Our History

We have a history of excellence

The firm was founded in 1983 by Paul Cavalluzzo, Jim Hayes, and Elizabeth Shilton. Their objective was to create a distinctive firm that would be recognized for excellence and a commitment to social justice and equality, particularly in the field of labour law. Partners David Bloom and Bernie Hanson joined the firm shortly after its founding.

In 1988, Elizabeth McIntyre, of the feminist law firm Symes, Kitely, McIntyre, joined the firm, and Mary Cornish, founder of the feminist law firm Cornish Advocates, joined the firm in 1994. Their expertise in health law, labour law and human rights broadened the firm’s practice in those areas.   

Although the firm has continued to grow and evolve, its commitment to the founders’ core values has remained the same. We have been counsel in some of the leading labour and employment cases in Canada, including constitutional cases recognizing that the Charter protects the right to bargain collectively and ground-breaking human rights cases addressing racial and gender-based discrimination, among many others.

Over the years, we have been joined by talented lawyers, growing in number and in breadth of experience. We represent trade unions, organizations, and individuals in both the public and private sector, and in every profession. Our clients include teachers, musicians, nurses, crown attorneys, doctors, engineers, pilots, athletes, health care professionals, judges, postal workers, machinists, airline workers, service workers, industrial workers, retail workers, pension plans, equality seeking groups and community organizations.

We strive to continue the tradition of excellence and client service established by our founding partners.

Recent News

News/11 May 2023

"Appellate court ruling a reminder to check employment contracts"

Jeff Andrew comments on changes in employment contracts

In today's Legal Matters, Jeff Andrew discusses how some employment contracts signed years ago may no longer be valid, if an employee's duties, or the... Read More
News/23 February 2023

Stephen Moreau Interviewed by HR Reporter

Article focuses on 'real uncertainty' around terminations

Stephen Moreau was recently interviewed in an article in HR Reporter titled What ‘exceptional circumstances’ push reasonable notice past 24 months? Read More
News/13 February 2023

"No Clear Answers As To When Longer Notice Periods Are Required"

Stephen Moreau discusses notice periods with Legal Matters

In today's Legal Matters, Stephen Moreau discusses the continued uncertainty as to what constitutes “exceptional circumstances” that would require an ... Read More
News/8 February 2023

"Young Retail Workers Are Giving Union Popularity A Boost"

Jeff Andrew comments on predictions and trends of unions for 2023

In today's Legal Matters, Jeff Andrew discusses some predictions and trends for unions, with younger workers trending towards gig-economy roles, as we... Read More
News/18 January 2023

"The Challenges And Complexity Of Constructive Dismissal Law"

Stephen Moreau discusses constructive dismissal law with Legal Matters

In today's Legal Matters, Stephen Moreau discusses the law of constructive dismissal, which "is easy to state but hard to apply and understand in real... Read More
News/6 January 2023

Significant Decision for Employees: Court Certifies Unpaid Vacation and Public Holiday Pay Class Action Against RBC Dominion Securities

The class action was initiated by Cavalluzzo LLP

On December 29, 2022, the Ontario Superior Court certified a class proceeding against RBC Dominion Securities, which claims that this employer failed ... Read More