Levitt LLP Canadian employment lawyers are internationally recognized as leading Canadian lawyers in the area of employment law and wrongful dismissal and are located in Toronto, Ontario. The Levitt LLP Employment & Labour Law Group is considered one of the most experienced employment law practices in Canada.
We are experts at handling employment law suits focused on wrongful dismissals and unjust dismissals, human rights issues, sexual harassment and discrimination, constructive dismissals, issues with severance pay and severance packages, employment contracts and/or being fired or laid off.
Our employment lawyers regularly represent clients before all levels of courts, mediators, labour relations boards, grievance arbitrators, and employment tribunals. Our lawyers have the experience, the depth, and the resources to help you. Our lawyers are able to handle a diverse range of employment and labour matters.
With specialized knowledge and experience to assist clients on even the most complex matters, our lawyers work to ensure the proper legal entitlements in all cases.
Howard Levitt is Canada's best known and most quoted authority on employment law. He is ranked on Martindale the #2 most viewed lawyer out of 16,896 in Toronto and in the top 1% in the world. Howard writes a weekly column in the National Post and is the author of Canada's leading dismissal text book, The Law of Dismissal in Canada three other texts, and Editor-In-Chief of the national law report, The Dismissal and Employment Law Digest, which covers every dismissal and employment law case across Canada. The Law of Dismissal and accompanying law report is cited in more decisions across Canada than is any other text. It is used by practitioners, law schools and judges throughout the country.
Mr. Levitt produced the Wrongful Dismissal video for Canada Law Book and is on the Law Times Editorial Board. He has appeared as counsel at all levels of courts across Canada, including the Alberta Court of Appeal, the New Brunswick Court of Appeal the Ontario Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court of Canada. He has been lead counsel in more employment law cases than any other lawyer in Canadian history, and successfully. He has regularly chaired workplace law conferences across Canada, including the Ontario Law Society, for its first ten years 2001-2009, the maximum time permitted.
Howard Levitt practices throughout Canada and has a far greater national profile than any other Canadian employment lawyer. He regularly conducts cases in eight Canadian provinces. His practice includes wrongful dismissal, unjust dismissal pursuant to the Canada Labour Code, human rights, sexual harassment, general harassment, breach of fiduciary duty, employment contracts, workers' compensation, workplace health and safety, injunctions restraining competition and information distribution, wrongful hiring, negligent misrepresentation in the employment context, providing clients with preventative advice and all other aspects of employment law, labour law and human resource litigation. Any lawyer can settle a case in some amount, Howard Levitt's settlements are unsurpassed because the opposition knows that he will be an effective and tireless opponent. Unlike most employment lawyers, he conducts his own trials and his record of success is unparalleled.
Howard Levitt also practises all aspects of management labour relations law including certification and decertification of trade unions and in a variety of matters before labour relations boards and tribunals, employment standards and human rights tribunals and before arbitrators and adjudicators.
He commonly appears at grievance and interest arbitrations, employment standards fact findings and adjudications, the Canada Labour Relations Board, Ontario Labour Relations Board, Human Rights Tribunals, Employment Standards Referees, Workers' Compensation and Appeal Tribunals.
He is the labour and employment counsel for many of Canada's largest corporations and acts as chief spokesperson for numerous collective bargaining negotiations in a variety of industries. He conducts lobbying at the Federal and Provincial level on behalf of several clients regarding labour legislation.
Mr. Levitt regularly appears as counsel across Canada and appears regularly in many cases in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia as well as in Ontario, where he resides. Mr. Levitt is commonly sought as counsel by other lawyers, to render second opinions to support their clients or as co-counsel.
He taught arbitration law at the University of Toronto for several years in the early 1980's.
Over the past 32 years, Mr. Levitt has lectured at seminars across Canada, appearing at over 400 conferences in the employment law area, including conferences for the Law Society, Human Resources Professional Association of Ontario and the Canadian Bar Association. Mr. Levitt has also conducted labour law seminars for Canadian Manufacturers' Association, Personnel Associations of various cities, Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants as well as for other management and professional groups across Canada.
Mr. Levitt acts for many national employers in a variety of industries as well as having acted for many senior executives. He is part of the Levitt LLP lawyers in the Toronto office.
Mr. Levitt is known for aggressively defending his clients.
BAR MEMBERSHIPS
He has received calls to the Bars of Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. He is a graduate of Harvard Law School's Negotiation and Advanced Negotiation Programmes.
PUBLICATIONS and MEDIA APPEARANCES
- Workplace Law Columnist for the National Post 1999 to date
- Formerly a columnist for the Toronto Star 1994 - 96, 1998 - 99;
- Multiple radio and television appearances across Canada on at least a monthly basis.
