George A. Hamzo

George Hamzo is a partner in the firm’s London office who practises employment law. George acts for employers and employees on all types of matters relating to the workplace, including terminations, as well as claims of discrimination and harassment. He represents businesses of all sizes from sole proprietors to very large institutional clients.

With expertise in employment contract law, human rights law and workplace investigations, George is well-versed in employment standards legislation, including the Employment Standards Act, 2000 the Canada Labour Code, and the Occupational Health and Safety Act. He also offers a deep understanding of employment contracts and restrictive covenants, including non-competition and non-solicitation agreements.

While George draws on extensive experience in litigation, representing clients in Superior Court, the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal, and the Ontario Labour Relations Board, he also takes a practical and forward-looking approach to help clients anticipate and address workplace issues before problems arise.

George says that some of the most rewarding files he has worked on have been helping people at a scary juncture in their life. “The termination process can be quite difficult, for employees yes, but even for many small- or medium-sized business owners who may have never terminated anyone before. Whether my client has been terminated, or they are making the difficult decision to terminate an employee, I walk them through that process and show them that it’s not the end of the world. I help them understand their legal entitlements and obligations and to remove uncertainty so that they can make an informed decision.”

As evidence of the value George brings, a client named her dog after him in appreciation of the services he provided in connection with her having lost her job during the pandemic. Finding previously overlooked information in her employment contract, George was able to win a large settlement for the young mother.