Michael David Wright

Michael is recognized as one of Canada’s leading labour and employment lawyers, noted for his direct and thoughtful advice, nuanced and strategic approach, and proven record of achieving excellent, real-world results.

Advising and advocating for unions and professional associations in a variety of sectors—including energy, arts and manufacturing— Michael has negotiated dozens of collective agreements involving organizations such as Hydro One, Ontario Power Generation, Stelco, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, the Canadian Opera Company, the National Ballet of Canada, and the National Arts Centre. He has acted both as counsel and nominee on arbitration boards in the final arbitration of numerous collective agreements and hundreds of rights grievances. He has also represented unions and professional organizations and their pension and benefit plans in the courts on pension matters, injunctions, judicial review applications and shareholder actions, including numerous successfully resolved class actions.

In his employment law practice, Michael advises and advocates for senior executives and professionals in all employment-related matters. He has extensive experience representing clients in financial services, health care and a range of manufacturing and service industries. While he frequently appears on behalf of his clients in court, he brings a practical, solution-focused approach to dispute resolution, which leads to timely, discrete and fair results for clients.

The recipient of a doctorate in law from Stanford University and a law degree from Osgoode Hall Law School, Michael has taught at the University of Toronto and Osgoode Hall Law Schools, presented at the National Judicial Institute, the National Academy of Arbitrators and the Law Society of Ontario, and published in leading law journals.