- Constantly quoted in multiple newspapers and magazines.
Mr. Levitt has been the subject of and quoted in numerous articles in the Canadian news media as well as publications, such as the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times, in the United States. He has also been quoted in the United Kingdom.
He has also been quoted in:
- The Washington Post;
- The New York Times;
- The National Post;
- The Globe and Mail;
- The Toronto Star;
- The Toronto Sun;
- Law Times;
- Employment Law Report;
- Financial Times;
- Macleans;
- The Montreal Gazette;
- The Calgary Herald;
- The Vancouver Sun;
- Lawyers' Weekly;
- Workplace News;
- Employment Law Report;
- CBC Newsworld;
- CTV National News;
- Canada AM;
- W5;
- CBC Radio;
- The Agenda with Steve Paikin
- The Verdict with Paula Todd
- AM 640, 680, 1010
- FM 98.1
- Canadian Employment Law Today
- HR Reporter
- Employment Law Report
He has been involved in many of Canada's most high profile cases in his area.
He has been listed in all editions of Lexpert, a directory of the top 500 lawyers in Canada as a leader in employment law. He has been quoted in an American Lawyer Media/Lexpert. He is recognized in the 6th Edition of The World's Leading Labour and Employment Lawyers published by Euromoney.
Mr. Levitt articled at what was then McCarthy & McCarthy, spending most of that year working exclusively for John J. Robinette, viewed by many as the top Canadian Lawyer of the 20th Century. He worked for thirteen years at the national law firm Lang Michener LLP before opening Levitt LLP.
Jeffrey is an experienced litigator who has been in the forefront of handling employment and other related matters. He assists and advises successful businesses & entrepreneurs in the area of employment law with a focus on litigation. He is well adept at handling disputes in litigation before the courts. Jeffrey is also a proponent of employing alternative dispute resolution including mediation and arbitration for a more cost effective and successful resolution.
He is passionate about helping clients make informed decisions, is well respected by them and also enjoys an excellent reputation with the courts and opposing lawyers. He has been highly rated by the Lexis Nexis peer review rating for his expert legal ability and strong ethical standards.
Education
York University (Hons. B.A. 1989),
Osgoode Hall Law School (LL.B. 1992)
Year of Call
Ontario, 1994
Professional Associations
Law Society of Upper Canada
Israel Balter is a leading Toronto employment lawyer and he represents and advises employers and employees in employment and Human Rights matters.
The vulnerability of employers to Human Rights proceedings in Ontario has dramatically increased with a passage of Bill-107. As a former investigator with the Ontario Human Rights Commission, Israel brings an insider's perspective in advising employees on discrimination complaints and in counselling employers on how to investigate and to effectively defend such proceedings.
Recognized for his expertise in Employment law, Israel's advice and experience is sought from clients in a range of industries including broadcasting, communications, information technology, call centres and non-profit organizations.
Driven by a philosophy of first rate client service, Israel is a solution oriented lawyer who strives to achieve customized and effective resolutions in his clients' interests.
Education
Called to the Ontario bar - 1984
Osgoode Hall Law School, LLB – 1982
Recognition:
Received a "CV" Peer Review Rating from Martindale-Hubbell
Memberships:
Canadian Bar Association
Representative Transactions:
Israel Balter represents employees in human rights and wrongful dismissal actions and advising employers on protecting themselves against employee proceedings and workplace issues. He has expertise in devising proactive measures to assist employers in reducing and managing termination and severance costs. Some other examples of his expertise include:
- Actions and claims for wrongful and constructive dismissal;
- Human Rights complaints;
- Complaints under the Employment Standards Act 2000 and the Canada Labour Code;
- Workplace investigations into complaints of discrimination and harassment, and the drafting of contracts of employment for employees including executives, management, sales and talent; and
- Defending employers against discrimination and harassment complaints.
Media Mentions:
Israel frequently appears on radio and television programs where he discusses topical issues relating to Human Rights, sexual harassment and equality. He was recently featured in Spirituality Inc.: Companies are Hiring Chaplains for Heart-to-Heart Chats with Employees. Their First Challenge: Skepticism, in The Globe and Mail. In the article Israel discusses the recent inclusion of corporate chaplains in the workplace.
