With offices across Canada, Mathews, Dinsdale & Clark LLP is a boutique firm dedicated to representing employers in workplace matters. Possessing in-depth knowledge of the manufacturing, hospitality and healthcare industries, the group is led by four partners: David Defrancesco in Toronto, Keith Murray in Vancouver, Loretta Bouwmeester in Calgary and Tara Erskine KC in Halifax. Vancouver -based Gradin Tyler has a strong focus on human rights issues and Victoria-based Kim Nusbaum advises on workplace policies and occupational health and safety. In Toronto, Sonia Regenbogen defends employers in cases of wrongful dismissal, discrimination and sexual harassment, whilst John Craig is rated for his strategic advice. In the last year, Bonny Mak joined from Fasken.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘What really sets Mathews Dinsdale & Clark LLP apart, in my view, is that they’re Canada’s only truly national labour and employment law boutique. Unlike most law firms, they focus entirely on representing employers, and their offices span from coast to coast. This national reach—combined with a singular focus on workplace law—means they can support clients with complex issues no matter where they arise in Canada.'
- 'Gradin Tyler is one of those rare lawyers who combines deep legal expertise with a genuine knack for seeing the bigger picture. Keith Murray stands out for his directness and experience at the bargaining table. He’s not just a negotiator—he’s a partner in the process.'
‘They cover multiple areas of issues employers face. From grievances to human rights and immigration law.’
‘Keith Murray - excellent in arbitrations and contract interpretation. Has an extensive history and knowledge of labour law in BC. Tyler Gradin - very effective in dispute resolution. Highly knowledgeable in disability cases and very capable of labour arbitrations as well.’
‘I have found that Mathews, Dinsdale & Clark LLP to be a reliable legal partner for our human resources and business operations.'
‘John Craig: John is by far one of the most strategic lawyers I have ever worked with over the 30+ years of my career. John is able to understand issues we bring to him at the highest level down to the nitty gritty details.’
Key clients
- Medcan Health Management Inc.
- T.E.S. Contract Services Inc.
- TELUS
- Titan Non-Destructive Examination Services Ltd.
- TransEd O&M Partners General Partnership
- PTW Canada Ltd.
- Altrad Group
- Sofina Foods Inc.
- British Columbia Public School Employers’ Association
- Labatt Brewing Company
- Bank of Nova Scotia dba Scotiabank
- Ministry of Attorney General
Work highlights
Advised TES – Recruitment Services on a $145m class action that involved more than 9000 potential class members.
Defended TransEd O&M Partners General Partnership against the successor employer application as well as the certification application.
Representing PTW in a Court of King’s Bench of Alberta action against two of its former managers for alleged breach of contractual, common law and fiduciary duties.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
David Defrancesco; Keith Murray; Loretta Bouwmeester; Tara Erskine
Other key lawyers
Gradin Tyler; Kim Nusbaum; Sonia Regenbogen; John Craig