Lorenzo Lisi
- Bio
- Awards & Recognition
- Professional Involvement
- Selected Speaking Engagements
- Selected Publications
- Insights
- Education
Lorenzo is Leader of the firm's Workplace Law Group. He has practised exclusively in the area of labour and employment law for over 30 years, representing employers on all areas touching labour and employment law, both provincially and federally.
Lorenzo has developed a practical, business-oriented approach and has built a long list of loyal clients who depend on him for direct solutions, risk analysis and strategic advice. Cognizant of the time pressures and deadlines most employers experience in today’s workplace, he combines focused, calm and proactive advice with exceptional client service, while remaining approachable to all levels of the organization.
His expertise spans the broad spectrum of workplace law, whether it be defending employers against employee claims (wrongful and constructive dismissal, human rights, harassment) or dealing with a unionized workplace. He has extensive experience in grievance and labour board litigation, injunctive proceedings, responding to union organizing and applications for certification, collective bargaining and grievance arbitration. Lorenzo also advises his management clients on acquisitions, divestitures and restructurings, enforceability of restrictive covenants and the application of various labour and employment statutes.
Lorenzo writes and speaks extensively. He is the originator of the Aird & Berlis Workplace Law webinar series which provides one hour webinars on current and topical labour and employment issues, and which offers practical advice and tips for employers in navigating the complex laws and rules of the workplace. He also has developed and presents management training seminars on a wide variety of topics, including human rights, union organizing defence strategies, strikes and lock outs, employment policies and procedures and risk management.
Lorenzo has served on the Board of Directors of the Canadian Association of Counsel to Employers as well as a member of the Government Affairs Committee of the Human Resources Professionals Association of Ontario.
Awards & Recognition
- Recognized in Chambers Canada as a top practitioner in Employment & Labour (Ontario)
- Recognized in The Legal 500 Canada as a leading individual in Labour and Employment
- Recognized in The Best Lawyers in Canada in the field of Labour and Employment Law
- Recognized in The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory as a leading lawyer in Employment Law (Employer), Labour Relations (Management) and Workplace Human Rights (Employer)
- Recognized by The Lexpert/American Lawyer Guide to the Leading 500 Lawyers in Canada in the area of Employment Law
- Named in the Lexpert Special Edition: Agribusiness and Cannabis
Professional Involvement
Professional Activities
- Editorial Board, Canadian Labour & Employment Law Journal
- Board of Directors, Conference Organizer and Human Rights Committee Member, Canadian Association of Counsel to Employers
Memberships
- American Bar Association
- Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association
- Canadian Association of Counsel to Employers
- Canadian Bar Association
- Canadian Labour Law Association
- Human Resources Professionals Association of Ontario
- International Bar Association
- Ontario Bar Association (Labour & Employment, Civil Litigation, Corporate Counsel, Constitutional, Civil Liberties, Human Rights)
- Ontario Motor Coach Association
Community Involvement
- Board Member, Toronto Foundation for Student Success
Selected Speaking Engagements
"Beliefs and Boundaries: Reconciling Employee Free Speech and Employer Concerns," Toronto Human Rights and Accommodations Conference: Current Practices, Emerging Trends, April 18-19, 2024.
"Best Practices for Mitigating the Risk of Constructive Dismissal and Without Cause Termination Cases," Canadian Lawyer Employment Law Masterclass, February 15, 2024.
"Navigating the Challenges of a Hybrid Workplace: Practical and Legal Considerations for Employers," Partners in Prevention: Regional Health & Safety Conference, Golden Horseshoe, November 17, 2023.
"Workplace Wellness and Mental Health: Emerging Issues, Effective Management," Partners in Prevention: Forum North Regional Health & Safety Conference, November 7, 2023.
"Legal Update: Incorporating Gender Identity in the Workplace," EDA's 2023 DEI Conference, November 2, 2023.
"Understanding the Legal Implications of Mental Wellbeing in the Workplace," HRD Employment Law Masterclass Toronto, September 7, 2023.
"Update on Employment Law: Trends and Changes in the First Half of 2023," Aird & Berlis LLP Workplace Webinar, June 21, 2023.
