Michelle McKinnon

In the realm of workplace law at Cassels, Michelle McKinnon stands out as a distinguished partner within the Employment & Labour Group. Her specialization spans a wide array of areas, including employment law, labour law, human rights, accessibility, health and safety, privacy, pay equity, pay transparency, and litigation.

Michelle's expertise extends to advising both provincial and federally regulated employers on various aspects of the employment relationship. From navigating artificial intelligence in the workplace to conducting thorough workplace investigations, Michelle provides comprehensive legal counsel.

Her guidance encompasses drafting employment agreements, handling terminations and severance/separation agreements, ensuring employment standards compliance, and addressing privacy issues and sexual harassment claims. Moreover, Michelle assists employers in major restructurings, wrongful dismissal claims, and independent contractor agreements.

Amidst the ever-evolving legal landscape, Michelle remains at the forefront of addressing emerging issues. She is well-versed in responding to pandemics or other large-scale business continuity events and offers valuable insights into labour and employment issues arising from mergers and acquisitions.

For federal employers, Michelle boasts an established federal employment practice, equipped with a deep understanding of the unique legal framework governing federal employment matters. Her proficiency extends to unjust dismissal complaints, accessibility, and pay equity issues.

One area where Michelle excels is in pay equity and pay transparency. She advises both provincial and federal employers on their legal obligations in this regard. Michelle's expertise in this area has garnered recognition, with organizations such as the Gender Pay Equity Office of the BC Ministry of Finance acknowledging her as a 'Champion of Pay Transparency' for her significant contributions to developing and educating employers on their legal obligations.

Michelle's reputation as a thought leader in the field is further evidenced by her frequent speaking engagements at conferences and interviews. She has been sought out by reputable publications like Canadian Lawyer and the Society of Human Resources Management to provide insights into evolving areas of the law, such as British Columbia's new Pay Transparency Act.

In summary, Michelle McKinnon's extensive experience, deep understanding of the law, and commitment to advancing workplace equality make her a valuable asset for employers navigating complex legal challenges in the ever-evolving landscape of employment and labour law.