STUART RUDNER

MANAGING PARTNER

Toronto Employment Lawyer - Stuart Rudner
Stuart Rudner
Managing Partner
Download Vcard

One of the things that I love about my practice is that every client has a story. It doesn’t matter whether it is an individual seeking advice about their employment, a family-run business, or a multinational corporation. Each one has goals and issues that they need to deal with. And there’s nothing I enjoy more than becoming their Trusted Advisor, educating them, guiding them, and working with them to develop a cost-effective strategy to pursue their goals. When disputes arise, I like to advocate on their behalf in order to protect their rights.

I am not one of those lawyers that is ideologically married to one side. While many individuals have their rights trampled on, I have also seen employees take advantage of those same rights to the detriment of their employer. I realize that there is good and bad in every group, and I believe that being able to advise Employers and Employees makes me a better lawyer than only seeing matters from one perspective.

Since I have also been trained in Alternative Dispute Resolution techniques and act as a Mediator in Employment matters, I am able to see things from a third side: that of a neutral third party, working with those involved to achieve a reasonable resolution to their issues. I pride myself on providing objective, strategic advice to my clients, whichever “side” they are on.

I am proud of the recognition I have received, including being

  • selected by my peers for inclusion in ‘The Best Lawyers in Canada’ in the area of Employment Law for the past six years in a row;
  • routinely named in Canadian HR Reporter’s Employment Lawyers Directory (a comprehensive directory of the top employment law and immigration law practitioners in Canada),
  • recognized as one of Canada’s top Legal Social Media Influencers, and
  • recognized as the only Legal Influencer in Canadian HR Law in the first Lexology Awards.

In addition, my Toronto area employment law firm, Rudner Law, was

  • selected as the Silver Winner for Best Labour & Employment Boutique Law Firm in the seventh annual Canadian HR Awards, presented by HRD Canada and supported by Canadian HR Reporter
  • named one of the Top 3 Employment and Labour Boutiques in Canada in the Canadian HR Reporter’s Readers’ Choice Awards for 2019 and 2020
  • selected Canadian Employment Law Firm of the Year for 2019 and 2020 in the Global Law Experts Annual Awards, and
  • selected as a winner of the 2019 and 2020 International Advisory Experts Award for Employment Law within Canada.

I am a firm believer in education. I frequently chair and teach at conferences, participate in seminars and webinars, and provide commentary to the media on Employment Law matters. Recently, I have been providing expert analysis to 680 News as their “go-to Employment Lawyer”.

I designed Osgoode Professional Development’s HR Law for HR Professionals Certificate course, which I am also the founding Director of. I also co-designed and am co-founding Program Director of their Advanced HR Law for HR Professionals Certificate course.

As a firm and with my family, I support a number of worthwhile causes including 360Kids, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, United Way, One Voice Network, Job Skills, Family Education Centre, Lawyers International Food Enterprise (LIFE), and Volunteer Lawyers Network.

I also believe in giving back to the professional communities that I am part of. Since the start of my career, I have been actively involved in the Canadian and Ontario Bar Associations and have held several leadership positions. I have also volunteered countless hours leading sessions on HR Law topics and serving on committees for the HRPA. Since our firm is based in York Region, I take particular pride in sponsoring the York Region Chapter of the HRPA and presenting an annual Employment Law update for our membership.

With two active children, much of my time is spent in dance studios and hockey arenas (and, of course, in my car driving them to and from games, practices, tournaments and competitions). I am a firm believer in using technology to make my life easier without sacrificing the needs of my clients. Rather than being chained to my desk, I can be out and about with my family. I may be at the rink, but you will find me if you need help.

Ultimately, the most important thing is my family, and a close second is knowing that my clients are confident that they can count on our team to provide them with the cost-effective, strategic advice that they need.

At Rudner Law, our approach is simple. We want to understand your circumstances, your concerns, and your goals. We will then ensure that you understand the legal regime along with your rights and obligations. Once that is done, we work with you to design a cost-effective, practical strategy that meets your needs. We want to be your Trusted Advisor.

Why Stuart Rudner Went to Law School
  • 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023: Selected for inclusion in ‘The Best Lawyers in Canada’ in the area of Employment Law
  • Rudner Law was selected as one of the top three Employment & Labour Law Boutique for 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 in the HR Reporter Readers’ Choice Awards
  • Awarded the Business Achievement Award, Professional Services in 2021 by the Richmond Hill Board of Trade.
  • Repeatedly named in Canadian HR Reporter’s Employment Lawyers Directory (comprehensive directory of top employment law and immigration law practitioners in Canada)
  • Legal Influencer By Lexology – recognized as the only Legal Influencer in Canadian HR Law in the first Lexology Awards
  • Chosen as a winner of the 2019 and 2020 International Advisory Experts Award – Employment Law within Canada
  • Named one of Canada’s Top Legal Social Media Influencers
  • Chosen as a winner of the Canadian Employment Law Firm of the Year for 2019 and 2020  in the Global Law Experts Annual Awards
  • Selected as the Silver Winner for Best Labour & Employment Boutique Law Firm in the seventh annual Canadian HR Awards, presented by HRD Canada and supported by Canadian HR Reporter

Non-solicitation clauses – what they are and what they are not.

