Partner

Janine Liberatore

janine@zfllaw.ca  
416-593-5844 Ext. 107

Education

• Hons. Specialized BA, York University, 1996

• LLB, Queens University, 2005

Memberships & Activities

• Law Society of Ontario

Bar Admissions

• Ontario

Partner

Janine Liberatore

Tenacious, concise, driven, decisive, dedicated, organized, and strategic are some of the words used by my clients when asked to describe me.  I love what I do, everyday.

I became an employment lawyer because I love advocacy and relationships.  I have been practicing labour and employment law for more than 18 years.  I feel most at home unravelling complex labour relations issues, making legal submissions to a court or tribunal, participating in mediation, or training management or future legal experts on employment concepts or alternate dispute resolution.

For a large portion of my career, I practiced in-house at large national corporations, which allowed me to gain valuable insight into how businesses operate and tailor my legal advice towards practical real-world solutions.  Whether your business is large or small, I understand budgetary considerations, cost centres, the hierarchy of decision making, and ensuring human resource professionals have the information and tools necessary to make sound business decisions.

At home, I have three kids, a dog, I love to garden and compete in equestrian show jumping competitions.

My passion is evident in everything I do.  I am positive and collaborative but I am ready to go into battle when appropriate.  I look forward to working with you and your team!

RECENT WORK

• Represented large national corporations in policy grievances related to union jurisdiction of online work and  grievances related to termination of employment, discipline cases.
• Successfully represented a constructively dismissed employee securing approximately $1.6M as wrongful dismissal damages for payment of the remainder of their fixed term contract.
• Appeared before the Ontario Labour Relations Board and secured an order requiring a striking union to return to work due to bad faith bargaining.
• Represented employers at interest arbitrations in the municipal and hospitality industry.
• Advised clients on complex labour relations including building services providers and successor rights.
• Managed sexual harassment, workplace violence and workplace harassment investigations and subsequent employment implications for the complainants and respondents
• Advised clients on performance management for employees with medical accommodation needs.
• Strategized and assisted in the implementation of business restructuring involving plant closures and mass terminations.