November 21, 2007
8th Annual Employment Law Summit
Speaker, Law Society of Upper Canada
November 24, 2006
7th Annual Employment Law Summit
Speaker, Law Society of Upper Canada
November 2005
6th Annual Employment Law Summit
Speaker, Law Society of Upper Canada
2005
Lorman Series on Employment Issues
Speaker, Lorman Education Services
Industries
Communications
Consumer Products / Retailing
Entertainment & Sports
Family Owned Businesses
Hospitality / Services
Internet & Information Technology
Manufacturing
Brendan is an experienced litigator who has been in the forefront of handling employment and other related matters.
Brendan is an experienced trial and appellate litigator with a practice in employment law.
He advises and represents successful businesses and entrepreneurs and is adept at resolving disputes throughout the litigation process, including mediation, arbitration, and direct negotiation for a more cost effective resolution.
Brendan always keeps his client's best interests in mind, and so he is prepared to take matters to a trial if need be. He is a formidable opponent in court and adept at handling acrimonious disputes. Brendan has appeared before the Ontario Court of Appeal, Ontario Superior Court of Justice, Ontario Court of Justice, Federal Court of Appeal, Federal Court of Canada and Tax Court of Canada. He is well respected by his clients, the courts and opposing lawyers.
In January 2011, The Law Society of Upper Canada acknowledged Brendan for volunteering as pro bono duty counsel for lawyers and paralegals appearing before the Law Society's Tribunals.
Education
McGill University (Hons. B.A., 1993)
Dalhousie University (L.L.B., 1996)
Year of Call
1998
Professional Associations
Advocates' Society
Law Society of Upper Canada
Toronto Lawyers Association
Ontario Bar Association
Languages
English & German
Employment Cases of Note
- counsel for claims of $1.8 million for constructive dismissal, 2010
- counsel for claim for severance on termination
- review and revision of severance packages, 2010
- revisions to and implementation of Bill 168 (anti-harassment and workplace violence) policies, 2010
- preparation of employment agreements, 2009-2010
- advisor to employers on confidential information and non-competition/non-solicitation covenants, 2009-2010
Sunira is a civil litigator and her practice encompasses litigation and the negotiation of civil disputes in the areas of employment and labour law.
In her practice of employment law, Sunira applies practical and innovative solutions to the challenging workplace issues faced by her clients. She acts on behalf of executive employees, employers and union representatives.
Sunira represents executive employees with respect to their employment-related inquiries including matters of constructive dismissal, human rights violations, wrongful dismissal, and the interpretation of compensation plans, restrictive covenants, and stock arrangements. Through her experience, Sunira has developed exceptional skills in negotiating with employers to obtain the best possible result for each of her clients.
When representing employers, Sunira focuses on managing the termination process and promoting a confidential negotiation where litigation is avoided to protect the interests of the employer.
Sunira also represents union representatives within her practice of labour law where she conducts negotiations and mediations.
Access to justice has been a very important issue to Sunira especially with regard to those who are living below the poverty line and those dealing with mental health issues. During her studies at Osgoode Hall Law School, Sunira worked pro bono as a disability legal worker at a community legal clinic for three years.
While at the community legal clinic, Sunira represented clients at Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) appeal hearings before the Social Benefits Tribunal. Most of her clients suffered from significant health issues which often presented challenges but helped her to build strong interpersonal skills.
Because access to justice is important to Sunira, she recently joined Pro Bono Lawyers of Canada in order to assist as duty counsel at the Superior Court of Justice.
Awards
Recipient of R.J. Gray Award – Osgoode Hall Law School, 2009
Memberships & Associations
Ontario Bar Association
Canadian Bar Association
Pro Bono Law Ontario
The Advocates' Society
Women's Law Association of Ontario
South Asian Bar Association
Toronto Lawyers Association
Interests
Sunira has a large interest in the arts and works with different arts organizations in Toronto. She is a member of the Business for the Arts Organization where she acts as volunteer junior counsel. In addition, she is an active member on the Young Patrons Circle at the Royal Ontario Museum and is a board member of Soundstreams Encore in Toronto.
She also has an interest in running, skiing, golfing, tennis, traveling, fashion, writing, current affairs and world politics.
Education
York University (B.Sc., 2006)
Osgoode Hall Law School (J.D., 2010)
Year of Call
2011
Matthew's practice focuses on assisting employees and employers with issues concerning human rights, constructive dismissal, wrongful dismissal and sexual harassment and discrimination. Matthew has extensive experience in drafting employment contracts that meet the changing employment standards of today's workplace. He also has expertise with Labour Board issues.
Matthew brings unique skills and perspectives to his employment and labour practice. During his seven years of judicial clerkship for a solo practitioner, he produced employment briefs, medical briefs, and motion records and had extensive involvement in researching and drafting statements of claim affidavits and orders.
