Restrictive Covenants in the Legal Profession
Restrictive Covenants in the Legal Profession
Presented by the Employment Lawyers Association of Ontario (ELAO)
Thursday, July 16, 2026 | 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM EST
Webinar - Details provided upon registration
The ELAO is bringing together a faculty of experienced practitioners to discuss restrictive covenants in this new live webinar. Join leading lawyers and legal professionals for a timely discussion on restrictive covenants in the legal profession, including recent case law, LSO guidance, and the real-world impact on firms and departing lawyers. Attendees will learn how to navigate non-compete and non-solicitation clauses while balancing professional obligations, business interests, and evolving workplace realities.
Restrictive Covenants in the Legal Profession
This professional development program provides an in-depth discussion on the evolving landscape of restrictive covenants, including non-competition and non-solicitation clauses, emerging case law, and the Law Society of Ontario’s perspective. This program equips lawyers with proactive approaches for managing lawyer departures and best practices for developing compliant and equitable agreements that reflect the business realities in today’s legal market.
Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation in the Legal Profession
The LSO and Rules of Professional Conduct
LSO’s Position on Business Realities
Impact of Restrictive Covenants on Marginalized Groups
Panel Discussion and Questions
Please note: This is a live-only session.
Speakers:
Cenobar Parker, Parker Law Group (Toronto, ON)
Kelly Gerra, Law Society of Ontario (Toronto, ON)
Jennifer Heath, Piccolo Health LLP (Toronto, ON)
Shalini Konanur, South Asian Legal Clinic of Ontario (Toronto, ON)
Reporting Details
1 hour and 10 minutes of Professionalism
25 minutes of EDI
Questions
If you have any questions, please reach out to info@elao.ca.
Registration Fees
ELAO Members: Free
Non-Members: $25
Plus applicable taxes
Speakers Bios
Cenobar Parker
Cenobar Parker is the Founder of Parker Law. Her practice includes all aspects of workplace law, including traditional employment law for both employees and employers, professional regulation, administrative law and civil litigation. Cenobar regularly provides representation and advice to companies, public institutions, employees, executives, and unionized employees facing human rights issues. Cenobar is passionate about her work and has developed a particular interest in sex and gender-based discrimination as well as disability rights, and routinely advises with respect to disability accommodations, including mental health accommodations, in the workplace and in the education context.
She is focused on empowering clients during challenging times and finding pragmatic solutions to complex and often sensitive legal issues. Cenobar is regularly engaged to conduct sensitive human rights investigations or to provide training, including in her capacity as an independent investigator and as Integrity Commissioner for public school boards.
Outside of her practice, Cenobar has served as a Board Member with the former East Toronto Community Legal Services clinic and as a public member of the College of Psychologists. She is currently finishing her last term as a member of the Board of Directors for the Don Valley Community Legal Services, after 6 years as Vice-Chair.
Kelly Gerra
Kelly Gerra is Senior Counsel and Manager for the Law Society of Ontario’s Practice Supports & Resources department, where she designs practical tools and resources to help lawyers and paralegals navigate their professional responsibilities with clarity and confidence. She also provides confidential guidance to Ontario licensees through the Practice Management Helpline.
Before joining the Law Society, Kelly was the Director of Lexis Practice Advisor Canada at LexisNexis Canada, where she led the content strategy for a leading online legal resource. Earlier in her career, she practised constitutional and administrative law and commercial litigation at two national law firms, advocating for clients at all levels of court in Ontario and the Supreme Court of Canada.
A lifelong learner, Kelly holds an Adult Learning and Development Certificate from the University of Toronto’s Ontario Institute for Studies in Education. She is passionate about creating accessible and practical resources that empower licensees in their day-to-day work and advance the Law Society’s public interest mandate.
Jennifer Heath
Jennifer Heath is a Partner at Piccolo Heath LLP, an employment law firm based in Toronto. She combines pragmatism, enormous knowledge, and strategic guidance to deliver results on workplace issues.
Over her 17-year career as an employment lawyer, Jennifer has represented organizations of all sizes and across all sectors, providing measured guidance as they navigate their “people problems”. She is a seasoned litigator, but she knows when to stay at the table instead of pushing to court.
Jennifer has drafted complex employment and contractor agreements; negotiated highly technical and sensitive settlements; and provided strategic advice regarding terminations and disability management issues. In addition, she has acted for vendors and purchasers in complex sale transactions.
