Associate, Toronto
Direct: 416.864.7028
Main: 416.362.1011
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Year of Call: Ontario, 2021 | State of California, 2021
Biography
Kayley Leon emphasizes a forward-thinking strategic approach to law which balances legal considerations with practical, business and other non-legal concerns. She is licensed to practise law in Ontario, as well as in the State of California. As a dual-licensed lawyer with experiences in both the United States and Canada, Kayley assists U.S. employers entering the Canadian regulatory landscape.
To ensure her clients stay ahead of potential problems, Kayley reviews and revises internal policies, handbooks, contracts and by-laws, and she tailors in-house training on a variety of topics such as ensuring respect in the workplace.
Entertainment and Sports Expertise
Kayley recognizes that professionals in the entertainment and sports industries require counsel who understand and value the importance of the language, culture and unique legal issues which exist in their industry. She is uniquely positioned to assist clients in these areas as she holds a certificate in entertainment law, acts as Vice Chair of the Ontario Bar Association’s Entertainment, Media & Communications Law section, and is a member of the Sports Lawyers Association. Most importantly, she is passionate about taking the time to understand each client’s craft and individual legal needs.
Kayley provides advice to film and television productions as well as minor and major sports organizations on topics such as agreement interpretation, respect in the workplace, Safe Sport (UCCMS), sport governance, film safety guidelines and other compliance matters.
About Kayley
Outside of her practice, Kayley’s passion for sports law and new media is driven by her own experiences. Kayley enjoys coaching baseball, attending sporting games, watching e-sports and keeping up with the latest Oscar flicks.
Practice Areas
Memberships & Affiliations
American Bar Association – Member (Entertainment & Sports Industries and Labour & Employment Law)
Canadian Bar Association – Member
Esports Bar Association – Member
Ontario Bar Association – Chair, Past Vice-Chair and Past Executive Team Secretary (Entertainment, Media & Communications Law); Member (Labour & Employment Law)
Sports Lawyer Association – Member
Select Publications & Presentations
“Preventing abuse in sport: An overview of the safeguarding regimes in the US, UK & Canada” LawInSport (March 20, 2025)
Co-chair, “Current Issues in Sports Law” Ontario Bar Association’s Ontario Legal Conference (February 5, 2025)
“Negotiating Name, Image and Likeness in Sports” Ontario Bar Association (March 20, 2024)
“Emerging and Key Legal Issues in Sports” Ontario Bar Association (February 13, 2024)
“Employment Issues in a Cross-Border Context” Ontario Bar Association’s Ontario Legal Conference: Cross Borders (May 4, 2023)
“Union Organizing and Keys to Remaining Union Free” and “Disconnecting from Work” Human Resources Professionals Association, Durham Chapter: Annual Law Update (June 2, 2022)
“Access Delayed is Access Denied: A Transnational Comparison of Court Delays in Michigan and Ontario” 13th Annual Canadian Law Student Conference (March 13, 2020)
“Immigration Update: The History and Impact of the Newly Defined ‘Public Charge’” University of Detroit Mercy Law Review Online, vol. 97:2, p. 102 (2020)
“The Legislative History of the Treatment of Military Working Dogs in the United States” University of Detroit Mercy Law Review Online, vol. 97:1, p. 102 (2019)
Education
York University – Osgoode Hall Law School, Certificate in Entertainment Law
University of Windsor, J.D.
University of Detroit Mercy, School of Law, J.D. (cum laude)
University of Western Ontario, B.A.