"Employment Law: Terminations, Hybrid Policies and Workers' Rights," Canadian Lawyer Employment Law Masterclass, April 25, 2023.
"Work From Home: The New Normal?," Aird & Berlis LLP Workplace Webinar, March 1, 2023.
"Discussion on the Metaverse: Part 3," Aird & Berlis LLP Technology Webinar, February 14, 2023.
"Best Practices for Organizations to Create Inclusive Workplaces for People with Disabilities," Aird & Berlis LLP Workplace Webinar, January 25, 2023.
"Case Study: Legal Issues Surrounding Hybrid Work: A Practical Discussion for Business Professionals," HRD Employment Law Masterclass, September 8, 2022.
"The Role of HR Technology in Supporting DEI Strategies," HRD Roundtable, June 24, 2021.
"The LGBTQ2+ Family: Family Law, Family Status & Workplace Accommodation," Aird & Berlis LLP Labour & Employment Webinar, June 17, 2021.
"Workplace Vaccinations: Legal Considerations and Recommendations for Employers," Aird & Berlis LLP Workplace Webinar, May 19, 2021.
“Practical Ethical Issues in Employment Law,” Ontario Bar Association 19th Annual Current Issues in Employment Law, May 18, 2021.
“Addressing Mental Health in the Workplace,” Ontario Bar Association 19th Annual Current Issues in Employment Law, May 18, 2021.
"Occupational Health & Safety: Lessons Learned From the Pandemic," Aird & Berlis LLP Workplace Webinar, April 27, 2021.
“Enhancing Leadership Development in a Remote Work Environment,” HRD Learning & Development Canada, Addressing the Evolution in Workplace Learning, March 25, 2021.
"Talk to the Expert: Can Employers Legally Make Vaccinations Mandatory in Their Workplaces?," Aird & Berlis LLP Video Series, March 2, 2021.
"Mental Health in the Workplace - Employers’ Duties and Obligations," Canadian Lawyer Webinar, February 24, 2021.
"Top Labour and Employment Trends From 2020: Preparing for the Unpredictable," Aird & Berlis LLP Workplace Webinar, February 2, 2021.
“Top Labour & Employment Trends,” EDA’s 8th Annual Women Connected Program, November 25, 2020.
Aird & Berlis Workplace Law Online Session, November 24, 2020.
"Mental Health in the Workplace: The Impact of COVID-19," Aird & Berlis LLP Labour & Employment Webinar, October 7, 2020.
“Workplace Accommodation: An Employer’s Duty in the COVID-19 Era,” Canadian Lawyer Webinar, August 12, 2020.
"An Employer’s Guide for Addressing Racial Discrimination in the Workplace," Aird & Berlis LLP Labour & Employment Webinar, July 9, 2020.
"Fostering an Authentic LGBTQ2+ Inclusion Strategy for Your Business: Legal & Organizational Considerations," Aird & Berlis LLP Labour & Employment Webinar, June 9, 2020.
"Privacy and Social Media in the Workplace: From Recruitment to Off-Duty Conduct," Aird & Berlis LLP Labour & Employment Webinar, June 2, 2020.
"Towards A New Normal: Managing the Return of Staff From a Legal Perspective," Aird & Berlis LLP Labour & Employment Webinar, May 20, 2020.
"The Legal Implications of Managing a Remote Workplace," Aird & Berlis LLP Labour & Employment Webinar, May 12, 2020.
"Update on the Impact of COVID-19 on Our Workplaces: Q&A for Employers," Aird & Berlis LLP Labour & Employment Webinar, April 7, 2020.
"Crisis Response Strategies for Private Businesses," Aird & Berlis LLP Private Business Services Webinar, April 2, 2020.
"The Coronavirus and Our Workplaces," Aird & Berlis LLP Labour & Employment Webinar, March 11, 2020.
"Top Labour and Employment Trends 2019: A Look Back, A Look Forward," Aird & Berlis LLP Labour & Employment Webinar, January 29, 2020.
"Dealing with the Difficult Employee: Managing Work Performance and Staying Clear of Liability," HRPA 2020, January 24, 2020.