Shalini Konanur
Shalini Konanur is the Executive Director and a lawyer at the South Asian Legal Clinic of Ontario (SALCO). She has extensive experience in human rights, access to justice, and systemic advocacy, with a particular focus on how race, gender, immigration status, poverty, and other intersecting forms of inequality shape legal outcomes. Shalini is also an elected Bencher of the Law Society of Ontario and Co-Chair of its Equity and Indigenous Affairs Committee. Her work has included advocacy, law reform, litigation, public legal education, and institutional governance aimed at advancing equity within the legal profession and the justice system more broadly. Shalini draws on this experience to consider how workplace structures and professional norms affect marginalized lawyers’ mobility, economic security, and ability to build sustainable careers within the profession.
St Patrick’s Day Social
The ELAO is hosting its annual St Patrick's Social at The Pilot! 🍀
If you are interested in sponsoring, please e-mail Tahir Khorasanee, LL.M.
at tkhorasanee@steinbergsllp.com.
We would like to thank our current sponsors!
Silver Sponsors:
THAIMIS, Radek Cecha and Wissam Aoun
Bronze Sponsor:
Thirst for knowledge gala 2025
TFK GALA 2025
The Employment Lawyers' Association of Ontario (ELAO) is hosting their annual Thirst For Knowledge Gala celebrating all employment lawyers and professionals on Thursday, November 20, 2025. Join us at the Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex in Toronto for a celebration of the profession!
🗓️ Thursday, November 20, 2025
🕕 Doors Open at 6 PM
📍Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex, 25 British Columbia
Road, Toronto, ON M6K 3C3
Purchase your tickets or sponsorships easily through Eventbrite!
Tickets and sponsorship packages can now be purchased easily through our Eventbrite page! Click below to visit our event page. Purchase your tickets now before they sell out.
New Entertainment
This year's Thirst for Knowledge Gala will feature fun and exciting entertainment throughout the night including:
360 camera
Photobooth
Caricature artist
Special presentation by comedian Eric Johnston
Silent Auction
We would like to thank our current sponsors of the TFK Gala 2025 for their support.
Thank you to our Platinum Sponsors!
Williams HR Law LLP - An innovative and proactive approach to HR Law and workplace investigations.
Sherrard Kuzz LLP: Proudly Canadian - One of Canada's leading employment and labour law firms, representing employers.
Grosman Gale Fletcher Hopkins LLP - Employment & Labour Law Firm
Rudner ADR - Resolve your disputes efficiently and effectively with Stuart Rudner — helping parties reach fair, tailored solutions through mediation, arbitration, and med-arb.
Hudson Sinclair LLP - Hudson Sinclair LLP is an awesome labour and employment firm.
Shields O'Donnell MacKillop LLP - Shields O’Donnell MacKillop LLP is a boutique management-side labour and employment law firm.
Duntrune LLP - Duntrune LLP is filled with powerful and attractive people.
Thank you to our Gold Sponsor!
THAIMIS - ThAImis is a labour and employment research tool that predicts what courts and tribunals would decide, based on the facts you provide. It answers questions about appropriate notice for terminations, progressive discipline, and other workplace issues.
Thank you to our Silver Sponsors!
Reeve Solutions - Provides mediation services to parties and their lawyers seeking to resolve disputes pre-litigation or after litigation has been commenced.
Xpera Risk Mitigation & Investigation - For 40 years, they have presented sound, defensible investigative findings to corporate clients, law firms, general counsel, regulatory bodies, insurance sector clients, and government entities.
Rose Dispute Resolution - Mediation & Arbitration
Thank you to our Bronze Sponsor!
Interested in becoming a sponsor?
We always appreciate the support of sponsors and we can offer a wide variety of sponsorship packages that may suit your organizational needs!
Platinum Sponsorship: For a contribution of $2,500, Platinum Sponsors will receive an entire table with 8 complimentary tickets, a choice of table location, and a dedicated banner that they can keep after the event.
Gold Sponsorship: For a contribution of $1,500, Gold Sponsors will receive up to three complimentary tickets, have a portion of the TFK gala named after them (e.g., photo booth, sketch booth), and also receive their own banner to keep.
Silver Sponsorship: For a contribution of $1,000, Silver Sponsors will receive up to two complimentary tickets and prominent poster placement, shared with other Silver and Bronze Sponsors.
