Workplace law services for both employers and employees.

Services

Employers

Having trained and practiced with the top-ranked labour and employment group of a national law firm, Ryan has solved complex legal problems for some of the country’s largest employers. Now under his own banner, Ryan is able to make that Bay Street expertise accessible to employers of all sizes.

REWC Law's services for employers include:

Termination advice and document drafting
Wrongful dismissal and human rights complaint defence
Litigating non-competition/solicitation covenants
Hiring advice and employment agreement drafting
Workplace investigation services
Policy/employee handbook review and drafting
WSIB advice, appeals, and representation services

Employees

By representing both employers and employees, Ryan's employee clients benefit from a workplace lawyer with a thorough understanding of both sides of the table. Ryan knows how employers think and uses that to provide cost-effective legal representation for his employee clients. That said, Ryan is always ready to fight in court for his client's legal rights.

REWC Law's services for employees include:

Severance package review and negotiation
Wrongful dismissal litigation
Job offer and employment agreement review
Human rights and discrimination claims
Workplace harassment dispute resolution
Disability and accommodation in the workplace
WSIB advice and representation for claims and appeals to WSIAT

About REWC Law

Ryan Edmonds started his own workplace law firm with the goal of making Bay Street expertise available to the public at Main Street fare.

Having trained and practiced with the top-ranked labour and employment group of a national law firm, Ryan provides cost-effective legal solutions to challenging workplace issues for both employees and employers of all sizes. Ryan also clerked at the Ontario Labour Relations Board during his articles, where he assisted the Board's Vice Chairs with cases about termination pay, overtime, unpaid wages, and workplace harassment.

As a result, Ryan not only considers how both employers and employees think when confronted with workplace disputes, but he's also seen how legal decision-makers approach these issues as well.

Though always ready and willing to litigate, Ryan is a strong believer in first trying to achieve his clients’ objectives through cost-effective negotiation and/or mediation techniques. That said, Ryan will not hesitate to make use of all the tools and remedies available at law if need be.

An academically-decorated graduate of Osgoode Hall Law School, Ryan has authored a number of award-winning law journal articles on labour and employment law, and frequently contributes to various industry publications. Ryan is also invited to speak and write about cutting-edge issues in workplace law, and has done so for The Globe & Mail, CBC Radio, the Human Resources Professional Association, the Law Society of Ontario, Osgoode Hall Law School, University of Toronto’s Centre for Industrial Relations, and Lancaster House.

Ryan is active in the community. He is currently an executive of the public interest and Supreme Court of Canada intervenor group, the Canadian Association of Non-Organized Employees, and in addition to being a past executive of the Ontario Bar Association’s Equality Committee, Ryan was a founding director of Out on Bay Street/Start Proud and a past executive of the OBA’s Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Conference.

Ryan is also an Adjunct Professor at Osgoode Hall Law School, where he teaches Employment Law in the JD program during the Winter semester.

Select Representative Work:

Successfully upheld a “just cause” dismissal on behalf of a manufacturing company regarding an employee terminated for insolence and threats of violence.

Recovered a substantial amount of termination pay on behalf of an employee who had been improperly classified as an independent contractor.

Conducted independent and confidential workplace investigation services for both public and private, and unionized and non-unionized employers.

Our Team

Alexis Radojcic
Associate Lawyer
Alexis joined REWC Law after articling and practicing employment law in the Bay Street office of one of the world’s largest law firms. A graduate of McGill’s business school and University of Ottawa’s faculty of law, Alexis is adept at finding creative legal solutions to her client’s complex workplace issues. She is also a tenacious advocate, having placed first as the Canadian national champion at the Jessup International Law Moot Court competition in 2015. Outside of the office (or the court room), Alexis enjoys staying active with cycling, tennis, and traveling the world.

Phone: 647.361.8228 x5
Email: alexis@rewc-law.com

Christopher Gibson
Associate Lawyer
Christopher is an adept litigator who enjoys the challenge of solving complex workplace issues on behalf of both employers and employees. Prior to joining REWC Law he practiced and articled at a top-ranked Bay Street firm where he represented clients before a variety of courts and tribunals. Christopher interned at the Canadian Civil Liberties Association and earned accolades as an award-winning moot court competitor during his studies at University of Toronto's Faculty of Law. When not delivering innovative legal solutions to his clients’ challenging workplace issues, Christopher enjoys speed chess, wrestling, and brushing up on his French immersion.

Phone: 647.361.8228 x4
Email: christopher@rewc-law.com

Barbara Barlow
Firm Administration

Barbara is a graduate of Seneca College’s Law Clerk program. A master multi-tasker with a keen attention to detail, Barbara is responsible for all aspects of the firm’s day-to-day operations. Barbara is also the primary point of contact for new clients, who praise her top-notch service and ability to bring on a smile during what are often difficult times. Outside of work Barbara enjoys baking, traveling the world, taking long walks through the Beaches, and hanging out with her fluffy Ragdoll kitten, Biggie Smalls.

