Counsel for university clients on various labour matters regarding human rights, collective agreement interpretation, disciplinary and pandemic-related matters.
Work
We offer legal services that include advice, courtroom and tribunal advocacy, negotiation, alternative dispute resolution, policy development and strategic planning. Below are examples of work we have performed for our clients.
Successfully represented a university defending discipline of a faculty member for discriminatory conduct against allegations of a breach of academic freedom rights.
On behalf of universities, successfully defended various Human Rights Tribunal applications from students, staff and senior faculty claiming discrimination on various grounds of discrimination including race, gender, creed and psychological disability.
On behalf of universities, successfully defended wrongful dismissal and constructive dismissal claims by senior administration alleging harassment and systemic discrimination.
Successfully defended a post-secondary institution against a complaint by a former student that his failure to successfully complete his academic program was due to discrimination and harassment by a faculty member; this case also clarified the legal requirements with respect to family status accommodation.
Counsel to a university board at arbitration involving the intersection of board governance rules and academic freedom.
Successfully defended a university at the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario with respect to an application claiming discrimination on the basis of disability.
Successfully represented a university at a judicial review application at the Divisional Court where an arbitration award upholding the dismissal of a professor was challenged.
Successfully resisted production of comparator files at arbitration on behalf of a university client.
Ongoing labour and employment counsel to universities in the management and administration of academic staff and faculty.