Jordan Kirkness
Jordan Kirkness
Biography
Jordan Kirkness is an employment and labour lawyer based in Toronto. He has a broad range of experience in both public and private sectors, including union and non-union workplaces. Jordan represents national and multinational employers in labour and employment disputes, and advises global businesses on employment, pension and benefits issues.
In his litigation practice, Jordan defends management interests primarily in wrongful dismissal claims, union grievance arbitrations, and human rights tribunal applications. Jordan has appeared before all levels of court in Ontario and regularly appears before workplace tribunals and arbitrators.
In his solicitor practice, Jordan advises employers in corporate transactions and re-organizations, and in the administration of pension and benefits plans. He regularly drafts and negotiates executive employment agreements, collective bargaining agreements, and incentive compensation plans.
Jordan is the Toronto local co-chair of our employment and labour group.
Professional experience
Rankings and recognitions
Rankings and recognitions
- Best Lawyers in Canada: Labour and Employment Law, 2025
Education
Education
Certificate in Pension Law, Osgoode Hall Law School, 2018
J.D., Dalhousie University, 2009
B.A.(Hons.), University of Calgary, 2006
B.Mus, University of Toronto, 2001
Admissions
Admissions
- Ontario 2010
- British Columbia 2010
Publications
Publications
- "Ontario Pay Equity Law," loose-leaf, Thomson Reuters Canada Limited, July, 2021.
- "New Workplace Harassment and Violence Prevention Regime for Federally Regulated Employers," LexisNexis Canada, Employment and Labour Law Reporter, October, 2020.
- "Ontario's seesawing labour law changes are politically motivated - and employers are paying the price," Globe and Mail, 2018.
Speaking engagements
Speaking engagements
- "Human Rights, Labour and Employment Update: Case Law and Current Trends," Council of Ontario Universities, Toronto, October 2020.
- "Five Steps to Successful Hiring," Human Resources Professional Association Annual Human Resources Law Conference, Toronto, 2018.
- "Bill 132: Critical Issues in Workplace Safety Programs and Investigations," Ontario Bar Association Institute, Toronto, 2017.
Memberships and activities
Memberships and activities
- Canadian Bar Association
- Ontario Bar Association
- The Advocates' Society
- Canadian Association of University Solicitors
Languages
Languages
- English
Insights and news
Insights