Bronze Sponsorship: For a contribution of $500, Bronze Sponsors will receive one complimentary ticket and will be recognized on posters and mentioned in all advertising as a sponsor. The poster will be shared with other Silver and Bronze Sponsors.
If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, packages can be purchased on our Eventbrite HERE.
If you don't see a package that interests you, we can always create a custom sponsorship package that will suit your organizational needs. Please let us know at info@elao.ca.
We are accepting auction donations!
If your firm is unable to commit to a sponsorship package at this time, we would also greatly appreciate donations to our auction. The proceeds from the auction will be used to support the TFK Galal and the ELAO. If you are interested in donating an item to our auction, please feel free to e-mail us at info@elao.ca.
Halloween Social
The Employment Lawyers Association of Ontario (ELAO) will be hosting a Halloween Social at The Pilot this Wednesday, October 29, 2025! 🎃
We would love to host you for a thrilling night of conversation! Halloween costumes are encouraged!👻
⚾🍁💙
We will also be playing the World Series Blue Jays Game 5 at 8 PM! Come prepared with your Blue Jays colours or your Halloween costumes (or both)!
⚾🍁💙
🕕 When: Wednesday, October 29, 2024, from 6 - 11pm+
📍 Where: The Pilot (22 Cumberland St, Toronto)
We would like to thank our lovely sponsor ThAImis for their generous support.
Motion to Mingle
Employment lawyers—let’s kick off fall together at ELAO’s Motion to Mingle! 🍁
Sept 26, 6:00 PM at The Pilot (22 Cumberland St., Toronto).
Thanks to our sponsors: George Schneider and Beyond Employment Law, Brian Epstein ACC, B.Comm., B.Ed. with Epstein Success Coach, Bruce Ally, PhD (ABD), LLM, CPMED, WFA,P.I., Inst. YorkU with A Place for Mediation.
ELAO Summer Social
Sign up: Here!
🌞ELAO Summer Social 2025 — The Porch, Toronto 🌞
Reconnect with friends and colleagues on The Porch’s rooftop patio while enjoying skyline views, generous hors d’oeuvres, and complimentary drink tickets.
Date: July 24, 2025
Time: 6 pm
Address: 250 Adelaide St W, Toronto, ON M5H 1X6
With thanks to our generous sponsors:
1. Cooper Mediation Inc. – Logan Cooper
2. ADR Chambers – Andrew Diamond
3. Reeve Resolutions – Connie Reeve
Sign up: Here!
Blue Jays Night at Rogers Stadium
Dear ELAO Members and Friends,
You're invited to an unforgettable evening of baseball, community, and fun with the Employment Lawyers Association of Ontario (ELAO) as we cheer on the Toronto Blue Jays!
Sponsored by Daniel Fisher, Howie Sacks & Henry LLP and Mitch Rose, Rose Dispute Resolution, Grosman Gale Fletcher Hopkins, and Monkhouse Law we are delighted to bring you the ELAO's sporting event of the year!
To register or for more details, please visit: https://tinyurl.com/52vhjbza
📍 Where: Rogers Stadium – 1 Blue Jays Way, Toronto, ON
📅 When: Thursday, May 29, 2025
⏰ Time: 7:07 PM First Pitch (suggested arrival: 6:30)
Early bird tickets $35 for the first 50, then afterwards $55 for the next 20 tickets, then full price afterwards
Join fellow employment lawyers for an exclusive night featuring:
🔵 Reserved seating in the 200’s section
🍸 Private bar access
⚾ A thrilling matchup: Blue Jays vs. Athletics
Whether you're a die-hard baseball fan or just looking to connect with colleagues in a unique setting, this event is for you!
We look forward to seeing you at the ballpark!
ELAO Winter Social
SIGN UP HERE.
🎉 Ring in the New Year, Employment Lawyers! 🎉
As we usher in the vibrant year of 2024, we wish you a journey filled with monumental triumphs and unparalleled success.
The ELAO is thrilled to kickstart this promising year with our inaugural social gathering! Mark your calendars for February 1, 2024, and join us at the iconic The Pilot.
This exciting event is brought to you by the generous support of an anonymous benefactor and the esteemed Duntrune LLP
But that’s not all! Prepare to be dazzled by the strokes of a brilliant caricature artist and be captivated by a special performance by the talented Matthew Dewar
Let’s toast to a prosperous 2024! 🥂
Sign up HERE
TFK Gala
PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS HERE.
The Employment Lawyers Association of Ontario (ELAO) invites the Employment and Labour Law Bar to the annual Employment & Labour Law Gala!
