputes, particularly in the transportation and forestry sectors.
Hicks Morley Hamilton Stewart Storie is a standout performer with 10 practitioners highlighted this year.
Jeffrey Goodman is highly recommended for his “top-notch labour practice” which sees him regularly engaged in complex multijurisdictional class actions.
Henry Dinsdale is revered for his significant experience advising an array of clients in collective labour law issues including collective bargaining and terminations.
Stephen Shamie is a “phenomenal lawyer” with three decades of experience advising on the full spectrum of labour and employment issues.
Craig Rix is highlighted for his excellent approach to issues arising from collective bargaining agreements.
Borden Ladner Gervais demonstrates the strength of its offering with seven listings.
Danny Kaufer is a standout name who earns recognition from respondents as an “excellent labour lawyer with an impressive international practice”.
The “terrific” Maryse Tremblay is hailed as an “exceptional attorney” thanks to her profound understanding of labour relations and collective bargaining.
Matthew Certosimo is distinguished as a “tremendously talented practitioner” who excels in complex disputes arising from dismissals, contract issues, discrimination and harassment.
Fasken distinguishes itself with 11 lawyers highlighted.
Brian Burkett is “a leading light in the Canadian market” and is renowned for his expert handling of collective bargaining negotiations.
Douglas Gilbert comes highly commended for his considerable expertise in employment litigation.
John Craig receives plaudits for his sterling advice to national and international companies on the full gamut of employment law matters.
Filion Wakely Thorup Angeletti sees eight practitioners noted.
The “excellent” James Knight is heralded as a “tremendously strong labour lawyer” thanks to his remarkable knowledge of trade union negotiations.
Roy Filion QC is singled out as a highly-skilled employment lawyer who is revered for his stunning track record in contentious proceedings.
Mathews Dinsdale & Clark earns five nominations here.
Keith Murray is “at the very top of the bar” thanks to his 25-plus years of experience resolving complex HR issues.
Mark Contini is well-versed at advising employers on collective bargaining agreements, human rights disputes and a range of other employment issues.
Sonia Regenbogen is a “spectacular advocate” with a “wealth of knowledge spanning domestic and international employment law”.
The “excellent” Michael Sherrard at Sherrard Kuzz is “a very well-respected name” who excels in high-stakes contract negotiations.
Erin Kuzz maintains a stellar reputation for her first-rate practice encompassing the gamut of labour and employment matters.
At Gall Legge Grant Zwack, Peter Gall QC is a key player thanks to his immense experience resolving employment disputes before all levels of the Canadian court and administrative tribunals.
Andrea Zwack is an “extremely sharp lawyer” who clients rely on in contentious and non-contentious employment issues including harassment claims, collective bargaining and unionisation.
Susan Nickerson at Torys stands out as “an authority on pensions” and is “regularly involved in large-scale transactions” as well as plan designs and corporate restructurings.
Mitch Frazer is “an absolute machine” with an “excellent client-base”. He is touted for his strong pensions and benefits expertise.
At Osler Hoskin & Harcourt, the “vastly knowledgeable” Paul Litner showcases “excellent quality and responsiveness” when it comes to pension schemes and complex regulatory matters.
Patrick Benaroche at Stikeman Elliott is identified as “a clear market-leader who commands great respect”. He excels across a broad range of contentious and non-contentious cross-border employment issues.
Angela Rae of Rae Christen Jeffries is “simply fantastic” with an outstanding reputation for her extensive experience in wrongful dismissals and human rights cases.
Amanda Hunter with Hunter Liberatore Law is highlighted for her “strong attention to detail” and “excellent analytical skill”. She has amassed more than 20 years of experience advising clients across a broad range of industries on employment law issues.
Independent practitioner George Waggott is renowned for his broad expertise spanning grievance arbitration, labour relations board hearings and wrongful dismissal cases.
Norton Rose Fulbright’s Richard Charney is considered “a leading light” among peers who cite his extensive experience in collective bargaining negotiations.
Craig Munroe of Pulver Crawford Munroe is a “top-tier lawyer” who shines in high-stakes labour litigation.
Patricia Gallivan QC is hailed as a “superstar” who is “highly experienced and extremely practical”. She is a go-to for contract negotiations and unfair dismissals.
At Brown Mills Klinck Prezioso, Elizabeth Brown is “among the most knowledgeable pensions lawyers in Canada” and comes highly esteemed as “an inclusive and politically astute strategist and visionary”.
Sunil Kapur at McCarthy Tétrault is “extremely intelligent and among the very best in the country” according to impressed sources who note his extensive experience advising employers across a range of sectors, including education and technology.