Caroline DeBruin

Caroline maintains a broad practice, providing strategic and practical advice to employers across a wide range of workplace matters. She advises employers on employee terminations, drafts employment agreements for employees at all levels, and prepares incentive compensation plans, workplace policies, employee handbooks, and severance agreements. Caroline also advises employers on workplace compliance issues and assists with independent workplace investigations.

In addition to her advisory work, Caroline regularly represents employers in various litigation matters, including wrongful dismissal claims, breach of contract disputes, grievance arbitrations, and labour relations proceedings. She frequently appears before labour boards, arbitration panels, the Courts, human rights tribunals, and other employment-related administrative bodies. Her labour law practice includes representing employers before the Ontario Labour Relations Board in both the industrial and construction sectors, including certification, displacement, and decertification applications, as well as unfair labour practice complaints, and duty of fair representation proceedings. She also advises employers on collective bargaining, strike and lockout planning, and union avoidance campaigns.

Caroline approaches her practice with a focus on responsive service, practical solutions, and strong client relationships. Drawing on her background as a competitive athlete, including three years of NCAA Division I ice hockey at Cornell University and two years of varsity hockey at Queen’s University, she values teamwork, accountability, and efficiency in her work with clients. She brings these qualities to her legal practice, representing clients with the same dedication and drive while fostering strong, collaborative relationships.