Phone: 647.361.8228 x3
Email: barbara@rewc-law.com

Media

Speaking

Adjunct Professor, “Individual Employment Law”, Osgoode Hall Law School, Winter 2020, Toronto, ON

Speaker, “Genetic Discrimination and the Workplace: An Update”, Law Society of Ontario – Six Minute Employment Lawyer, June 20, 2019, Toronto, ON

Adjunct Professor, “Individual Employment Law”, Osgoode Hall Law School, Winter 2019, Toronto, ON

Speaker, “BYOD and the Workplace”, Ontario Bar Association – Internet and Social Media Law, October 15, 2018, Toronto, ON

Speaker, “Update on Gender Identity and Gender Expression”, 6th Annual Human Rights Summit, Law Society of Upper Canada, December 7, 2017, Toronto, ON

Panelist, “Lessons Learned and Top Tips for Investigating Sexual Harassment”, Human Rights and Sexual Harassment - Prevent the Violation and Costs, Janus Conferences, December 5, 2017, Toronto, ON

Speaker, “Upcoming Federal Accessibility Legislation: Implications For Your Business”, 3rd Annual Roundtable of Diversity Associations Conference, November 27, 2017, Toronto, ON

Guest Lecturer, “Ethical Issues in Employment Litigation”, Individual Employment Law, Osgoode Hall Law School, April 4, 2017, Toronto, ON

Speaker, “Harassment in the Workplace”, Law Society of Upper Canada, March 28, 2017, Toronto, ON

Speaker, “Building Your Brand Through Social Media”, Ontario Bar Association, Young Lawyer’s Division, August 30, 2016, Toronto, ON

Speaker, “The Associate’s Business Plan”, Ontario Bar Association, Institute 2016, February 3, 2016, Toronto, ON

Speaker, “Social Media, Just Cause, and Restrictive Covenants”, Human Resources Professionals Association HR Law Conference, October 22, 2015, Toronto, ON

+ More Speaking Engagements

Speaker, “Gender Identity and Gender Expression in the Workplace: Responding to an Emerging Issue”, Lancaster House Human Rights and Labour Law Conference, September 30, 2015, Ottawa, ON

Panelist, “Ethical Issues in Employment Law”, Law Society of Upper Canada, September 22, 2015, Toronto, ON

Panelist, “The Versatility of a Law Degree”, Out on Bay Street Annual Conference, September 19, 2015, Toronto ON

Speaker, “Drafting and Implementing Air-Tight Termination Provisions”, 5th Annual Workplace Discipline & Termination Conference, June 10, 2015, Toronto, ON

Speaker, “Gender Identity and Gender Expression: Best Practices for Inclusion and Accommodation in the Workplace”, Lancaster House Labour Arbitration & Policy Conference, June 5, 2015, Calgary, AB

Co-Chair, “One Year Out: LSUC’s Model Policy on LGBT Inclusion in Law Firms”, Ontario Bar Association, May 28, 2015, Toronto, ON

Speaker, “Social Media in the Workplace and Employee Privacy”, Human Resources Professionals Association (Toronto Chapter), February 25, 2015

Co-Chair, “Solution-Focused Planning for the Modern Family: Legal Issues for Equity-Seeking Groups”, Ontario Bar Association (Institute 2015), February 6, 2015

Panelist, “Social Media in the Workplace and Off-Duty Conduct”, Labour Relations Law, University of Toronto Centre for Industrial Relations, November 19, 2014

Co-Chair, “Demanding Diversity: Privacy Implications of Diversity Studies in the Workplace”, Ontario Bar Association, November 17, 2014

Speaker, “Essentials of Employment and Human Rights Law”, JobHouse.Ca, November 10, 2014

Speaker, “Gender Identity Myths”, Human Resources Professionals Association (Toronto Chapter), September 17, 2014

Guest Lecturer, “Introduction to Employment Law”, Centennial College and Ontario Justice Education Network, July 24, 2014

Speaker, “Update on Gender Identity and Gender Expression in the Workplace”, Six Minute Labour Lawyer 2014, Law Society of Upper Canada, June 6, 2014, Toronto, ON.

Speaker, “Trans Legal Rights in the Workplace”, Jer’s Vision Dare to Stand Out Forum, May 5, 2014, Toronto, ON.

Speaker, “Legal Rights for Trans People in the Workplace”, Law Union of Ontario Annual Conference, March 22, 2014, Toronto, ON.

Speaker, “Workplace Investigations: The When, Why, and How”, Canadian Corporate Counsel Association, February 26, 2014, Toronto, ON.

Speaker, “Gender Identity and Gender Expression in the Workplace”, Ontario Bar Association, November 11, 2013, Toronto, ON.

Speaker, “Hot Topics: Legal Issues Surrounding Transgendered Employees”, Dare to Stand Out: National Summit for LGBTQA Service Providers, June 26, 2013, Toronto, ON.

Speaker, “Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace”, Canadian Corporate Counsel Association, February 25, 2013, Toronto, ON.

Guest Lecturer, “The Individual Contract of Employment”, Labour Relations Law, University of Toronto Centre for Industrial Relations, November 15, 2011, Toronto, ON.

