Michael J. Kennedy

Michael Kennedy headshot

Partner, Toronto

michael-kennedy@hicksmorley.com
Direct: 416.864.7305
Main: 416.362.1011
vCard | LinkedIn
Year of Call: Ontario, 1993
  • Biography

Michael Kennedy is a labour and employment lawyer in Hicks Morley’s Toronto office. Michael is counsel to a wide variety of broader public sector employers such as universities and municipalities and large employers in the private sector.

Michael is the chair of the firm’s University Practice Group and is the former chair of the Municipal Practice Group. He is a trusted advisor to organizations across the country.

Michael appears as counsel in labour and employment disputes involving the courts, arbitration, the Ontario Labour Relations Board and the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario. Michael is experienced in providing strategic bargaining advice and he has unique experience as counsel in interest disputes. He works with executive teams and boards to implement sophisticated planning strategies. He has a proven track record of working with employers and unions to resolve complex disputes in an efficient and timely manner.

Awards & Recognition

The Best Lawyers in Canada™ (2017–2024)
Labour and Employment Law

Canadian Legal Lexpert® Directory (2015–2024)
Labour Relations (Repeatedly Recommended)

Canadian Legal Lexpert® Directory (2015–2023)
Employment Law (Repeatedly Recommended)

Legal 500 Canada (2018)
Labour and Employment Law

Memberships & Affiliations

Canadian Association of Counsel to Employers – Member

Canadian Bar Association – Member

Ontario Bar Association – Member

American Bar Association – Member

Select Publications & Presentations

“COVID-related Topics Webinar” Faculty Bargaining Services (September 23, 2021)

“Arbitration vs. Mediation: Protecting Rights and Resolving Conflicts” The Osgoode Certificate in Labour Law (April 23, 2021)

“Operating in a Pandemic World” Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs Virtual Labour Relations Seminar (January 20, 2021)

“Attendance Management” Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs Labour Relations Seminar (January 30, 2020)

“The Fire Chief’s Survival Guide” Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs Labour Relations Seminar (January 29, 2020)

Education

University of Western Ontario, LL.B.

Queen’s University, B.A. (Hons.)