Ryan J. Freeman

Ryan Freeman is a labour and employment lawyer in Hicks Morley’s Toronto office. He maintains a broad labour relations practice, with a specific focus on construction labour relations. His practice also includes civil litigation, human rights and collective bargaining. Ryan works collaboratively with federally and provincially regulated employers across industries and he takes a practical and pragmatic approach to finding the best possible solution for each client, whether it be through litigation or alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.

Ryan frequently handles private arbitrations and regularly appears as counsel before the Ontario Labour Relations Board and before provincial and federal arbitration boards. He has also appeared before the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, the Divisional Court and the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario.

Ryan brings extensive experience advising and representing employers in certification proceedings, unfair labour practice complaints, human rights applications, related employer/sale of business applications, and occupational health and safety matters. He acts as the chief spokesperson in collective bargaining negotiations, including first agreement negotiations.

When advising his clients, Ryan takes a strategic, forward-thinking approach and always endeavours to ensure the avoidance of unnecessary legal problems and risks. He actively listens to and engages with his clients, and they regularly reach out to him for guidance on how matters will impact their organizations in the long term.

Outside of his legal practice, Ryan stays busy running after his two daughters and exploring his passion for cooking. Prior to embarking on his legal career, Ryan was a member of the 2007 Grey Cup Champion Saskatchewan Roughriders.