BRITTANY TAYLOR

I was attracted to employment law because of the people-focused nature of the practice. I enjoy getting to know my clients and learning their stories. Every case is unique, and often deeply personal. At the same time, the stories and situations are inherently relatable, as work forms a hugely significant part of our day to day lives. This area of the law is also constantly evolving, which makes my job even more engaging and challenging.

Since being called to the Ontario Bar in 2013, my practice has been dedicated to assisting both employers and employees to manage their workplaces. My approach to workplace issues is one that is pro-active and preventative. I take great satisfaction in assisting employees and employers to identify and deal with potential issues before they have an opportunity to evolve into serious headaches for both parties. I also take great pride in acting as a vigorous advocate on behalf of my clients, whether at the bargaining table or beyond to the trial stage.

My educational background was not one that I chose with a career in law in mind. Following my passion for reading and writing, I pursued a double major in English and Classical Studies at the University of Western Ontario for my undergraduate degree. I discovered my interest in law when I was hired as a legal assistant for an in-house corporate law department following my graduation. Through my experience there, I was able to see first-hand how pursuing a legal career would allow me to utilize the drafting and critical thinking skills I had developed through my undergraduate degree. After a few years in the workforce, I returned to Western to obtain my Juris Doctor, graduating with distinction in 2012.

I had the opportunity to summer, article and spend my first few years of practice at a leading Toronto law firm, where I was exposed to a broad range of practice areas before becoming focused in the area of employment law. Being able to gain this hands-on experience in different practice areas has been enormously helpful in understanding and anticipating the needs and concerns of my clients beyond the scope of employment related issues.

Since leaving law school behind, I have been able to continue to explore my love of writing in my practice, both in my work for clients and in the publications and presentations I have produced. This is particularly true since starting to work with Stuart Rudner in August of 2015, where I have had the opportunity to contribute regular blog posts to his firm’s blog and to be published in notable publications, including Canadian HR reporter and First Reference Talks. I have also been invited to speak at a number of conferences and panels, including events hosted by the HRPA, Hacking HR, Infonex, UKG, the Canadian Marketing Association and the Women’s Law Association of Ontario.

In addition to writing, I have a passion for digital art and comics. I have been drawing for many years and I enjoy continuing to learn and develop my skills through various courses, youtube tutorials, and lots of practice. I am also a regular attendee at comic and anime conventions, and have been known to dress up in costume while in attendance. Lastly, I am an avid practitioner of yoga and a dedicated dog mom to my two shih tzu mixes, Rocket and Theta.

In the summers I can often be found at my family cottage in Muskoka. My winters are usually spent wrapped up in a blanket on the couch with a good book.