"Work, Stress, Addiction, Resources & Recovery: Important Information for Professionals & Employers," Aird & Berlis LLP Labour & Employment Webinar, November 26, 2019.
"Managing Terminations: A Practical Overview and Employment Law Update," Aird & Berlis LLP Labour & Employment Webinar, September 26, 2019.
"Pride at Work," Aird & Berlis LLP Labour & Employment Webinar, June 26, 2019.
"OH&S Law Update: A Year in Review," Aird & Berlis LLP Labour & Employment Webinar, May 14, 2019.
"The Modern Workplace: Managing to Succeed," Aird & Berlis LLP Labour & Employment Webinar, April 16, 2019.
"Managing Absenteeism in the Workplace," Aird & Berlis LLP Labour & Employment Webinar, March 26, 2019.
“Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace: Nurturing Your Business and Maintaining the Law,” HRPA 2019, January 30, 2019.
“The Implications of the Sexual Violence and Harassment Action Plan Act on Your Workplace,” HRPA 2019, January 30, 2019.
"Top Workplace Issues of 2018: Looking Back and Preparing for the Year Ahead," Aird & Berlis LLP Labour & Employment Webinar, January 16, 2019.
"Compliance and Liability in the Era of Cannabis Legalization: Tips, Traps and Strategies for Employers," Aird & Berlis LLP Labour & Employment Webinar, September 25, 2018.
"Legal Fundamentals for Private, Owner-Managed and Family Businesses," Aird & Berlis LLP Private Businesses Webinar, September 26, 2018.
"Blitz-Proof Your Workplace: How to Survive and Thrive During an Inspection," Aird & Berlis LLP Labour & Employment Webinar, May 29, 2018.
"Steeper Fines and New Reporting Obligations for Employers," Aird & Berlis LLP Labour & Employment Webinar, May 8, 2019.
"Workplace Wellness and Mental Health: Emerging Issues, Effective Management," Aird & Berlis LLP Labour & Employment Webinar, April 24, 2018.
"Harassment in the Workplace: Players, Policy and Prevention," Aird & Berlis LLP Labour & Employment Webinar, March 27, 2018.
“The Countdown to Legalization: Marijuana and Labour/Employment Law,” Law Times, March 19, 2018.
"Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace," Aird & Berlis LLP Labour & Employment Webinar, February 27, 2018.
"Top Labour and Employment Issues of 2017 and Trends to Watch in 2018," Aird & Berlis LLP Labour & Employment Webinar, January 30, 2018.
"Marijuana Legalization: Is Your Workplace Ready?," Aird & Berlis LLP Labour & Employment Webinar, October 24, 2017.
"Bill 148: The Overhaul of the Employment Standards Act," Aird & Berlis LLP Labour & Employment Webinar, September 26, 2017.
"Trending Labour and Employment Issues in the Automotive Parts Industry," Aird & Berlis LLP Labour & Employment Webinar, June 6, 2017.
"Workplace Accidents Caused by Defective Equipment and Machinery: Who is Liable?," Aird & Berlis LLP Labour & Employment Webinar, May 30, 2017.
"Dealing with the Difficult Employee," Aird & Berlis LLP Labour & Employment Webinar, April 25, 2017.
"Emerging Issues in Human Rights: Family Status and Transgender Accommodation in Employment," Aird & Berlis LLP Labour & Employment Webinar, February 28, 2017.
"A Year in Review: Top Issues in Employment Law," Aird & Berlis LLP Labour & Employment Webinar, January 24, 2017.
"Tough Questions, Difficult Answers and Head Scratchers: A&B Workplace Law Lawyers Answer Your Questions," Aird & Berlis LLP Labour & Employment Webinar, October 2016.
"The Employment Contract: From Marriage to Divorce," Aird & Berlis LLP Labour & Employment Webinar, September 2016.
Good Chance of a Labour Disruption for Canada Post, Business News Network, July 2016.
Employment Law Update, CFAA Rental Housing Conference 2016, June 2016.
“Employment Law – What You Need to Know,” Job Skills’ 2016 Employer Training and Development Series, May 2016.
