Wes focuses exclusively on workplace and disability law, both in court and outside of court.  Wes proudly represents workers and employers in Hamilton, Ontario and surrounding areas, where there is rich labour history. 

Wes is passionate about helping individuals and organizations handle workplace-related challenges and find practical legal solutions to resolve them.

Wes holds Certificates in Labour Law and Human Resources Law, both from Osgoode Hall Law School at York University. Wes is a Qualified Arbitrator (Q.Arb) certified with the ADR Institute of Canada.  Wes is highly skilled in all aspects of workplace law, including advising clients on workplace investigations, in which he has extensive training.

Wes is an advocate for access to justice and the reasonable resolution of disputes. He is adept at handling complex motions, trials and hearings and has appeared frequently before: the Superior Court of Justice, Ontario Labour Relations Board, Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario, Federal Courts, Financial Services Tribunal, Small Claims Court, Ministry of Labour, Canadian Human Rights Tribunal, Canadian Industrial Relations Board, and the Ontario Court of Justice.

From 2015 to 2020 Wes was a lead municipal prosecutor for Norfolk County.  He has extensive defence-side experience in the field of provincial offences as well, including defending employers charged with occupational safety infractions or who have had accidents at work leading to workplace injuries or deaths.

With his background in economics, Wes easily navigates the socio-economic dimensions that are part and parcel of many workplace issues.  An understanding of the people behind legal cases – for instance, while doing pro bono work – has also fostered tact and problem solving in Wes’ work. 

Before articling and then joining Ross & McBride LLP in his hometown of Hamilton, Wes worked at a boutique law firm specializing in environmental law in Toronto, Ontario.  

Wes provides extensive legal advice on topics such as:

• Terminations
• Wrongful Dismissals
• Collective Bargaining & Grievances
• Workplace Investigations & Harassment Complaints
• Executive Compensation
• Employment Contracts
• In/Dependent Contractors
• Human Rights Law & Disabilities
• Employment Law Class Actions
• Employment Standards
• Copyright Law
• Onboarding
• Sale of Business/Planning
• Non-Profit Law
• Non-Solicitation
• Professional misconduct
• Workplace Policies
• Reprisal complaints
• Statutory complaints
• Pay Equity

A proud resident of Hamilton, Wes is committed to serving the community through variety of channels.  When not working Wes enjoys his espresso machine, music, the outdoors, gathering with family and friends, learning languages, the list goes on.   

Education

LL.B., Ludlow Hall Law School, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, Canada
 
M.A., International and Development Economics, Berlin University of Applied Sciences (HTW Berlin), Germany
 
B.A. (Honours), International Development Studies and Economics, McGill University, Montreal, Canada

 

Certificates & Training

Certificate in Labour Law - Osgoode Law School
Certificate in Human Resources Law – Osgoode Law School
Qualified Arbitrator – ADR Institute of Canada
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI), Empower Strategy Group
Workplace Investigation Course, Rubin Thomlinson LLP 
Mediator Training with Kathryn Munn Dispute Resolution Services
 

Current Affiliations

Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra, Board of Directors & Member of Governance Committee
Hamilton Law Association, Member
Ontario Bar Association, Member of Employment & Labour Law Section
Employment Lawyers Association of Ontario, Member
Alternative Dispute Resolution Institute of Canada, Member
Law Society of Ontario, Called to the Bar
 
Prior Affiliations
Human Resources Professionals Association, Affiliate member
Durand Neighbourhood Association, Board of Directors
Workers Arts and Heritage Centre, Supporter
Pro Bono Law Ontario, Volunteer
Environment Hamilton, Supporter
Ecojustice, Supporter
Bruce Trail Association, Member