Department profile
Baker McKenzie

Employment & Labour

Canada Guide 2027 : Ontario


Baker McKenzie

Rankings

About

Provided by Baker McKenzie

Baker McKenzie has built a reputation as one of the leading Canadian employment practices within a full service firm by providing real value to our clients. Our global knowledge and insights gained from working on complex multijurisdictional projects and transactions combined with our local expertise allow us to bring our clients practical, workable solutions.

We have expert knowledge of employment law across multiple jurisdictions, and a strong commercial acumen to identify your needs and provide bespoke solutions to achieve your overall business objectives.

We are counsel of choice for managing disputes, particularly involving high stakes claims made by executives and other people who allege discrimination, harassment, and gender pay inequality; specialized counselling on pressing issues such as pay equity, pensions, and modern workforce needs; strategic labour relations representation; and holistic advice on the employment and compensation aspects of transactions, including post-transaction integration. We outline our strengths in our practice below.

  • Advisory
  • Disputes & Investigations
  • Transactions
  • Labour Relations

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Employment & Labour - Ontario

Band 4

Band 4


What the Team is Known For

The Toronto-based employment team at international firm Baker McKenzie is regularly seen assisting with a variety of disputes, including wrongful dismissals, human rights, discrimination claims and grievances. The lawyers also advise on union organising matters. The team represents a number of academic institutions, state employers and commercial clients, including multinationals.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Baker McKenzie advised Hepburn Engineering in a factual case concerning whether the plaintiff was an independent contractor, a dependent contractor or an employee.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The department’s strength lies in their experience and their ability to translate that experience into practical, easy-to-understand guidance.

    Employment & Labour respondentCanada
  • Baker McKenzie stands out for its combination of deep expertise, responsiveness and strategic clarity.

    Employment & Labour respondentCanada
  • Baker McKenzie provides sound legal advice, with careful and strategic consideration of the organisation’s values.

    Employment & Labour respondentCanada
  • One of the key strengths that distinguishes the Baker McKenzie department is their ability to provide thorough, balanced analysis. They are mindful of practical business considerations and tailor their advice in a way that aligns with our operational needs.

    Employment & Labour respondentCanada

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 1George Avraam
    Band 1George Avraam

    George Avraam

    George Avraam is based in Toronto and is distinguished for his representation of provincial and national clients in employment litigation. He regularly appears before provincial and appellate courts and is also experienced in arbitration.

    • George provides exceptional client service and an intuitive understanding of complex matters. His level of sophistication is outstanding.

      Employment & Labour respondentCanada
    • He is absolutely exceptional.

      Employment & Labour respondentCanada
    • George is extremely client-focused. He takes time to understand the client's need in order to develop strategies and deliver them effectively.

      Employment & Labour respondentCanada
    • George is an excellent advocate who is able to convey complex arguments.

      Employment & Labour respondentCanada
    • George is smart, tenacious and knows his stuff. He understands the sector and his litigation skills are outstanding.

      Employment & Labour respondentCanada
  • Band 5Andrew Shaw
    Band 5Andrew Shaw

    Andrew Shaw

    Andrew Shaw is a well-recognised employment lawyer based at Baker McKenzie in Toronto. He regularly counsels employers on wrongful dismissals, workplace investigations and collective bargaining matters.

    • Andrew is really good at giving practical and actionable advice. When I talk to him, he will understand the problem, ask the right questions and give practical and actionable legal advice.

      Employment & Labour respondentCanada
    • Andrew ensures that matters are handled efficiently and thoughtfully. He demonstrates a strong level of sophistication in his legal analysis.

      Employment & Labour respondentCanada
    • Andrew's breadth and depth of knowledge makes him an outstanding subject matter expert.

      Employment & Labour respondentCanada
    • Andrew's expertise in Canadian employment law is absolutely excellent.

      Employment & Labour respondentCanada
    • Andrew demonstrates strong expertise and practical guidance. His clear communication, ability to anticipate issues and steady approach contribute directly to successful outcomes.

      Employment & Labour respondentCanada
  • Band 6Jennifer Bernardo
    Band 6Jennifer Bernardo

    Jennifer Bernardo

    Jennifer Bernardo of Baker McKenzie's Toronto office assists with a variety of contentious matters, including representation in court as well as administrative proceedings.

    • Jennifer is very thorough and detailed, and she has a very good understanding of the law.

      Employment & Labour respondentCanada
    • She is nothing short of fantastic.

      Employment & Labour respondentCanada
    • Jennifer provides expert advice and solutions.

      Employment & Labour respondentCanada
    • Jennifer delivers exceptional client service through her responsiveness, reliability and thoughtful approach to complex matters. She consistently brings clarity to intricate legal issues.

      Employment & Labour respondentCanada

Ranked Individuals at Baker McKenzie (3)

Ontario

Members

Provided by Baker McKenzie

What success is built on

Chambers is the leading data and intelligence partner for the legal sector.

Explore thought leadership