Give us a WHRL!

About Us

Williams HR Law (“WHRL”) is a dynamic team of first-rate legal professionals and staff who provide customized labour and employment law and workplace investigation services to employers of all sizes and in virtually all industries. We assist clients with all aspects of labour and employment law, including with wrongful dismissal and other employment-related litigation, human rights proceedings, attendance and disability management, accommodation, labour and employment law implications of mergers and acquisitions, employment agreements and policies, employment standards, grievance arbitrations, labour board proceedings, collective bargaining, occupational health and safety, privacy and workplace safety and insurance matters, among others. We also conduct third-party workplace investigations and organizational reviews, and advise our clients with respect to internal and external investigations.

Our lawyers are personable, approachable and committed to maintaining an enjoyable work environment that fosters individuality, innovation and initiative. We provide full service legal solutions regarding employment relationships in both unionized and non-unionized environments.

Our approach is flexible, cost effective and practical. We are strategic and proactive, with the ultimate objective of defusing workplace issues before they escalate. However, when our clients face litigation, we are strong advocates.

Students

Summer Students at WHRL will be exposed to interesting work in a wide variety of labour and employment law matters. Our students are fully integrated members of the legal team, and are involved in all stages of client matters. Students can expect to be involved in the following:

  • Assisting in workplace investigations
  • Researching and drafting legal memoranda
  • Participating in client calls and meetings
  • Supporting with attendance and disability management advice and strategy
  • Drafting employment agreements and policies
  • Drafting termination letters and legal correspondence
  • Providing support at hearings (HRTO, OLRB, WSIB, WSIAT, civil courts, labour arbitration)
  • Researching and drafting blogs and newsletter articles
  • Assisting in the preparation of presentations and seminars
  • Attending business development initiatives

Our integrated approach allows students to participate in complex legal work with the support and mentorship of seasoned practitioners. This allows students to gain a practical understanding of the lifecycle of various matters, and how their contributions fit into the larger context of an employment relationship.

What We Offer

Responsibility and inclusiveness

Every member of the Williams HR Law team is a hands-on contributor to our success, and students are no exception. Students have the opportunity to become fully engaged in files, interact with our clients, and participate in aspects of firm operation.

Engaging labour and employment law work

As a student at Williams HR Law, expect to be engaged in exciting and meaningful work across the employment law spectrum and for a diverse range of employer clients. We have long-standing relationships with many of our clients and you will quickly come to learn the value of the services we provide to them.

An enjoyable work environment

At Williams HR Law, we place great value on maintaining a collegial, supportive and respectful workplace environment. That’s why our lawyers and support staff are committed to maintaining an engaging culture that rewards team players with positive, can-do attitudes.

Professional development & feedback

Although more formal evaluations are conducted, feedback is constantly provided on an informal basis as part of our commitment to student development. Our lawyers’ doors are always open and students are encouraged to ask questions.

Testimonial – Aleksandra Pressey

WHRL 2016 Summer Student, 2017 Articling Student

Before starting my summer student position at Williams HR Law, I hoped to learn generally about the kinds of work management side labour and employment lawyers performed for their clients. I had the opportunity to be involved in so many aspects of the practice that my summer experience was even more intriguing and robust than I hoped. Besides preparing legal memoranda and blog posts on many fascinating areas of the law, I had the opportunity to draft several types of correspondence, including medical letters, employment letters, and responses to opposing counsel. I was also asked to draft sections of pleadings, policies, and proposals presented to incoming clients. I was able to work closely on files with all the lawyers. In addition to being exposed to a variety of legal tasks, I received insightful, constructive feedback throughout the summer, which allowed me to continuously learn and improve. I also had the opportunity to learn outside of the office. I helped to prepare for and attended client meetings, a workplace investigation, a Small Claims Court settlement conference, a hearing before the Ontario Labour Relations Board, workshops for clients, and the annual Williams HR Law and Williams HR Consulting seminar. The welcoming atmosphere allowed me to participate fully in the practice and culture of the firm. The summer just flew by, and the experience I had was invaluable.

Apply Today

If you believe that WHRL is the place you would like to begin your legal career, you can submit an application by forwarding the following information to studentrecruitment@williamshrlaw.com:

  • Resume
  • Cover Letter
  • Law School Transcripts
  • Undergraduate Transcripts
  • Writing Sample
  • List of Upper Year Courses

 

Applications should be addressed to:

Williams HR Law LLP
7800 Kennedy Road, Suite 102
Markham, Ontario L3R 2C7

studentrecruitment@williamshrlaw.com