Dismissing Employees with Medical Issues

Can You Be Fired For Having an OnlyFans?

Employers should not use performance improvement plans in bad faith.

What you need to know about the “change of substratum” doctrine and employment contracts.

Nadia Zaman has been named Senior Associate at Rudner Law

At what point is a contract “frustrated”, and what does that mean?

Lights, Camera, Caution: Recording Interactions at Work

Trying to bankrupt a company rather than pay a plaintiff the severance they seek.

Should You Lie to Your Boss About How “Remote” You Really Are?

Top 12 Tips to Win at Mediation

Bad Faith in Wrongful Dismissal Claims

Lisa LaFlamme Controversy: Hair Colour, Gender, and Sex Discrimination

How do you determine severance/termination pay for a dismissal without cause?

mediation brief

Preparing a Kick-Ass Mediation Brief

language laws quebec workplace contracts

Language Laws and Quebec Workplaces

Arbitrator Upholds Religious Exemption to the COVID-19 Vaccine

Stuart’s Friendly HR Advice on Giving Friendly HR Advice

Canadian HR Reporter Readers Choice Awards 2022 – We Won!

Retirement Isn’t for Everyone: A Look at Age Discrimination in the Workplace

Signed, Sealed… Negotiated?

preparing fair severance packages

Hitting the ‘Sweet Spot’ – Some Tips on Preparing Fair Severance Packages

the right to remember

The Right to Remember

Tips on Negotiating Your Severance Package

Change of Substratum: Are Employment Contracts Enforceable After Substantial Changes?

How Expensive is Employment Law Litigation?

COVID-19: Getting Back to Business (Again) – FAQ

Childcare Obligations: How Much Has to Be Accommodated?

Can I Change My Work Schedule to Care for My Kids?

Canadian HR Reporter’s Readers’ Choice Awards 2021

Rudner Law Video Update: Termination Terminology

employee performance doesn't matter

Employment Performance and Merit are Not Relevant

Rudner Law Video Update: Hiring People with Disabilities

Video Update: Post-termination Entitlements

AODA compliance deadlines

Upcoming Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) Compliance Deadlines

Back to Normal? COVID-19 and Return-to-work Issues

Back to Normal? COVID-19 and Return-to-work Issues

The Emergency’s Over in Ontario? Employers Beware - Rudner Law

The Emergency’s Over in Ontario? Employers Beware: Deemed Infectious Disease Emergency Leave Ends on September 4, 2020

Rudner Law Selected as Finalist in 2020 Canadian HR Awards

Rudner Law Selected as Finalist in 2020 Canadian HR Awards

HR Readers choice award winner

Canadian HR Reporter’s Readers’ Choice Awards 2020

Anique Dublin will continue her role at Rudner Law as a Student-at-Law.

Brittany Taylor - Employment Law Lawyer

Brittany Taylor has been named Partner at Rudner Law

Reduced Statutory Holidays for Frontline Retail Workers?

Reduced Statutory Holidays for Frontline Retail Workers?

Welcome News for Employers: Ontario Introduces Regulation 228/20

Welcome News for Employers: Ontario Introduces Regulation 228/20

Employment Law and the Year 2019

2019 Year in Review

COVID-19 The Next Phase: Getting Back to Business

COVID-19 The Next Phase: Getting Back to Business

It’s Time for Online Dispute Resolution (a.k.a Virtual Mediation)

It’s Time for Online Dispute Resolution (a.k.a Virtual Mediation)

Strategic Negotiation of Severence Packages

The Rudner Law Small Business Starter Package

mediation mistakes

Mediation Mistakes: What Are Counsel Doing Wrong?

The Hiring Process and Citizenship

employer obligations election day

Employer Obligations on Election Day: You Don’t Get to Decide

potential discrimination

When does hiring the “right person” for the job lead to potential discrimination?

body art dress codes

Body Art and Dress Codes: How Much Say Does an Employer Have?

mediation joint sessions

Better Together? The Pros and Cons of Mediation Joint Sessions

cannabis at work

Highs and Lows: Cannabis Legalization Doesn’t Mean You Can Be High at Work

global award winner employment law

2019 Global Law Experts Annual Awards

Inappropriate conduct in the workplace

No Shakes Please, We’re British: Determining Appropriate Conduct in the Workplace

contract breach dismissal

Not Every Breach of Contract is Cause for Dismissal

bill 66 ESA

Seasons Change and So Do Employment Laws: What You Need To Know About April’s Bill 66

