Haynes Law Firm
1 lawyer · Established 1994 · City of Toronto
One of 2,345 law firms listed in Toronto, and one of 478 handling Employment & Labour Law.
About Haynes Law Firm
Haynes Law Firm is a small employment law practice in downtown Toronto, founded by Paulette S. Haynes shortly after being called to the Ontario bar in 1994. The firm has practiced employment and labour law exclusively since then, acting for both employers and employees in disputes over terminations, workplace harassment, human rights complaints, and wrongful or constructive dismissal. It also advises businesses on employment contracts and workplace policies and represents clients in mediation, arbitration, and litigation.
Founder Paulette S. Haynes holds a law degree from Osgoode Hall Law School and a political science degree from the University of Ottawa, and wrote the Human Resources Guide to Non-Standard Employment, Second Edition, published by Thomson Reuters Canada. Haynes has taught employment and labour law at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University) and currently serves as an adjunct legal studies professor at Seneca Polytechnic. Alongside courtroom work, Haynes trained as a mediator through the New York State Unified Court System and sits on the 8th Judicial District's roster of dispute resolution neutrals, a mediation background the firm also draws on in settlement negotiations.
Practice areas
Milestones & recognition
- Paulette S. Haynes founded the firm shortly after being called to the Ontario bar in 1994, giving it three decades of practice focused solely on employment and labour law.
- Haynes wrote the Human Resources Guide to Non-Standard Employment, Second Edition, published by Thomson Reuters Canada.
- Haynes completed mediation training through the New York State Unified Court System (Part 146) along with advanced commercial mediation training, and is listed on the National Bar Association's Certified Mediator Panel.
- Haynes serves on the 8th Judicial District Court Roster of ADR Neutrals.
In the community
- Haynes has taught employment and labour law at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University) and currently teaches as an adjunct legal studies professor at Seneca Polytechnic.
- The firm's commentary on employment law topics has appeared in HCA Magazine, HR Reporter, and Law Times, and Haynes has spoken on podcasts about workplace law for small and medium businesses.
- The firm publishes free sample workplace violence and workplace harassment policy templates addressing Ontario's Bill 168 requirements, along with FAQ pages and glossaries covering topics such as remote and hybrid work and employee misclassification.
Who handles what
The neighbourhood
The firm's office is in University Centre, an office building at 393 University Avenue in downtown Toronto, a short walk from the St. Patrick subway station and near Nathan Phillips Square, Old City Hall, the Financial District, and the Toronto Eaton Centre. The firm describes the location as an elevator ride from the Superior Court of Justice and within walking distance of several other courthouses, which matters for a practice built around employment litigation and tribunal hearings. Underground parking is available below the building, with street parking and other parkades nearby for clients who drive in.
Frequently asked questions
- I was let go from my job in Toronto. Can Haynes Law Firm tell me if it was a wrongful or constructive dismissal?
- Yes. Wrongful dismissal and constructive dismissal are core parts of the firm's practice, and it represents employees pursuing termination and severance claims.
- Does Haynes Law Firm only act for employees, or does it also represent employers?
- Both. The firm advises employers on contracts, workplace policies, and terminations, and represents employees in disputes with their employers, so it works on both sides of the employment relationship.
- Can Haynes Law Firm help with a workplace harassment or human rights complaint?
- Yes, workplace harassment and human rights complaints, including discrimination and disability accommodation issues, are among the matters the firm handles.
- My employer classified me as an independent contractor. Can the firm help me figure out if that's correct?
- The firm advises on independent contractor and worker misclassification issues for both employers and employees, and publishes FAQ and glossary pages on the topic.
- Does Haynes Law Firm handle disputes through mediation, or does everything go to court?
- The firm uses mediation and arbitration as well as litigation. Founder Paulette Haynes is a trained mediator, which the firm draws on in settlement negotiations as well as hearings.
- How do I book a consultation with Haynes Law Firm?
- You can reach the firm through the contact form on its website or by phone, and a team member will follow up to arrange a meeting.
Where to find them
393 University Ave #2000, Toronto, ON M5G 1E6 · 416-593-2731
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Civil Litigation & Dispute ResolutionEmployment & Labour LawListing compiled from the firm’s public website in August 2026. Verify licence status in the Law Society of Ontario directory ↗