While my practice spans across employment law as well as civil and commercial litigation, a very specific area has risen to the forefront of my career, Executive Employment Law. Along with my colleagues at Massey LLP, we are breaking ground in this specialty area – working with companies, organizations, professional associations, executive recruiters, and, of course, executives themselves. What is Executive Employment Law? Advising executives, from directors to the C-suite, as well as the organizations hiring them, on the unique issues of an executive employment contract. There are many aspects of these contracts that, while not unique to executives, have hidden nuances and risks that are exacerbated or enhanced by the knowledge, authority, and value of these high-level employees. Having experienced counsel to guide you, whether at the beginning of the relationship (contract negotiation) or the breakdown (litigation or litigation avoidance) is essential. Typically, these special issues include: fixed term contracts; bonuses and stock options; director/officer liability; notice periods; dismissal with/without cause; non-competition clauses; fiduciary obligations; and more. I was involved in the precedent setting case, Waksdale v Swegon North America which is now being used prolifically by judges in favour of executives and have represented high-profile executives in employment litigation because the executive employment contract was either wrong, unclear, breached provincial labour laws, or had clauses that were unenforceable. Having developed years of experience in this area, in both the boardroom and the courtroom, the advantage to working with me and Massey LLP is clarity, certainty, and peace of mind that your path forward is the right one for you or your company. In addition to Executive Employment Law, I also practice classic Employment Law/Labour Law/HR Law for organizations. I defend clients in professional discipline matters, particularly involving the Law Society of Ontario and the College of Veterinarians of Ontario and take on other commercial and civil litigation matters.