Our Universities group deals with all aspects of labour, employment, human resources, governance and student affairs law that relate to universities in Ontario. We have served the university sector for over 35 years and have a full understanding of both the challenges universities face and their mandate to offer students the best education possible.

• Prevention: We help universities proactively address a wide range of issues. These include governance concerns – such as the appointment of and powers of presidents, powers of boards to make bylaws and the role of the board in tenure and dismissal issues – and policy reviews in a variety of areas, such as the use of a university’s technology, research and intellectual property. In addition, we provide advice on labour and employment-related matters, such as those relating to collective bargaining, employment standards, human rights, privacy, occupational health and safety and the Workplace Safety Insurance Board (WSIB). We are also committed to ensuring our clients understand the impact that any new legislation may have on their activities.
• Representation: We represent universities in a variety of forums when labour, employment and student-related disputes arise. This includes representation in court proceedings, labour board hearings, collective bargaining, arbitration hearings, wrongful dismissal proceedings and tribunal hearings such as those involving student and faculty appeals, student accommodation issues and human rights.
• Solutions: We help universities solve their legal issues when they arise – taking a creative approach when necessary to reflect the unique environment in which these institutions operate. Our solutions include the structuring and documentation of severance packages; resolution of pension and benefits issues; interpretation of collective agreements; handling of freedom of information requests; and the creation of service and employment contracts.

The Hicks Morley advantage

­The legal work we do for the university sector is unmatched by any other firm in the country. And as Canada’s leading human resources law firm, our university clients benefit from the full depth of our firm’s expertise.

We act for the majority of Ontario universities and six of our lawyers each has more than 20 years' experience working in the university sector. This experience has given us extensive knowledge and understanding of the issues universities face and the environment in which they operate.

“Hicks Morley’s concentration of expertise in our sector is unmatched. They have an intimate knowledge of both the legal and practical issues that universities face – and their advice and solutions reflect this.”

Norman Ahmet, BA, Med
Assistant Vice-President Human Resources and Employee Relations
York University