The labour and employment practice at Baker McKenzie specializes in litigation, investigations and transactions. The group regularly advises on pay equity, pensions and collective bargaining. George Avraam spearheads the team in Toronto, focusing on commercial disputes, class actions and partnership disputes. Andrew Shaw typically advises on wrongful dismissals and labour relations, whilst Jennifer Bernardo exhibits skill in trial and appellate litigation. At an associate level, Ajanthana Anandarajah is also of note.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The Baker McKenzie practice for labour and employment law is unique because it is specialized locally, yet has the internal team and resources to provide cross-border insights.’
- ‘Andrew Shaw stands out for his deep knowledge, experience, positive approach and an understanding of our situation.'
- ‘Andrew Shaw is excellent in his advice and guidance for employment matters.'
- ‘I have had great experience with the Baker McKenzie team. They are very professional, knowledgeable and responsive.’
- ‘George Avraam is outstanding. His leadership and expertise is greatly appreciated. Jennifer Bernardo has also provided excellent assistance on several complex files.'
- ‘This is an exceptionally strong, practical, and business-focused team. They understand the unique needs of my organisation and always provide thoughtful and appropriate advice and guidance.’
Key clients
- Facebook Canada Ltd.
- Meta Platforms, Inc.
- University of Waterloo
- McMaster University
- University of Western Ontario
- Queen’s University
- Ontario Tech University
- University of Guelph
- York University
- Council of Ontario Universities
- McMaster University
- The First Longwood Innovation Trustee Corporation
Work highlights
Advising Facebook Canada Ltd. and Meta Platforms, Inc. on a wrongful dismissal claim valued at over C$7.85m, which seeks damages equal to 12 months of total compensation and benefits.
Retained by several universities in Ontario (including the University of Waterloo) to advise on student and employee protests and campus encampments, and to commence actions and injunction motions against the encampment participants.
Defending McMaster and its affiliate, The First Longwood Innovation Trustee Corporation (FLIT) against wrongful dismissal claims filed by FLIT’s former CEO (Shattuck) and former CFO (Tran).
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Jennifer Bernardo
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Ajanthana Anandarajah
Practice head
George Avraam
Other key lawyers
Andrew Shaw; Jennifer Bernardo; Ajanthana Anandarajah
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