Laurie Jessome* (she/her/hers) is Chair of the national Employment & Labour Group at Cassels and serves as a member of the firm’s Executive Committee. Laurie acts as dedicated counsel to employers of all sizes and offers expertise on employment-related issues across a variety of industries, including mining, natural resources, finance, insurance, medical technology, retail, manufacturing, and professional services – among others. For her work, Laurie has been repeatedly recognized as a leader in her field by Chambers Canada, where clients note: “She’s a true partner for our operations.”
With over 20 years of employment law experience, Laurie has become the “go to” employment counsel on many of the firm’s largest deals, advising on the employment law aspects of complex commercial transactions for both private and public companies.
Laurie regularly supports clients – domestically and across the border – by providing timely and strategic advice regarding employment and contractor agreements as well as employee handbooks and policies. She also provides guidance on performance management, terminations, and wrongful/constructive dismissal. She has developed deep, specific experience assisting employers with managing and responding to sensitive workplace issues, including allegations of harassment, fraud, and other misconduct.
When necessary, Laurie serves as a practical and effective advocate for her clients. She regularly represents a range of clients before provincial and federal human rights tribunals as well as the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, the Ontario Labour Relations Board, the Employment Standards Branch of the Ontario Ministry of Labour, and in mediations and arbitrations.
In addition to her practice, Laurie is a frequent speaker and writer on employment law developments. Her insights have been featured in prominent publications such as Lexpert, Workplace Magazine, HR Professional Magazine and Canadian Corporate Counsel. Laurie is also an active contributor to Cassels’ thought leadership on emerging workplace issues, helping employers stay ahead in a rapidly evolving legal landscape.
*Services provided through a Professional Corporation