“Workplace Violence: How to Keep Your Employees Safe,” The Knowledge Group’s Workplace Violence Webcast, May 2016.
“Changing Demographics in the Workplace: How To Manage And Thrive,” Aird & Berlis LLP Labour & Employment Webinar, May 2016.
“How Workplace Health, Safety and Privacy Clash and Converge,” Aird & Berlis LLP Labour & Employment Webinar, March 2016.
“Medical Marijuana/Cannabis in the Workplace,” Aird & Berlis LLP Labour & Employment Webinar, February 2016.
“Top Issues In Employment Law,” Aird & Berlis LLP Labour & Employment Webinar, January 2016.
Accommodation Strategies for Workplace Mental Health Issues, 7th Workplace Mental Health, December 2015.
De-Mystifying Mental Health, HR Leaders Summit, November 2015.
Accommodating Marihuana for Medical Purposes in the Workplace, November 2015.
Issues in Accommodation, Aird and Berlis LLP Labour & Employment Webinar, October 2015.
How to Conduct a Workplace Investigation, Federated Press 8th Preventing Violence & Harassment in the Workplace, October 2015.
Workplace Law Update: What’s New and What to Watch Out For, Aird and Berlis LLP Labour & Employment Webinar, September 2015.
Alcoholism and work: Rights as an employee and employer, Canada AM, September 2015.
Amazon a case study for ‘balanced approach’ to corporate culture, Business Day PM, August 2015.
Investigating and Responding to Bullying and Harassment: Moving From a Culture of Fear to a Culture of Respect, Lancaster House, June 2015.
“There’s Been an Accident: What Do I Do Now? An Employer’s Guide to Responding to Workplace Accidents in 11 (Not So Easy) Steps,” Aird & Berlis LLP Labour & Employment Webinar, May 2015.
Preventing Violence & Harassment in the Workplace, Federated Press, April 2015.
A Guide to Managing Complex Terminations and Litigation, HRM Masterclass: The Legal Series, April 2015.
Attendance Management and Control: An Employer's Guide, Aird and Berlis LLP Breakfast at Your Desk Webinar, January 2015.
Risk Management in the Information Age, HR Leaders Summit, November 2014.
Legal Implications in dismissal, Canada AM, October 2014.
Legal Eye on Mental Health, HRM Online TV, September 2014.
Termination Issues: Trends in Constructive Dismissal, Federated Press program: 2nd Executive Employment Contracts, May 2014.
Labour Relations in the Digital Age: Managing Computer Technology and Social Media During Bargaining and Strikes, 3rd Annual Labour Law Conference, May 2014.
Retroactive Accommodation & Employee Assessments, Federated Press, December 2013.
Help Wanted: Ensuring legally compliant recruitment, hiring and promotion, Lancaster House audio conference, December 2013.
Lunch with the Arbitrators Re: Estoppels, Lancaster House, December 2013.
Corporate Policies for the Use of Social Media and Technology in the Workplace, 8th Internet Law Course, December 2013.
The Injunction Process and Strategies for Managing Picket Activity, Annual Spring AFIMAC Labour Summit: Anatomy of a Labour Disruption and Dealing with Violence in the Workplace, May 2013.
Corporate Policies for Internet and Technology Use in the Workplace, 6th Internet Law Course, Federated Press, December 12, 2011.
Employer Compliance with Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, Elora, Ontario, November 15, 2011.
How to Manage Employees on Leave, Thomson Reuters Webinar, October 13, 2011.
Top Areas of Employment and Labour Law Risk, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario, September 22, 2011.
Family Status Accommodation: How Far is Enough?, Thomson Reuters Webinar, April 7, 2011.
Selected Publications
Author, "Unionization, Inflation and Working From Home: Trends Affecting Today’s Workplace," Lexpert, August 28, 2023.
Featured in the article titled, "Metrolinx Unjustly Fires Workers for Inappropriate WhatsApp Chat," Canadian HR Reporter, August 9, 2023.
Featured in the article titled, "Fired Over OnlyFans: The Importance of Social Media Policies in ‘Just Cause,’" HRD Canada, July 28, 2023.
Featured in the article titled, "Ontario Gold Mine Worker Fired After Testing Positive for Cannabis Twice," Canadian HR Reporter, June 28, 2023.