About TFK:
After coming back last year post-covid for a great event we are renewing the annual tradition of TFK in 2023!
The event is back at the Doubletree Hilton in Downtown Toronto!
For those unfamiliar with TFK, the event started as a regular group of Employment and Labour Lawyers meeting up for drinks, and now lends the name TFK to the large end of year Gala for Employment and Labour Lawyers. There are still regular meetups of lawyers organized by the ELAO, see: https://www.elao.ca/events
For those who know a lot about TFK already you can read more on our website about the past history of TFK.
Hosts: Madeleine Werker (BLG) and Stan Fainzilberg (Samfiru Tumarkin)
Included in ticket price:
-passed Hors D'oeuvre during reception
-Buffett Dinner and dessert
-Table wine and self-serve wine at the reception
-At least two drink tickets
-Complimentary Coat Check
'Unofficial after-parties'
Traditionally some people like to have an 'after-party'. We are still working to confirm after-party options for TFK. Presumably some people, out of tradition, will head to the 2Cats club around 9-10pm.
SPONSORSHIP:
Gold Sponsorship: Sponsors can also get an entire table with gold sponsorship which gets them a dedicated table (8 complimentary tickets), a choice of tables.
Silver Sponsorship: If you wish to sponsor we are accepting sponsorship in amounts of $500 so $500, $1,000 or $1,500. You can pay here by selecting 'sponsorship' and paying for it through eventbrite.
Custom sponsorship: We are looking for a sponsor for the after party (or 2Cats event), as well as for particular 'parts' of the TFK evening, such as the reception and photobooth.
Questions about sponsorship can be directed to Tahir Khorasanee (tkhorasanee@steinbergsllp.com)
For questions in general please email Andrew Monkhouse at: andrew@monkhouselaw.com
PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS HERE.
Photos from the TFK Gala Below
TFK Conference
PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS HERE.
In line with the spirit of TFK (thirst for knowledge), we are aiming to bring together the entire Ontario employment bar (employee & employer side) as well as Human Resources (HR) professionals.
The Employment Lawyers Association of Ontario (ELAO - see www.elao.ca) is an association of Ontario Employment Lawyers and file-carrying paralegals. The association hosts events in Toronto, Ottawa, and throughout Ontario.
Co-Chairs: Zoya Alam & Jawdat Saleh
Location: Holiday Inn Toronto, 20 Carleton St.
Date: November 9, 2023, 8am to 4pm
Agenda:
8:00-9:00 Breakfast & Registration.
9:00-10:00am: Welcome and plenary session
10:00-11:00 Panel 1: Electronic Monitoring in the Workplace and Privacy Considerations.
11:00-12:00 Panel 2: Diversity and Equity in the Legal Workplace: Beyond the Buzzwords.
12:00-1:00 Lunch (with Mentorship Session).
1:00-2:00 Panel 3: The Future of Work - Remote Work, Contract Considerations, and Relevant Policies.
2:00-3:00 Panel 4: Workplace Investigations and For Cause Terminations.
3:00-4:00 Closing Remarks & Networking.
Included in ticket price:
-full day of the conference;
-Breakfast (bagels & cream cheese, croissants & pastries)
-Lunch (gourmet sandwiches (halal & veggie options available))
-morning and afternoon snacks
CPD Hours: This event is good for 5 CPD hours (3 substantive plus 2 EDI) for Law Society Members. A certificate will be provided confirming hours for Law Society members.
ELAO Contacts: Andrew Monkhouse (President - andrew@monkhouselaw.com) and Tahir Khorasanee (Vice President - Tahir Khorasanee tkhorasanee@steinbergsllp.com)
PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS HERE.
ELAO Toronto Halloween Social 2023
The ELAO (Employment Lawyers Association of Ontario), is hosting a Halloween Social at the Pilot sponsored by (in no particular order): Hena Singh Investigations and Mediations, Whitten Lublin LLP, and Rudner ADR
We can now confirm the October 26, 2023 event time and location!
When: October 26, 2023 starting at 5:30pm-11pm
Where: The Pilot at 22 Cumberland St, Toronto
Sponsors will be covering the two drinks and some finger food. Past that any other food or drink is to be paid on separate bills.
Sign up HERE.
