Littler Mendelson PC, a global leader in labour and employment law, has significantly expanded its presence in Canada with the opening of a new office in Montreal, Quebec. This strategic move, along with additions to its Toronto office, underscores the firm’s commitment to meeting the growing demand for specialized legal counsel in the region.
Since entering the Canadian market in 2015 with its Toronto office, Littler has witnessed a steady increase in the need for labour and employment law services. This growth has prompted the firm to deepen its roots in Canada, starting with the launch of its Montreal office—a direct response to the unique legal landscape of Quebec.
The Montreal office is spearheaded by Olivia Girouard, who joins as Of Counsel. Girouard brings her expertise from Globalization Partners, where she served as employment counsel. Her insights are crucial, given Quebec’s distinct civil law system and language requirements, which present specific challenges for employers operating in the province.
In Toronto, Littler has bolstered its team with eight new lawyers, including four partners, bringing the total to 21 lawyers. This expansion enhances the firm’s capability to serve clients across Canada, addressing the rising demand for labour law expertise in the region.
Littler’s Canadian strategy reflects its broader vision, with Canada identified as a key growth market. The firm is actively expanding its teams in both Toronto and Montreal, with plans to explore opportunities in Western Canada, signaling its long-term commitment to the market.
Erin Webber, Littler’s Managing Director and President, emphasized that this expansion aligns with the accelerating demand for sophisticated labour and employment counsel. “Our growth is keeping pace with this demand, reinforcing our commitment to supporting both Canadian businesses and multinationals,” Webber stated.
The Montreal office’s establishment is a strategic response to Quebec’s unique legal environment, where civil law and language requirements necessitate specialized expertise. Olivia Girouard, joining as Of Counsel, brings valuable experience from Globalization Partners, enhancing Littler’s ability to navigate these regional challenges.
In Toronto, Littler has expanded its team by adding eight new lawyers, including four partners, increasing the total to 21. This growth strengthens the firm’s capacity to address the rising demand for labor law services across Canada, ensuring comprehensive support for clients nationwide.
Littler’s strategic focus in Montreal centers on addressing Quebec’s distinct legal and language requirements, while Toronto’s expansion aims to meet the growing demand for labor law expertise. This dual approach underscores the firm’s commitment to providing tailored solutions across Canada.
| Office Location | Year Opened | Recent Developments | Legal Talent Added | Strategic Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto | 2015 | 8 new lawyers (4 partners) | Total now 21 lawyers | Addressing rising demand for labour law |
| Montreal | 2025 | New office launched | Olivia Girouard hired as Of Counsel | Quebec’s unique legal and language needs |
Conclusion
Littler’s strategic expansion into Montreal and the growth of its Toronto office underscore the firm’s commitment to meeting the unique legal challenges across Canada. By establishing a presence in Montreal, Littler addresses Quebec’s distinct legal and language requirements, while the Toronto office’s expansion ensures comprehensive support for the rising demand for labor law services nationwide. These moves reinforce Littler’s position as a leader in employment law, offering tailored solutions to clients across Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
-
Why did Littler open an office in Montreal?
Littler opened its Montreal office to address Quebec’s unique legal environment, which requires specialized expertise in civil law and language requirements.
-
Who is Olivia Girouard, and what role does she play?
Olivia Girouard is Of Counsel at Littler’s Montreal office. She brings valuable experience from Globalization Partners, enhancing the firm’s ability to navigate Quebec’s regional challenges.
-
How has Littler expanded its Toronto office?
Littler added eight new lawyers to its Toronto office, including four partners, increasing the total to 21 lawyers. This expansion strengthens the firm’s capacity to address the growing demand for labor law services in Canada.
-
What is the strategic focus of Littler’s Montreal office?
The Montreal office focuses on addressing Quebec’s distinct legal and language needs, ensuring specialized expertise in civil law and regional requirements.
-
How do these expansions benefit Littler’s clients?
These expansions allow Littler to provide comprehensive and tailored labor law solutions across Canada, ensuring clients receive specialized expertise and support tailored to their specific needs.