Featured in the article titled, "How to Handle Conflict of Interest Concerns in the Workplace," HRD Canada, May 4, 2023.
Featured in the article titled, "No Pattern of Racial Discrimination in Denial of Acting Positions: Board," Canadian HR Reporter, May 1, 2023.
Featured in the article titled,"Experts Discussed Hybrid Work Tuesday at Canadian Lawyer's Employment Law Masterclass," Canadian HR Reporter, April 28, 2023.
Provided insight in the article titled, "How to Craft a Bulletproof Employment Contract," Canadian HR Reporter, April 28, 2023.
Co-Authored an article titled, "Key Legal Updates for Employers in Ontario" with Dasha Peregoudova and Zachary Zippel in Aird & Berlis LLP's Workplace Law Bulletin, April 12, 2023.
Featured in the article titled, "Is Strike Action On the Rise? Tips for HR On How to Respond," HRD Canada, April 6, 2023.
Featured in the article titled, "Sick Leave: Should the Government Fund Further PTO?," HRD Canada, March 30, 2023.
Featured in the article titled, "Time Theft: Will Electronic Monitoring Lead to Rise in Counter-Claims for Wages Paid?," HRD Canada, January 20, 2023.
Co-Authored an article titled, "Government of Ontario Extends “COVID-19 Period” Until July 3, 2021," Aird & Berlis LLP Workplace Law Bulletin, December 22, 2020.
Co-Authored an article titled, "Are Employees Entitled to Incentive Payments During the Notice Period?" with Fiona Brown in Aird & Berlis LLP's Workplace Law Bulletin, October 19, 2020.
Featured in article titled, "Employer's Duty to Accommodate 'Family Status' Post-Pandemic Must Still Be Matched By Employee," Canadian Lawyer, July 22, 2020.
Co-Authored an article titled, "The Pendulum Swings Back" with Fiona Brown and Michael Horvat in Aird & Berlis LLP's Workplace Law Bulletin, June 22, 2020.
Co-Authored an article titled, "Ontario Government Introduces Infectious Disease Emergency Leave" with Fiona Brown in Aird & Berlis LLP's Workplace Law Bulletin, June 2, 2020.
Contributor to the article titled, "How long are you required to 'hold' an employee's job when they're on sick leave?," HRD Canada, January 2018.
Authored an article titled, "All in the Family (Status)," HR Professional, October 2016.
Authored an article titled,"Workplace Harassment and Corporate Obligations," Canadian Lawyer, July 2016.
Authored an article titled,"Workplace Violence and Harassment – Employer Obligations Continue To Evolve," Canadian HR Reporter, May 2016.
Authored an article titled “Medical Marijuana in the Workplace: Employer Rights “Up in Smoke”?,” Aird & Berlis LLP Workplace Law Bulletin, March 2016.
Authored an article titled "Getting up to Speed on Human Rights," in Canadian Employment Law Today, December 10, 2014.
Authored an article titled "HR Risk: Human Rights Damages on the Rise," HRD Magazine, April 2014.
Co-Authored an article titled "Misconduct and addiction: When is cause enough?" with Fiona Brown in Canadian Employment Law Today, November 13, 2013.
Authored an article titled,"Employers Have Some Leeway in Changing Employees Duties," Canadian Employment Law Today, June 26, 2013.
Authored an article titled, "Family Status: The Evolving Duty," Canadian Employment Law Today, March 6, 2013.
Provided advice in the Ask an Expert Column in Canadian Employment Law Today, January 9, 2013.
Authored an article titled "Employee who Refuses to Seek Accommodation,"Canadian Employment Law Today, January 9, 2013.
Co-Authored an article titled “The Holiday Office Party — Eat, Drink and be Liable?,” with Jennifer Heath in Canadian Employment Law Today, December 4, 2012.
Co-Authored an article titled “Technical Analysis of CAO Appointments and Termination Considerations” with Jody E. Johnson in Public Sector Digest, Summer 2012.
Insights
Education
- LLB, Queen's University, 1988
- BA (Hons.), University of Toronto, 1985