His membership in the London Musician's Union while he was a self-employed professional musician gives him practical knowledge and experience with labour law. Matthew also has special insight, as a former independent designer, marketer and events coordinator into the challenges faced by entrepreneurial businesses.
Education
Queen's University, LLB - 2004
Year of Call
Ontario 2005
Teaching Engagements:
At Queen's University, Matthew was selected to serve as a teaching and research assistant to Faculty of Law Professor Rosemary King.
Memberships:
Canadian Bar Association
Ontario Bar Association
London Musician's Union
Community Involvement:
Matthew was an organizer and performer for a variety of charitable fundraising events during his years as a professional musician. His work benefited such organizations as the Camp Trillium childhood cancer support centre and the Children's Hospital of Western Ontario. He also performed in "Lawlapalooza," the annual charity fundraiser of the Queen's University Faculty of Law.
Personal Interests:
From the late 1980s until 2002, Matthew was a self-employed musician, as well as a designer and developer of promotional materials and web sites for various businesses. As a musician he toured Europe and North America with numerous musical acts and worked as a studio musician. He also recorded, produced and promoted three independent music CDs, and arranged and published a book of children's songs. Matt was featured in Hitting the High Notes an article in Canadian Lawyer Associates Summer 2008 edition that highlighted lawyers who are also musicians. In addition, Mr. Dewar's involvement with entertainment and media activities included three years of service with Michael P. Wasserman, Inc., as a business manager and coordinator of high-profile special events.
Publications & Presentations:
Co-author," Law Note - Union Counters Employer's Loss Claim from Illegal Strike," (with N. Fera), Lang Michener LLP InBrief Fall 2009.
"Mitigation: What One Hand Giveth, The Other Taketh," Lang Michener In Brief Summer 2008.
"Bill 107 Means New Challenges for Employers," Updated version of Ontario's Human Rights Code Amendment Means New Challenges for Employers, May 14, 2008.
"Law Note - New Challenges for Employers: Changes to Human Rights Code," Lang Michener InBrief Fall 2008.
"Ontario's Human Rights Code Amendment Means New Challenges for Employers," Lang Michener Employment & Labour Brief Spring 2008.
"Are You Ready For Bill 107?," Workplace, January /February 2008
Industries
Communications
Broadcasting
Media
Telecommunications
Entertainment & Sports
Film & Theatrical Production
Internet & Information Technology
Manufacturing
Transportation & Logistics
Robert Drake is an experienced litigator who has successfully acted in the Superior Court of Justice and the Ontario Court of Justice. He focuses on advising clients of their legal remedies as well as creative solutions to their problems. His goal is to obtain the best result for his clients. Robert has taken matters to trial to ensure his clients have their day in court.
Education
University of Guelph (B.A. Hons. with distinction, 2005)
Queen's University (J.D., 2008)
Year of Call
Ontario, 2009
Professional Associations
Member, Law Society of Upper Canada
Member, Canadian Bar Association
Member, Ontario Bar Association
Maxim is an experienced lawyer who advises clients in unlawful dismissal, provides assessments of severance packages and negotiates with national employers. Max is focused on the clients best interest and uses a results based approach. He communicates in a time sensitive manner with his clients.
Education
B.A.(H). – Political Science from Guelph University (2006)
M.A. – Political Science from Guelph University (Subject: Terrorism and Vulnerability) (2007)
L.L.B. – Windsor Law (2010) - Ron Ianni International Law Award
Year of Call
Ontario, 2011
Languages
English and Russian
Professional Memberships
Member of Ontario Bar Assocation
Member of Canadian Bar Association
Nicole is our current articling student at Levitt LLP. She recently completed her Juris Doctor at the University of Ottawa after completing a Bachelor of Arts with honours and a Minor in English from Ryerson University.
As a law student, Nicole participated in the Nelligan O'Brien Payne 2009 Moot where she developed a strong interest in litigation. Nicole embraces the opportunity to use her strong communications skills and analytical ability to develop effective strategy. She also participated in a first year research assignment where she analyzed legislation for the Canadian Internet Policy & Public Interest Clinic.
During her 2012 internship at Gowlings LLP, Nicole worked on a variety of projects, primarily in the area of intellectual property litigation. Nicole also obtained great experience contributing to a research paper regarding biosimiliar drug regulation.
During her 2011 internship at Sutter Hill Investment Group, Nicole was involved with in-house legal matters including writing lease summaries for commercial property leases and acting as a representative in small claims court actions. These experiences were an excellent challenge for her and greatly added to a well-rounded knowledge in many areas of law.
Education
2012 – University of Ottawa (J.D.)
