Our Team
Shana French

Shana French (she/her)
Direct: 416.603.6260
Cell: 416.458.1289
24 Hour: 416.420.0738

sfrench@sherrardkuzz.com

University of New Brunswick,
Bachelor of Laws
Trent University, Bachelor of Arts

Assistant:
Melaina Vivilecchia
416.217.2224 mvivilecchia@sherrardkuzz.com

Shana French

(she/her)

Recognized as a leading lawyer by Lexpert® and Who’s Who Legal® (National Leader), Shana’s sophisticated expertise includes the representation of employers in several areas of employment and labour law, with particular emphasis on multinational entrance into Canada, compliance and risk management, policy globalization, executive and non-executive compensation, human rights and accommodation, workplace investigations, grievance arbitration and wrongful and constructive dismissal.  Shana is frequently asked to chair and speak at national conferences and for employer associations and clients.  Says Who’s Who Legal®: Shana is a strong negotiator with excellent judgement who possesses the ability to cut through the clutter and address the heart of each and every matter. 

Prior to joining Sherrard Kuzz LLP, Shana was Legal Counsel to a telecommunications company publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange.

Shana is a member of the Law Society of Ontario, Canadian Bar Association, Ontario Bar Association (Administrative Law, Labour & Employment, CCCA/Corporate Counsel, Privacy and Access to Information, Civil Litigation, Constitutional, Civil Liberties, Human Rights, Workers’ Compensation), and International Warehouse Logistics Association.

Areas of Focus:

Publications & Media

Speaking Engagements

  • TMU Labour Relations Certificate Program

    June 13, 2024

  • 5th Annual Canada Labour Code & Other Changing Federal HR Legislation

    May 07, 2024

  • The Eight-Minute Labour Lawyer 2024 – Attendance Management in the Unionized Workplace

    April 11, 2024

  • 12th Human Rights Summit

    December 05, 2023

  • Preventing discrimination, harassment, bullying & violence in the workplace

    November 21, 2023

  • Hot Topics in University and College Labour Law: Academic freedom, privacy, discipline, harassment, contract terms and Charter challenges

    September 26, 2023

  • The Future of Remote Work – Practical Considerations for Employers

    June 7, 2023

  • Preventing discrimination, harassment bullying & violence in the workplace

    November 15, 2022

  • Mental Health in the Academy: Obligations and Opportunities for Employers

    November 3, 2022

  • 3rd Annual Canada Labour Code Compliance 2022- Complying with New Federal Harassment and Violence Prevention Regulations

    May 9, 2022

  • Hello – Goodbye: Best Practices When Hiring and Managing Departures

    December 8, 2021

  • Hello – Goodbye: Best Practices When Hiring and Managing Departures

    December 8, 2021

  • 10th Annual Human Rights Summit (Webcast)

    December 2, 2021

  • Post-pandemic demands for reasonable accommodation: How to respond?

    November 9, 2021

  • (Practice management) Working remotely

    October 22, 2021

  • The Unimagined Strategic plan: Remote Work & Vaccination Policies in the Evolving Canadian Workplace

    August 24, 2021

  • Canadian Business Immigration: Cross-Border Travel and Employee Mobility in Pandemic Times

    July 08, 2021

  • Workplace Accommodation and COVID-19

    April 21, 2021

  • 9th Human Rights Summit

    December 02, 2020

  • COVID-19 – Practical Strategies to Mitigate Employment Risk and Leverage Goverment Programs – Sherrard Kuzz LLP and Thorsteinssons LLP

    October 08, 2020

  • Critical New Developments in Employment Law

    September 24, 2020

  • The Certificate in Labour Relations

    August 20, 2020

  • Canada’s Return to New Workplace

    June 17, 2020

  • A Balancing Act: Working from Home May Require Accommodation

    June 16, 2020

  • COVID-19 – Mitigating Workplace Risk and Leveraging Government Assistance

    May 1, 2020

  • Coronavirus and the workplace: The Asia Experience (North America)

    March 4, 2020

  • Just What the Doctor Ordered: An Annual Labour and Employment Check-Up for Employers

    February 26, 2020

  • Canada YIR Webinar

    January 15, 2020

  • 8th Human Rights Summit , Co-chair

    December 3, 2019

  • Out With The Old, In With The New: 2018 Year in Review & What to Expect in 2019…

    December 5, 2018

  • 7th Annual Human Rights Summit

    December 4, 2018

  • Effective Management of Sexual Harassment Complaints

    November 1, 2018

  • Drugs (including Cannabis) in the Workplace – Employer Rights and Obligations – Best Practices to Protect Your Workplace

    June 6, 2018

  • Cannabis – Rolling With It In The Workplace

    April 19, 2018

  • Legal Aspect of Health & Safety

    March 21, 2018

  • Pot in the Workplace: The Law and How to Prepare

    January 24, 2018

  • Human Rights Challenges for Small Businesses and Organizations

    December 7, 2017

  • Danger at Work - Responding to violence and harassment by patients, students and others

    November 30, 2017

  • Workplace Leave Laws: Strategies to Navigate the Changing Landscape in Canada

    October 26, 2017

  • Let’s Talk About Sex: Workplace Indecencies and Indiscretions

    September 27, 2017

  • Legal/Medical Marijuana and Drug Testing

    May 17, 2017

  • Job Re-Design: When does accommodation result in undue hardship?

