Employers

Well-structured employment agreements are essential for setting expectations and managing risk.

Our lawyers craft tailored agreements across all levels of the organization to support your business, from offer letters and employment contracts, to sophisticated executive compensation packages that address bonuses, equity, benefits and change-of-control and termination provisions – ensuring alignment with your business goals and legal obligations.

Policies are essential to the effective operation of your workplace – ensuring compliance and providing structure, consistency and clarity in how your business operates day to day. At their best, policies set out not only what you expect from employees, but also what employees can expect from you – shaping a workplace culture built on fairness, respect and accountability.

Employers often face workplace issues that require timely, strategic guidance. We help clients address problems directly and resolve them before they escalate.

Our lawyers deliver pragmatic assessments that allow employers to move forward with confidence.

As strategic partners to our clients, we combine legal insight and experience with practical business sense to provide clear, actionable advice, supporting business decisions that protect both the organization, and its people.

Human rights compliance is a core obligation of every employer, but the issues can be complex – particularly around accommodation. We help employers meet their legal duties while balancing operational and business needs.

We regularly advise on all aspects of human rights compliance, with particular expertise in disability accommodation and leave management, family status and religious observances, among others.

In each case, we work with employers to develop practical strategies, often finding creative solutions that support employees while maintaining workplace effectiveness.

Our team also delivers human rights training for organizations across Canada.  Learn more about our training practice.

Performance management and discipline are distinct, but both are important tools for employers.

Performance management applies across the workforce and is designed to set expectations, address concerns early, and establish benchmarks for success.

We help employers build tailored performance management tools, training resources and documentation strategies that promote consistency, support employee development and reduce risk.

When discipline is required, we guide employers through a structured approach that is fair, appropriately documented and legally defensible.

Employee terminations are among the most challenging aspects of managing a workforce. We help employers approach terminations strategically, balancing compliance, fairness and business priorities.

Our team designs exit packages that reflect each employee’s circumstances, while minimizing risk and protecting the organization.

When disputes arise, we represent employers in defending wrongful dismissal claims and other termination-related litigation. Whether through negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or litigation, we pursue strategic resolutions that safeguard our clients’ interests.

Restructuring and workforce reductions carry significant legal and operational risks. We advise employers on how to plan and implement layoffs in a way that minimizes exposure and maintains compliance with employment standards and human rights obligations.

Our role includes designing severance packages that reduce the likelihood of legal challenges, and identifying factors – such as accommodation needs or other human rights considerations – that may affect individual entitlements. With careful planning, restructuring can be managed effectively while treating employees fairly and protecting the business.

Selling or closing a business involves complex legal, financial and operational considerations. We advise employers on managing the employment law aspects of these transitions, from employee communications to severance obligations.

Our team works alongside your other advisors to ensure compliance, minimize risk and manage the process smoothly to protect your interests during these periods of change.