The Toronto-based labour and employment practice at Baker McKenzie is well-placed to handle a range of advisory, transactional and contentious mandates, such as compensation arrangements, discrimination, harassment and gender pay equity litigation, and support with M&A transactions. The practice is directed by George Avraam, who majors on trial and appellate litigation. Also noted are Andrew Shaw (workplace disputes, collective bargaining and workplace investigations); and Jennifer Bernardo (labour, employment and corporate matters).
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘This team is unique in their approach that intertwines legal excellence and service orientation for clients. Their attention to detail is consistent and extraordinary. They always make an effort to see the people involved and consider not just the immediate issues but explore the potential pathways in the future as outcomes for different decisions and approaches.’
‘George Avraam is one of the most incredible leaders I have ever worked with. His passion for the law and for leading a diverse team is obvious in all that he does. On his team I would also like to highlight Jennifer Bernardo and Ajanthana Anandarajah. They are all insightful, responsive and committed to advancing our society through careful consideration and application of legal principles.’
‘Baker McKenzie has an excellent employment and labour legal team. One of the team members is always available to support us with challenging legal matters. They provide strategic advice and remain up to date with new and emerging issues.’
‘George Avraam - one of the top lawyers in his field, George provides legal advice that our organization can rely on in challenging situations. We trust him with our most complex legal matters. Jennifer Bernardo - an exceptional lawyer and we know she will do an excellent job with our legal matters. She is detail-oriented, is up-to-date on all legal issues and provides a good perspective on our files.’
‘Baker McKenzie is a unique practice as the team is very professional and provides very timely and thoughtful advice. I find the team to be very capable and trustworthy. I also appreciate the diversity of the team. The documents they prepare are always very thorough and do a great job answering any questions that we might have.’
‘George Avraam is outstanding, very professional, respectful and intelligent. Ajanthana Anandarajah is excellent at laying out a strategy for complex cases. She has been very thoughtful and respectful and great to deal with. Jennifer Bernardo is very professional, thoughtful and excellent at explaining the situation; her written documents are outstanding.'
‘Very responsive, well-structured, the senior partner manages all matters and is accountable. Very personal attention and support. George Avraam provides outstanding personal service. He is particularly sensitive to cost and always available when needed.’
Key clients
- University of Western Ontario
- McMaster University
- University of Waterloo
- Queen’s University
- Ontario Tech University
- Council of Ontario Universities
- The University of Guelph and York University
- Canadian Association of Counsel to Employers
- Canadian Constitution Foundation
- RSM Canada
- Zoom Communications
Work highlights
- Provided advice to universities on issues related to student protests and encampment issues on several university campuses.
- Represented the Canadian Association of Counsel to Employers at the Ontario Court of Appeal in a case involving wage restraint legislation.
Lawyers
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
George Avraam