Michelle advises both private and public sector employer on various employment-related matters, including disability management, restructuring, discipline, occupational health and safety matters. She represents clients in litigation, including wrongful dismissal actions, injunctions, human rights and other administrative tribunal proceedings. On the labour relations side, Michelle acts on behalf of employers in grievance arbitrations, matters before Labour Relations Boards, and in collective bargaining. She co-authored Dismissals in the Unionized Workplace, published by Carswell.
She is also frequently retained to conduct employee training and independent investigations involving complaints of harassment and discrimination.
Michelle is a frequent speaker at professional seminars. Her professional and community involvements include: Co-Chair of the University Tribunal of the University of Toronto; Member of the Ontario Bar Association Council and Past Chair of the Pro Bono Committee; Past Board member of Canadian Association of Black Lawyers; Board member for LOFT Community Services; Board Member for George Brown College Foundation; and, founding member of the Black Business Law Clinic.
Michelle is a recipient of the 2017 Lexpert Zenith Award, celebrating the advancement of women in the legal profession and the 2019 Change Agent Award. She was also the recipient of the Ann Wilson and Robert Prichard Award at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Law, an award presented to an alumni who demonstrates the highest standards of professional integrity, excellence and leadership, and who has made a significant contribution to the legal profession and/or community through his or her public interest work, pro bono activities and/or community service. She is recognized in The Canadian Legal Lexpert® Directory and has been recognized since 2020 in The Best Lawyers in Canada.