ELAO Ottawa Kickoff Soiree
The ELAO (Employment Lawyers Association of Ontario), along with RavenLaw LLP, Resolutions at work and Vey Willetts LLP is hosting our first Ottawa Social, a Fall Social on October 12, 2023 at 4:30 pm-11pm
We can now confirm the October 12, 2023 event time and location!
When: October 10, 2023 starting at 4:30pm-11pm
Where: Darcy McGees on Sparks
Many thanks again to our sponsors (in new random order)
We have a reservation with Craft. Sponsors will be covering the first drink and some finger food. Past that any other food or drink is to be paid on separate bills.
To register for this event, please sign up here: Registration Form.
Last Minute August Party
The ELAO is holding a "Last Minute August Party" sponsored by Barry Fisher and Peter Israel.
I hope people can join on August 17th.
When: August 17, 2023 starting at 6:00pm
Where: The Pilot (22 Cumberland ave. Toronto)
Register: Here
Details: Sponsors will be covering the first drink and some finger food. Past that any other food or drink is to be paid on separate bills.
Hope to see you there!
Many thanks again to our sponsors (in random order) Peter Israel and Barry Fisher or more technically through their respective corporations of PI mediation and Barry Fisher Arbitration and Mediation.
ELAO Summer Bash 2023
JOIN US AT THE ELAO SUMMER BASH 2023
When: June 15, 2023 starting at 5:30pm
Where: Craft Beer Market
Register: Here
Details: See poster! We have a reservation with Craft. Sponsors will be covering the first drink and some finger food. Past that any other food or drink is to be paid on separate bills.
St. Patty's Day ELAO Spring Social
Name: St. Patty's Day ELAO Spring Social
Date: March 16th at 5:30pm
Location: The Pilot (22 Cumberland Street)
Register at the link below: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSegiQ6p_808EIfG9h1wSPTwALRcgl90kKtO5Q5rvr8J9N4-ug/viewform?usp=sf_link
TFK (Thirst For Knowledge) end of year Gala
ELAO is assisting to run the annual TFK end of year Employment and Labour Law Gala with Zubas Flett Law
Date: November 17, 2022
For more information and to purchase your tickets, please click here.
Contact for more information: Tahir Khorasanee at tkhorasanee@loonix.com
PHOTOS FROM THE EVENT BELOW:
ELAO Halloween Social
A Halloween social, with prizes for best costume!
Presumptive Date October 26, 2022
Where: The Pilot Bar on Bloor (22 Cumberland St., Toronto)
Sponsors: Rose Dispute Resolution & Sultan Lawyers
Costumes: Non-controversial costumes are encouraged, but optional.
Contact for more information: Alia Besharat at alia.besharat@monkhouselaw.com
ELAO Launch Party
SUMMER FUN
Date: Wednesday, September 7th, 2022
Time: 6:00 – 9:00pm
Venue: Brunswick Bierworks (the address is 25 Curity Ave, Toronto – next to the Don River)
Sponsors: Brauti Thorning LLP, Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, Barry Fisher Arbitration and Mediation, Monkhouse Law, Karimjee Law, Duntrune LLP, Rudner ADR, PI Mediation Fisher Mediation & Arbitration.
This keystone event caps off summer and is a kick-off event for the Employment Lawyers Association of Ontario (ELAO).
We will be celebrating in style at Brunswick Bierworks (see: https://www.brunswickbierworks.com/)
*There will be a musical performance by Matt Dewar from Duntrune LLP. *
Early bird tickets before August 20th are $25 for members and $30 for non-members.
After August 20th tickets will be $30 for members and $35 for non-members.
NOTE: If you are not an ELAO member you can sign up today FOR FREE then register as a member! see www.elao.com
Get your tickets today through EventBrite by clicking here.
Any questions, email: Alessia Grossi agrossi@loonix.com
PHOTOS FROM THE EVENT BELOW:
ELAO Summer Social
The ELAO is holding our first casual social, our Summer Social on August 17, 2022 at 5:00pm.
The event has separate cheques, so members attending should expect to pay themselves for any alcohol and food they consume. Given the size of the party there may be an auto-gratuity of 18%.
We have reserved some tables, you can identify our tables by the ELAO banner at the table.
Although the event is not ticketed it would be of *great assistance* for us to get an idea of how many people will show up, so please let us know below if you will attend.
The details are:
Location: Craft Beer Market
Address: 1 Adelaide Street (Young and Adelaide)Time: 5:00pm (if you can please come at 5:00pm earlier rather than later)
Please register to attend our Summer Social by filling out this form.