Clarence Bennett, K.C., ICD.D

Partner

• Suite 1000, Brunswick House
  44 Chipman Hill
  Saint John, N.B.
  E2L 2A9
• +1.506.634.6414
• +1.506.652.1989
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Language(s) spoken: English

Bar Admission(s): New Brunswick, 2005; Ontario, 2022

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Legal Assistant(s): Wendy Ebbett

Clarence is a highly experienced lawyer specializing in management-side labour, employment, and human rights matters, as well as workplace investigations and mediation. He serves a diverse clientele of employers across both the public and private sectors, including crown corporations, academic institutions, municipalities, financial organizations, law firms,  airports, manufacturers, trucking companies, construction firms, and IT enterprises. His professional experience includes:

• Appearing before the Supreme Court of Canada on landmark cases regarding standard of review, procedural fairness, and constructive dismissal.
• Representing the New Brunswick Provincial Court Judges Association during the last five Judicial Remuneration Commissions, which constitutionally determine judicial compensation.
• Advising businesses facing union certification applications, unfair labour practice complaints, and other labour board proceedings.
• Advocating for companies in workplace grievances, collective bargaining negotiations, strikes, and lockouts.
• Handling human rights cases concerning employee and student claims of discrimination based on mental health, maternity leave, obesity, disability, mandatory retirement, sex, sexual orientation, and religion.
• Defending employers in wrongful dismissal actions, and providing guidance on termination for cause, performance issues, or absenteeism.
• Counselling government entities on workplace and educational policies, as well as constitutional concerns.
• Acting on behalf of corporations, directors, and shareholders in oppression remedy disputes initiated by employee shareholders.
• Providing advice to Boards of Directors related to CEO performance management and remuneration.
• Advising legal professionals, managing partners, and boards on law firm governance and partnership matters.
• Representing clients in occupational health and safety prosecutions, including those involving workplace fatalities.
• Conducting workplace investigations for in-house counsel and corporations nationwide, addressing complaints of harassment, discrimination, and bullying.
• Facilitating workplace mediations and post-investigation reparative processes across the country.