Niiti Clare Simmonds

Niiti is co-chair of the firm’s civil practice group and maintains a broad litigation practice specializing in the areas of employment law, human rights, pay equity, long-term disability insurance, professional regulation and health law.

Niiti is a creative and practically minded lawyer who serves diverse client communities including individuals, associations and unions. Niiti has appeared as counsel before all levels of court in Ontario, as well as the Supreme Court of Canada. Niiti’s practice includes representing unions, associations and individuals before all manner of administrative bodies and tribunals, including the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario, the Ontario Labour Relations Board, in social benefits proceedings, and in federal human rights proceedings. Niiti represents individuals in proceedings before Colleges regulating health professionals.

Niiti brings to her practice a strong background in workers’ rights advocacy. Niiti is committed to Cavalluzzo LLP's Statement of Principles and embraces her responsibility as a member of the legal profession to actively work against systemic racism and other forms of discrimination, and to advance and promote the dignity and human rights of all.

Niiti previously acted as a member of the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario's Practice Advisory Committee. She regularly delivers presentations on topics such as human rights, employment law and long-term disability insurance.

Niiti joined Cavalluzzo in 2018 after practicing for several years at a boutique litigation firm, where she specialized in employment, human rights, administrative law and civil litigation. Niiti also previously worked at a specialty legal clinic where she conducted test case and appellate litigation pertaining to workers' rights and poverty law.

Niiti holds a joint Juris Doctor and Master in Environmental Studies from Osgoode Hall law school. She was called to the Ontario bar in 2010 after completing her articles as a judicial law clerk to justices of the Superior Court of Justice.