Edward J. O’Dwyer

Partner, Toronto

edward-odwyer@hicksmorley.com
Direct: 416.864.7483
Main: 416.362.1011
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Year of Call: Ontario, 2014
  • Biography

Edward O’Dwyer is an employment lawyer in Hicks Morley’s Toronto office and the chair of the firm’s Financial Services Practice Group. As an experienced litigator, he acts as employer counsel in wrongful dismissal and unjust dismissal matters for clients across all industries with a special focus on federally regulated and financial services employers.

Edward regularly appears before arbitrators, administrative tribunals and appellate courts. In addition to his considerable courtroom experience, he routinely provides guidance and acts for both non-unionized and unionized employers in human rights matters, grievance arbitrations and complex workplace safety matters.

Edward takes a solutions-oriented approach to all client matters—both in litigation and day-to-day advice. He believes that the best way to avoid and resolve issues is to learn as much as possible about each of his clients. He aims to make his clients’ jobs easier by presenting matters in the most straightforward and practical way. Edward focuses on strategic ways to avoid litigation and, when it cannot be avoided, he extracts the lessons that can be learned to proactively address other areas within his clients’ organizations that may require modifications.

Outside of his practice, Edward is a history buff and sports enthusiast who enjoys spending as much time as he can with his growing family.

Awards & Recognition

The Best Lawyers in Canada™ (2025)
Labour and Employment Law

Canadian Legal Lexpert® Directory (2024)
Employment Law (Repeatedly Recommended)

Memberships & Affiliations

Canadian Bar Association – Member

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Toronto – Board Member

Foundation for Montessori Education – Board Member

Human Resources Professionals Association Appeal Committee – Chair

Ontario Bar Association – Member (Civil Litigation and Labour & Employment Law)

Select Publications & Presentations

“Case Law Updates” 34th Annual Schedule 2 Employers Group Conference: Leading the Way: Inspiring a Healthy Workplace (October 5, 2023)

“Summary Trial Essentials” Ontario Bar Association Civil Litigation/Young Lawyers Division Program (October 20, 2021)

“What will a return to work look like Part 1?” Ontario Bar Association (May 12, 2020)

Education

University of Western Ontario, J.D.

McGill University, Bachelor of Arts (Jt. Hons.)