Bennett Jones LLP

Employment Services

Partner

Carl Cunningham provides strategic employment advice to management (including the on-boarding and separation of C-Suite executives) and frequently provides advice regarding the transfer of employees in complex corporate transactions. Carl's practice includes advising both federally and provincially regulated employers regarding all aspects of employment law. Carl assists employers in establishing the employment relationship, such as drafting and negotiating employment contracts, change of control agreements and workplace policies, and complying with applicable legislation, such as employment standards, health and safety and the Human Rights Code. He also provides strategic advice to clients on issues that arise during the course of the employment relationship, such as managing absenteeism, use of independent contractors, accommodating injured workers, administering discipline and responding to allegations of workplace harassment. In the event that the employment relationship ends, Carl provides employers with guidance on cost effective ways to structure termination packages and headcount reductions. In addition to providing employers with strategic advice, Carl also represents employers in a broad range of employment disputes. He frequently attends mediations and appears in the Superior Court of Justice on wrongful dismissal litigation and claims relating to breach of post-employment obligations, including moving for and responding to injunctions. Carl also represents employers at labour- and employment-related tribunals, including the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal, Canada Industrial Relations Board, the Ontario Labour Relations Board, boards of arbitration, and Coroner's Inquests. Carl also advises on employee privacy law issues. Carl is recognized as one of Canada's "Leading Lawyers under 40" in the 2014 edition of Lexpert's annual Rising Stars awards.

University of Windsor, BA, 1996, with honours | University of Windsor, LLB, 1999