Overview
Lawrence Witt is an experienced labour, employment and human rights law practitioner. He regularly acts on behalf of clients in labour and employment litigation matters before administrative tribunals, arbitration tribunals as well as first instance and appellate level courts. Lawrence has developed considerable expertise in electronic discovery and data preservation, the drafting and pleading of injunction applications seeking the enforcement of restrictive covenants, return of information and the preservation of evidence.
Lawrence counsels and represents clients from diverse sectors, including retail, hospitality, sports and entertainment and manufacturing in matters relating to union certifications, negotiations, hiring, workplace restructuring, dismissals and disciplinary matters, as well as the drafting of complex agreements, workplace policies and codes of conduct.
He is frequently called upon to lecture to various audiences, including continuing legal education seminars, on topics focused on hiring and workplace issues such as workplace privacy, the use of social media, workplace harassment, workplace investigations and attendance management.
Lawrence is a Wexner Heritage Fellow (Class of 2019), a prestigious leadership training institute founded by businessman and philanthropist Leslie Wexner, Chairman of L Brands, a global retail empire that includes Victoria’s Secret and Bath & Body Works.
Prior to his career in law, Lawrence worked as a sales and marketing manager for an international airline and during his studies, he was a legal intern with the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Lawrence also served in the military as a tank driver in the armoured corps.
He is actively involved in various community organizations and was the Agence de la santé et des services sociaux de Montréal delegate to the Board of Directors of the Miriam Home and Services, an organization supporting people with intellectual disabilities and pervasive development disorders. Mr. Witt is actively involved with the boards and executive committees of a private school, a museum and other not-for-profit organizations in Montréal. In 2017, Lawrence was chosen to co-chair the Montreal delegation of the March of the Living, an annual educational program bringing individuals from around the world to Poland and Israel to study the history of the Holocaust and the consequences of prejudice and intolerance.
In addition, Lawrence Witt acts as a consultant to the Legal Information Clinic at McGill in matters relating to labour, employment and human rights law.
Professional achievements & leadership
- The Best Lawyers in Canada - Labour and Employment Law, 2021-2025
- Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory: Repeatedly Recommended in Employment Law, 2022-2024
- Recipient, Federation CJA 2019 Gertrude & Henry Plotnick Young Leadership Award, in recognition of significant contributions and outstanding commitment to the Jewish people through their involvement in community work.
- Fellow, Wexner Heritage Program. The Wexner Heritage Fellowship is an intensive 2 year leadership institute created and funded by Leslie Wexner, the Ohio-based billionaire founder and CEO of L Brands (The Limited, Victoria’s Secret and Bath & Body Works). Lawrence is part of a network of 1800 Wexner Heritage Fellows from 33 different North American cities.
Thought leadership
- Recent Developments in Employment Law and Performance Management: What You Need to Know, Association of Canadian Search, Employment & Staffing Services (ACSESS), 2013
- The New Employment Relationship, American Bar Association, International Law Section, 2012
- The Use of Social Media and the Recruitment of Employees, Youth Employment Services, 8th Annual Quebec Services Providers Conference, 2011
- Professional Practice in the Province of Québec, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University,2010
- Key Challenges to the Staffing Services Industry, Association of Canadian Search, Employment & Staffing Services (ACSESS), 2010
Community involvement
- Delegate to the Board of Directors of the Miriam Home and Services
- Boards and executive committees of a private school, a museum and other not-for-profit charitable organizations in Montreal.
Professional memberships
- The Law Society of Ontario (occasional practice permit)
- Canadian Bar Association
- Young Bar Association of Montréal
- American Bar Association
- Lord Reading Law Society
- National Business Aviation Association
Languages spoken
- French
- English
Bar admissions & education
- Quebec, 2004
- LL.B., Université de Montréal, 2002
