Jennifer Bernardo

Jennifer Bernardo


Baker McKenzie LLP

Recognized since 2022

Toronto, Ontario

Practice Areas

Labour and Employment Law

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Biography

Jennifer Bernardo is a partner in the Employment & Compensation Law Practice Group in Baker McKenzie's Toronto office. As a litigator, Jennifer represents clients in labour, employment, and corporate/commercial law matters before a variety of administrative tribunals, labour arbitrators, and all levels of court in Ontario.

Jennifer has been recognized as a "Rising Star" by Legal 500 and "Ones to Watch" by Best Lawyers in Canada.

Jennifer is a frequent contributor to Baker McKenzie's Canadian Labour and Employment Law blog, and co-author of the Employment Contracts Handbook (4th ed.). She co-chairs the Toronto office's Pro Bono Committee, is a member of the Toronto office’s Inclusion & Diversity Committee, and is the Toronto office chair of the North America Baker Asian Lawyers Network.

Practice Focus

Jennifer is an experienced employment law litigator and counselor with a broad trial and appellate advocacy practice, focusing on labour, employment, and administrative law. She has been lead counsel in grievance arbitrations, administrative proceedings and trials, and has served as junior counsel on judicial reviews, corporate/commercial trials and appeals, class actions, and complex labour and employment hearings and appeals.

In addition to her litigation practice, Jennifer investigates and advises clients on contentious and non-contentious workplace issues, such as employment standards requirements, workplace accommodation, discrimination and harassment, collective bargaining and labour relations, reductions in force, and workplace diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Location
  • Brookfield Place, Bay/Wellington Tower, Suite 2100
    181 Bay Street
    Toronto, ON M5J 2T3
    Canada
Languages
  • English
Education
  • University of Toronto, Master's Degree Global Affairs, graduated 2014
  • University of Toronto, J.D., graduated 2014
  • University of Manitoba, Bachelor of Arts - Political Science, graduated 2010
Bar Admissions
  • Ontario, 2015
Affiliations
  • Canadian Bar Association - Member
  • Law Society of Ontario - Member
  • Ontario Bar Association - Member
  • The Advocates' Society - Member

Baker McKenzie LLP
Headquarters: Toronto, Ontario

16 The Best Lawyers in Canada awards

7 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada awards

Visit Website View Firm Profile

Recognized in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada 2026 for work in:
  • Labour and Employment Law

Cases
Representative Legal Matters
  • Represented McMaster University in Bart v. McMaster University, one of the most significant judicial reviews involving internal university administrative tribunals.
  • Successfully defended against a cross-appeal for a USD 5 million payment in Couper v. Nu-Life Corp et al.
  • Lead counsel to major Ontario universities in a number of litigious matters before administrative tribunals and labour arbitrators.
  • As pro bono counsel, successfully resisted third-party records applications relating to survivors of human trafficking.
  • Advised a purchaser on potential litigation arising out of an unsuccessful procurement process.
  • Advised a global pharmaceutical company on an internal investigation and media crisis response strategy relating to alleged employee misconduct.
  • Conducted an investigation for a major financial technology company relating to alleged workplace sexual harassment.

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