    May 17, 2017

  • Up In Smoke: The New Era of Workplace Drug Management

    April 20, 2017

  • Managing Attendance at Work: Accommodating employees, respecting rights, curbing abuse

    April 11, 2017

  • Dealing with Employees with Mental Health Issues: Ethical dilemmas confronting employer and union representatives

    December 15, 2016

  • 5th Annual Human Rights Summit

    December 8, 2016

  • Employment Law Update – Effectively managing attendance issues, including sick leaves

    December 7, 2016

  • What a Difference a Year Makes! Lessons from 2016 & Tips for 2017!

    December 6, 2016

  • Substance Use at the Workplace: The scope and limits of accommodation

    November 17, 2016

  • Managing Health and Disability Related Issues: Mental Health, Aging and Accommodation

    November 3, 2016

  • Navigating Treacherous Waters – Practical Strategies for Managing Employee Medical Leaves in Canada

    September 21, 2016

  • Disability Accommodation Relating to Mental Health and Return to Work

    September 7, 2016

  • Ethical Issues in Employment Law

    June 27, 2016

  • Here For a Good Time – Not a Long Time: Navigating the Risks of Interns, Volunteers, Temps and Student Employees

    April 27, 2016

  • Workplace Indecencies and Indiscretions

    April 19, 2016

  • Developments in Current Family Status Cases & Decisions

    February 16, 2016

  • No offence, but you’re fired!’: When is non-disciplinary suspension or termination appropriate?

    February 11, 2016

  • Preparing for the Year Ahead: The key cases from 2015 and their implications for 2016

    January 21, 2016

  • Invisible and Episodic Disabilities

    December 2, 2015

  • Major Case Law Update

    November 30, 2015

  • Prescriptions for Dealing with Doctors: Getting the information you need

    November 26, 2015

  • Tough Issues Facing Labour Boards: Statutory freeze questions, health and safety claims, rogue employer remedies, and more

    November 24, 2015

  • Social media: A franchise’s best friend and worst enemy

    November 4, 2015

  • The Truth About Consequences: Assessing appropriate discipline

    October 15, 2015

  • Ethical Issues in Employment Law

    September 22, 2015

  • Background Checks: Key Issues for Franchise Employers

    May 13, 2015

  • Accommodating Age in the Workplace

    March 24, 2015

  • Staying Ahead of the Curve – Update on Employment Law

    January 21, 2015

  • Harassment and the Toxic Work Environment: Examining Rights and Remedies

    December 17, 2014

  • Lunch with the Arbitrators Panel

    December 4, 2014

  • Privacy v. an Employer’s Right to Know: Hot Issues That Straddle the Can-Am Border

    December 4, 2014

  • Update on Workplace Harassment and Violence

    October 22, 2014

  • Cyberloafing, Cyberspying: Computer Theft, Privacy Rights

    October 8, 2014

  • Human Rights & Social Media

    September 19, 2014

  • Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation and What It Means for the Homecare Industry

    June 16, 2014

  • Workplace Violence and Harassment Update

    June 6, 2014

  • Dignity and Dollars: Damages and Other Remedies for Harassment and Discrimination

    June 3, 2014

  • So Long, but Not Goodbye: The Ins and Outs of Job Protected Leaves

    May 8, 2014

  • Strong Employee Engagement Leads to Better Patient Care: The Business Case and How to Get There

    April 10, 2014

  • Discharge and Discipline: Top Ten Recent Cases

    March 20, 2014

  • Protect Your Brand Without Becoming Responsible for the Actions of Your Franchisees

    January 15, 2014

  • What to Expect When She’s Expecting: A Primer on Pregnancy and Parental Leave

    November 28, 2013

  • Anger Management: Rage As a Health and Safety Risk in the Workplace

    November 14, 2013

  • Cross Canada Labour Law Update

    October 4, 2013

  • DSM5: Changing Medical Definitions of Mental Disabilities, and the Potential Impact on Workplace Law

    July 10, 2013

  • In Sickness and In Health: Managing Employees Illnesses or WSIB Injuries

    May 28, 2013

  • Medical Examinations: Everything You Want to Know, But Are Afraid to Ask

    May 28, 2013

  • Impact of PSLRTA on Innovation

    May 23, 2013

  • Out of Bounds: Pranks, Jokes and Horseplay That Cross the Line Into Violence and Harassment

    April 11, 2013

  • Major Case Law and Legislative Update: What Changes in 2012 Will Affect You in 2013?

