Mornelle Lee

Mornelle Lee is a litigation lawyer in Hicks Morley’s Toronto office. She regularly advises and represents both public- and private-sector employers on a wide range of employment issues including wrongful dismissal claims, employment standards, workplace safety and insurance, employment contracts, human rights and accommodation, harassment complaints, grievance arbitration and related court litigation.

As a litigator, Mornelle guides employers through every stage of a dispute, from the first demand letter or claim through pleadings, mediation and hearing. She has appeared before the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario, the Ontario Small Claims Court, the Superior Court of Justice and the Divisional Court. She regularly defends wrongful dismissal actions, including complex claims involving long-term disability benefits and insurers. Mornelle builds a clear litigation strategy early and keeps the client’s business objectives in view throughout, so she knows when to press a case forward and when a well-timed resolution better serves the client.

On the advisory side, Mornelle takes a strategic, pragmatic approach to her practice, with the goal of being a trusted business advisor to her clients. She focuses on the practical day-to-day issues employers face. Among other things, she advises on terminations and severance negotiations, responses to accommodation requests, workplace investigations, and drafting and enforcing restrictive covenants. She regularly helps clients plan workforce strategy and manage risk before disputes reach litigation. She also provides workplace training to employers, giving managers and staff practical guidance on their legal obligations.

Mornelle also has specific expertise in how tariffs and trade disruption affect the Canadian workforce. She advises employers on temporary layoffs, Employment Insurance work-sharing, group terminations and other cost-saving measures during periods of economic uncertainty. She has written and spoken on these issues, including for the Ontario Bar Association and the Human Resources Professionals Association.