2009 - University of Ryerson (B.A.Hons.)
Interests
Nicole's interests include tennis, reading biographies, learning French and travelling.
Robert is an experienced litigator with a practice that is devoted to employment disputes through both litigation and mediation. His clients include both large and small corporations and he advises them on the resolution of litigious matters in order to meet their strategic and corporate needs and objectives. He is an experienced negotiator, a strategic thinker and is very well respected by his clients, the courts and opposing lawyers.
Robert has successfully acted at every level of court up to and including the Supreme Court of Canada. Robert has been trial counsel on numerous trials, and has also acted as appeal counsel before the Divisional Court of Ontario, the Court of Appeal of Ontario and the Supreme Court of Canada. Robert has taught business law at the University of Toronto.
Education
University of Toronto (LL.B., 1977)
Northwestern University (M.A., 1969)
McGill University (B.A. (First Class Honours) 1968)
Year of Call
Ontario, 1979
Professional Associations
Law Society of Upper Canada
Canadian Bar Association
Metropolitan Toronto Lawyers Associations
Irwin is an experienced litigator who has been in the forefront of handling employment and other related matters. He is known by his peers as a tenacious and proficient litigator and he is greatly experienced in the resolution of cases.
Irwin is an expert problem solver, and is known for his practical approach to complicated legal matters. If a case cannot be settled through negotiation, Irwin has great experience and ability to take a case to trial.
Education
University of Ottawa (LL.B., 1983)
Concordia University (B.Comm., 1980)
Year of Call
Ontario, 1985
Languages
English, French & Hebrew
Professional Associations
Law Society of Upper Canada
Canadian Bar Association
County of Carleton Law Association
Association of Trial Lawyers of America
Muneeza Sheikh currently practices in the area of labour and employment law. She provides advice and representation in employment matters to corporations and executives, including dismissal, hiring, contracts, human rights and employment litigation. Muneeza has successfully resolved a number of difficult and complex employment matters, both litigious and non-litigious.
In her labour law practice, Muneeza works closely with employers in preparing and presenting complex labour matters before administrative tribunals and the court. She has represented clients before the Ontario Labour Relations Board, the Workplace Safety & Insurance Board, the Grievance Settlement Board, and at private arbitrations.
Muneeza completed her undergraduate studies at York University in Sociology and Labour Studies and then attended Osgoode Hall Law School, where she obtained a law degree. She was called to the bar in 2008 and worked for one the leading union-side labour law firms learning from the top litigators in the area. Muneeza also spent time working as in-house counsel for one of the largest unions in the province.
Education
Osgoode Hall Law School, LL.B
York University, Sociology and Labour Studies, BAH
Year of Call
2008
Languages
English, Hindi and Urdu
Robert's passion for the law stems from his Western Canadian roots and his desire to assist clients in achieving their corporate and personal objectives. He is a senior litigator who takes pride in applying practical and innovative solutions to challenging workplace issues.
He assists human resource professionals in managing the employee relationships in a way that supports their organization's business objectives. Robert also provides advice to employees to help them resolve their workplace issues. If an employee has been terminated, Robert works diligently to achieve a just result through negotiation or litigation.
He has appeared in all levels of Court in Ontario, the Supreme Court of British Columbia; the New Brunswick Court of Queens Bench, Federal Court Trial Division, Federal Court of Appeal and Supreme Court of Canada.
Robert welcomes the opportunity to work with you to help you find the optimal legal solution to your workplace issues.
Robert’s Employment Expertise Includes:
- Advising the Multinational and Multi-Jurisdictional Employer
- Contracts for Employees and Independent Contractors
- Employment Standards
- Human Rights
- Obtaining Injunctions to Protect Proprietary Information
- Mediation & Arbitration
- Workplace Investigations
- Wrongful and Constructive Dismissal Litigation
- Social Media in the Workplace
Education
Osgoode Hall Law School (LL.B. 1976)
University of Toronto (BSc Hons 1972)
Year of Call
Ontario, 1978
Memberships:
Law Society of Upper Canada
Advocates’ Society
Canadian Bar Association
American Bar Association
Islington Golf Club
Notable Speaking Engagements & Publications:
Robert speaks on employment and litigation issues at continuing professional development courses for accountants. He has also written on issues pertaining to employment law. His most recent publication:
The Top 10 Employment and Labour Risks, The Bottom Line – June 2012
Not-For-Profit Involvement:
Robert is on the Board of Directors of Bellwoods Centre for Community Living Inc. which is a not-for-profit organization providing community based, client directed support services and independent living education programs for people with physical disabilities living in the greater Toronto area.
