Employment law specialist Littler is opening in Montreal as it seeks to expand its coverage in Canada.
To help support the launch, the firm is hiring employment lawyer Olivia Girouard from employment services business Globalization Partners as of counsel.
The Montreal office adds to Littler’s presence in Toronto, where it opened in 2015 and since then has added eight new lawyers, including four partners. The latest opening comes amid rising demand for labour and employment services across the region, the firm said.
Erin Webber, Littler’s managing director and president, said: “Canada is a fast-growing market for the firm and opening a new office in Montreal – alongside a strategic hire like Olivia – will give us the added and distinct capabilities to serve clients throughout the country.
“Our growth is keeping pace with the accelerating demand for sophisticated labour and employment counsel and this latest expansion reinforces our deep bench of local talent and long-term commitment to the region.”
Girouard arrives after just over two years at Globalization Partners, where she was an employment counsel. Prior to that, she spent more than six years at employment law firm Loranger Marcoux in Montreal, having started her career at Beauvais Truchon.
She said: “Littler’s global platform and collaborative structure set the firm apart in the employment law landscape, but what truly drew me to the firm was the people who genuinely enjoy being part of this dynamic and forward-thinking organisation. I look forward to working with my new colleagues to further build the office’s presence and capabilities in this important region.”
Girouard brings with her experience across a range of workplace matters, including policies, contracts and compensation matters, as well as health and safety issues, terminations, discrimination and disciplinary actions. She also advises on workplace investigations and counsels clients in English and French.
Stephen Shore, office managing partner for Littler’s Toronto and Montreal offices, said: “Employers in Canada face a complex patchwork of provincial employment regulations, which makes local insight and customised guidance critical. Olivia’s arrival marks an important milestone in our broader strategy to deliver top-tier counsel to employers across the country.”
Other firms have been increasing their employment coverage globally. US firm Greenberg Traurig in June hired a quartet of lawyers to bolster its employment practice in Milan and London. And earlier this month, UK firm Lewis Silkin debuted in Scotland with a three-lawyer employment team in Glasgow.
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