Malcolm John MacKillop

Malcolm MacKillop is a founding partner of SOM LLP and one of Canada’s most respected employment lawyers, with more than 40 years of experience advising employers, executives, boards, and business leaders on complex workplace and litigation matters.

Certified by the Law Society of Ontario as a Specialist in Civil Litigation, Malcolm practices exclusively in employment law and is recognized for providing practical, strategic, and results-driven counsel in high-stakes disputes involving wrongful dismissal, executive compensation, fiduciary obligations, workplace investigations, human rights, and shareholder litigation.

Malcolm regularly represents clients before all levels of court in Ontario, including the Ontario Court of Appeal and the Federal Court of Appeal, as well as administrative tribunals and adjudicative bodies across Canada. His clients value his thoughtful judgment, strong advocacy, and ability to navigate sensitive matters with discretion and clarity.

Throughout his career, Malcolm has been consistently recognized by Lexpert / ALM’s Guide to the Leading 500 Lawyers in Canada as one of the country’s leading lawyers in employment law. He has also earned Martindale-Hubbell’s highest peer-review distinction for professional excellence and ethical standards.

Beyond his legal practice, Malcolm is widely recognized as a leader in the profession and community. He is a special sessional lecturer at the Truman Bodden Law School, University of Liverpool, where he teaches Employment Law and Mediation. He has authored respected legal texts and has been featured as a legal commentator by CBC, CTV, The Globe and Mail, and the Toronto Star.

Malcolm is also deeply committed to philanthropy and community impact. He is the founder of Rock for Life, a charitable initiative that has raised close to $1 million in support of World Vision and the Stephen Lewis Foundation. In recognition of his contributions to the legal profession, mentorship, and community leadership, Malcolm received the Ontario Bar Association Employment Law Award.