Profile
Carol VandenHoek is a Labour and Employment lawyer and Partner in the Guelph office of Miller Thomson. Carol's practice focuses on employment law and litigation matters including estate litigation. Carol has successfully appeared on various matters before the Ontario Court of Justice (Family), the Superior Court of Justice, and the Court of Appeal. Carol acted as outside Counsel for the local Children's Aid Society for approximately 14 years handling numerous trial and appeal matters.
Carol attended law school at the University of Toronto prior to which she obtained her Bachelor of Science from the University of Toronto. Carol joined the firm upon her call to the bar in 1996. In 2009, she completed her LL.M. in Labour Relations and Employment Law.
Carol handles a variety of employment matters including wrongful terminations, human rights, employment standards and occupational health and safety. Carol conducts workplace harassment and discrimination investigations for employers. In addition, Carol is a trained mediator having obtained her certificate in Alternative Dispute Resolution from York University. She also has specialized training in adult guardianship mediation.
Directorships
- Director, Elora Festival 2005 – 2008
- Past President, Wellington Law Association
- Director, Guelph Arts Council, 2003 – 2005
- Secretary/Director, Wellington-Dufferin Learning Foundation, 1999-2003
- Director, Hospice Wellington, 1997 - 2001
Memberships
- Member of Council, Ontario Bar Association & Canadian Bar Association
- Committee Member, Legal Aid Ontario Hamilton-Kitchener District Area Appeals
- Member, Guelph Chamber of Commerce
- Member, Ontario Agri Business Association
Education
- LL.M., Master of Laws in Labour Relations and Employment Law, Osgoode Hall Law School, York University
- LL.B., University of Toronto
- B.Sc., University of Toronto
- Certificate in Alternative Dispute Resolution, York University
Presentations
- Social Media and Employment Law, HRPA Guelph & District Chapter, March 2012
- Pastors, People and Protection - Employment Law Issues in Church Settings for FEB Central, Cambridge June and October 2011
- Compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), The Canadian Institute's Forum on the Duty to Accommodate, April 2011
- Employment Law Lunch and Learn, Guelph Chamber of Commerce, March 2011
- Cyber Challenges, Grand Valley HRPA, February 2011
- Managing Employment Risks and Protecting the Organization, National Conference Canadian Society of Club Managers, October 2010
- New Rules on Civil Procedure: What Every HR Professional Should Know, Osgoode Professional Development, April 2010
Publications
- Availability of Tort Claims in Employment Actions Restricted by Ontario Court of Appeal Ruling, Labour and Employment Communiqué, July 16, 2010
- Employment Contract Requiring Departing Employee to Repay for Training and Other Penalties Enforceable, Labour and Employment Communiqué, August 17, 2009
Key Practice Expertise
Areas of Focus
- Wrongful Dismissal
- Workplace Harassment Investigations
- Estate Litigation Disputes
Year of Call
- Ontario Bar, 1996