Publications

“Genetic Discrimination and the Workplace: An Update on the Evolving Legal Landscape”, Presented at the Law Society of Ontario’s Six Minute Employment Lawyer, June 20, 2019, Toronto, ON

“Beyond Binary: An Update on Gender Identity and Gender Expression” (with N. Khan), Presented at the 6th Annual Human Rights Summit, Law Society of Upper Canada, December 7, 2017

“Overcoming Barriers to Accessibility: The Ontario Experience” (with N. Khan), Presented at the 3rd Annual Diversity Conference, Ontario Bar Association, November 27, 2017

“Workplace Harassment in 2016: The Year in Review”, Presented at Harassment in the Workplace: Understanding the New Obligations, Law Society of Upper Canada, March 27, 2017

Contributor, "Gender Identity and Gender Expression in the Workplace", included in W. Tarnopolsky and W. Pentney, Discrimination and the Law (2015), Carswell.

Contributor, "Social Media and Internet Issues when Bringing Your Own Device to Work (BYOD)", included in P. Lomic, Social Media and Internet Law - Forms and Precedents (2nd Ed.) (2015), Lexis Nexis Canada.

“Probationary Employees: Three Things Every Employer Needs to Know”, HRPA’s HR Connected, June 23, 2014

“Gender Identity and Gender Expression in the Workplace: Who Needs It and What Does It Protect?”, Presented at the Six-Minute Labour Lawyer 2014, Law Society of Upper Canada, June 6, 2014

“Can an Employee Get Fired for That?”, Labour Notes, No. 1499, May 28, 2014

+ More Publications

“Probationary Employees: Three Things Every Employer Needs to Know”, HRPA’s HR Connected, June 23, 2014

“Social Media and Post-Employment Obligations: Is LinkedIn a Telephone Book or Rolodex?”, Canadian Lawyer, November 18, 2013

“An Employer’s Guide to Gender Identity and Gender Expression in the Workplace”, presented at “Gender Identity and Gender Expression in the Workplace”, Ontario Bar Association, November 11, 2013, Toronto, ON.

“Restraining Use of Confidential Information Requires that Information Actually be Confidential”, Workplace Wire, November 4, 2013

“Making Sense of the Confusion About Temporary Layoffs in Ontario”, Ultimate HR Manual, No. 100, September 2013.

“Will the LinkedIn Injunction Come to Canada?”, Workplace Wire, August 12, 2013

“Ontario Court of Appeal Clarifies Test for Discrimination”, Focus on Canadian Employment and Equality Rights, No. 44, August 2013

“What is the Liability of a Workplace Investigator?”, Labour Notes, No. 1479, July 2013

“Mind the Gap: Making Valid Employment Contracts Your #1 HR Priority”, Mercer/CCH Guide for Employers, No. 33, July 2013

“Is There a Right to Representation in a Workplace Investigation?”, Ultimate HR Manual, No. 97, June 2013

“Caregiving Needs and the Duty to Accommodate: Where Do We Go From Here?”, Perspectives on Labour and Employment Law, Canadian Bar Association, June 2013

“Procedural Fairness, Public Institutions, and Workplace Investigations”, Workplace Wire, June 26, 2013

“Pennsylvania Court: Employer Cannot Usurp Ex-Employee’s LinkedIn Profile”, Workplace Wire, March 15, 2013

“The Modern Employer: Accommodating the 21st Century Workforce”, presented at “Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace”, Canadian Corporate Counsel Association, February 25, 2013, Toronto, ON.

“Poor Workplace Satisfaction Survey Leads to Manager’s Constructive Dismissal”, Focus on Canadian Employment and Equality Rights, No. 38, February 2013

“Tribunal Dismisses Complaint by Employee with Scent Hypersensitivity”, Workplace Wire, November 20, 2012

Media Quotes

Quoted, “Globe Nine to Five”, Column Panelist, The Global and Mail (Various Dates)

Interviewed, “Uber drivers win right to proceed with class action lawsuit”, CBC Radio Metro Morning, January 3, 2019

Quoted, “Ontario court decision raises questions on employee settlements”, Benefits Canada, October 10, 2018

Quoted, “Woman’s deadly cannabis allergy highlights complexity of condo living”, CBC News, September 20, 2018

Quoted, “BC Human Rights Tribunal rejects complaint by gay lawyer”, Canadian Lawyer Legal Feeds, January 3, 2017

Interviewed, “TTC’s Plan for Random Drug Testing”, CBC Here and Now, April 19, 2016.

Featured, “Ryan Edmonds’ Calculated Risk”, Precedent Magazine, December 3, 2014.

Quoted, "Employers urged to develop policies to address needs of transgendered people", Canadian Lawyer, November 12, 2013.

Quoted, “Unpaid articling legal, but is it ethical?”, Canadian Lawyer, June 10, 2013.

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Contact Us

Ryan Edmonds Workplace Counsel
401 Bay Street, Suite 1600
Toronto, Ontario M5H 2Y4

Phone: 647.361.8228
Fax: 647.361.8229
Email: ryan@rewc-law.com