HRTO costs

Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario: No Authority to Award Costs to a Successful Party

Dangers of Taking Selfies at Work

But First, Let Me Take A Selfie: Why One New York Teacher Is Fighting Back

mediation limitation periods

Stop the Clock: Mediation and Limitation Periods

Hollywood in the Aftermath of the #MeToo Movement

pink shirt day - anti bullying and harassment

Pink Shirt Day

Employment Law and What We Learned

Lessons Learned: What We Can Take Away From Aurora

accommodation in the workplace for family commitments

It Takes A Village: Ontario’s Human Rights Tribunal and the Lingering Debate over Accommodating Parental Responsibilities

employment law review

2018 Year in Review: Sex, Drugs and…Termination Clauses?

uber employee or contractor

Going Dutch No Longer: The Court of Appeal Weighs in on Uber’s Arbitration Clause

jury duty and impact on job

Jury duty and leave of absence

marijuana use at work

Negotiating the complexities of drug and alcohol policy and legalized recreational marijuana

An Open Letter Regarding Human Rights and the Ontario PC Party Resolution R4

An Open Letter Regarding Human Rights and the Ontario PC Party Resolution R4

no smoking in the workplace

Signs Regarding No Smoking in the Workplace

bill 47 coming soon

Bill 47, Making Ontario Open For Business Act, 2018

hr law course

Advanced HR Law Course

Time off for Voting on Election Day

It’s Election Day – But It May Not Mean Extra Time Off From Work

come back after metoo

Don’t Call It A Comeback: What happens when the #metoo accused resurface

Limitation Periods

Impact of selling business and employees

Sale of Business and the Effect on Employees

human resources

The Human Side of Human Resources

Employer Ratings - What can you do if past employee gives a bad rating?

Can An Employer Do Anything About Negative Online Reviews?

Employers must investigate allegations against another employee

How To Help Prevent Workplace Harassment After #MeToo

calculate statutory holiday pay

Ontario Going Retro on Statutory Holiday Pay

World Day Safety and Health at Work

How To Help Keep Young Workers Safe In The Workplace

health and safety complaint of employer by employee

When is a release effective to bar a safety-related complaint?

employee human rights complaint against employer

Can A Release Bar An Employee’s Human Rights Complaint?

Return to Work after Leave of Absence

Is an employee on leave entitled to his or her pre-leave job when they return to work?

non solicitation agreement in employment contracts

Every Employer Should Use Non-Solicitation Covenants – Here’s Why

Employers must investigate allegations against another employee

Allegations are not fact: Employers fail to investigate at their own peril

Pot Use in the Workplace

Year in Review: The most significant developments in Canadian employment law in 2017

Workplace Holiday Party

Holidays in the Workplace

Fixed Term Employment Contracts

The Hidden Risks of Fixed-Term Contracts of Employment

Medical Examination and Workplace Law

When can an employer ask for an independent medical examination?

itsaduck

If It Looks Like a Duck, Quacks Like a Duck…

Termination Agreements

Will a termination clause be enforceable or will it be thrown out by the courts?

Harassment in the Workplace

After Weinstein scandal, sexual harassment can no longer be seen as ‘cost of doing business’

Too Old To Be A Pilot?

How old is too old (to be a pilot)?

Forgiveness in the Workplace

A look at discipline and dismissal

Temporary Layoff

Don’t Make Assumptions About Employer Rights

Knowing You Are Going To Lose Your Job

“I Saw the Sign” – How to Know Your Job is in Danger

Frustration of Contract

Frustration of Contract

References for Former Employees

There’s No Reason Not to Give a Reference

Working Efficiently With Your Lawyer

Working Efficiently With Your Lawyer

Do you need an Employment Lawyer?

When should you retain an Employment Lawyer?

Bonus Clauses: Be Sure they Say What You Think They Say

Compliance with Bill 132

So What Happens If We Don’t Comply With Bill 132?

Charlottetown, PEI

Efficiency can’t trump safety

Preparing for Mediation

Reading Fine Print of Contracts

Reading the Fine Print

Accomodation in the Workplace

How to Respond to Requests for Accommodation

AM570 Kitchener: Stuart on Banning Work Email on Weekends

680 News Toronto: Stuart on Productivity and ‘Summer Brain’

Toronto Star Tragedy Shines Light on Perils of Office Romances

Workplace privacy: how far can your employer go?

Common Termination Traps to Avoid

Check out Stuart’s Guide to Canadian HR Law

City News appearances discussing aspects of JianGhomeshi

Workplace Investigations

Tips For a Successful Mediation

680 News Toronto: Stuart on holiday parties

NewsTalk1010: Stuart on unpaid internships

NewsTalk 1010: Stuart on childcare provisions for shift-workers.

Keays vs Honda: Stuart at the Supreme Court of Canada

Welcome to Rudner Law

Welcome to the Rudner Law Blog