    April 11, 2013

  • Employment Law Best Practices

    February 22, 2013

  • The Most Important Developments in Labour & Employment Law in 2012 (and What They Mean for You in 2013)

    January 31, 2013

  • HR Law Update

    January 17, 2013

  • Managing Employee Terminations

    January 16, 2013

  • Major Case Law and Legislative Review: An Expert Update on Recent Developments

    December 13, 2012

  • Absenteeism and Disability Management – Reducing Absenteeism and Meeting Legal Obligations with Advanced Strategies

    November 27, 2012

  • Family Matters: Current Cases and Changing Perspectives on Leaves, Shift Work, Child Care and Elder Care

    November 1, 2012

  • Hot Topics in Canadian Employment Law: A Coast to Coast Review

    October 16, 2012

  • Effectively Managing Employees on Medical Leave – Considerations for Full-Time and Elect-to-Work Staff

    September 27, 2012

  • Protecting the Bottom Line! 8 Ways to Minimize Employment and Labour Risk

    August 16, 2012

  • The Six-Minute Labour Lawyer

    June 12, 2012

  • Elect to Work Employees: Tips and Traps

    May 24, 2012

  • Leaves, Leaves, Leaves: Rules for Terminating Employees on Leave

    April 23, 2012

  • Mental Illness in the Workplace: Recognizing the Signs, Accommodating the Needs

    April 5, 2012

  • Employer and Employee Rights and Obligations in Disability Claims Conference

    February 28, 2012

  • Insured Benefits

    February 27, 2012

  • Never Can Say Goodbye – Managing the Older Worker

    January 18, 2012

  • Holiday Party – Do’s and Don’ts

    December 7, 2011

  • Accommodating Learning and Cognitive Disabilities in the Workplace: Innovative Approaches, Trailblazing Decisions

    December 1, 2011

  • Managing Employee Terminations

    November 17, 2011

  • Employment Law Update – What’s New? What’s Worth Repeating?

    November 15, 2011

  • Human Rights Trends – Update

    November 15, 2011

  • The Importance of Employment Contracts – Avoiding Legal Pitfalls

    June 2, 2011

  • Insured Benefits: Key Issues Involving Health Spending Accounts, Eligibility Restrictions, Insurance Carrier Changes, Adjustable Drug Formularies and Arbitration of Benefit Claims

    May 19, 2011

  • Bill 168: An Update on Best Practices for Complying with Ontario’s New Legislation on Violence and Harassment

    November 10, 2010

  • Disability Related Misconduct and Problems of Underperformance: Dealing with Mental Illness and Addiction

    November 4, 2010

  • Accommodating Anxiety and Stress: A New Look at Pervasive Issues

    October 22, 2010

  • Handling Employee Health Information and Privacy Concerns: Do’s and Don’ts

    September 10, 2010

  • Navigating Through the Recruitment Process and its Attendant Pitfalls; Hiring and Firing Employees

    May 26, 2010

  • Employee References and Background Checks: What to Do, What to Avoid

    January 21, 2010

  • Frequently Asked Employment & Labour Law Questions – And Then Some!

    January 21, 2010

  • Theft and Dishonesty at the Workplace

    November 27, 2009

  • Policy & Strategy Dealing with Substance Abuse

    March 26, 2009

  • Workplace Harassment: Conducting the Error-Free Investigation

    February 15, 2009

  • Workplace Technology Update: The Latest Techniques for Monitoring and Evaluating Electronic Information

    November 13, 2008

  • Harassment in the Workplace

    October 30, 2008

  • Discharge: Hot Topics

    October 22, 2008

  • Accommodating Family Status in the Workplace: The Changing Law

    October 2, 2008

  • Accommodating Mental Illness and Workplace Stress: Dealing with Invisible Disabilities

    May 28, 2008

  • Workplace Violence, Threats, Bullying and Harassment: New Rules and Responsibilities

    December 7, 2007

  • Employment & Labour Law Update

    October 17, 2007

  • Access to Medical Information – Advanced Session

    October 3, 2007

  • Employment & Labour Law Update

    September 6, 2007

  • Family Responsibilities in the Workplace: The New Tests

    May 8, 2007

  • Workplace Conduct and Conflict

    April 25, 2007

  • Workplace Challenges & Opportunities – Bill 211: Mandatory Retirement Ends – Implications & Proactive Solutions

    November 22, 2006

  • Workplace Challenges & Opportunities – Tackling Attendance Issues

    November 2, 2006

  • Workplace Challenges & Opportunities – How Companies Successfully Remain Union Free

    October 27, 2006

  • Workplace Challenges & Opportunities – Terminations and Wrongful Dismissal Claims

    October 4, 2006

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