Mélissa has been a trusted advisor to employers at Emond Harnden since 2010. Prior to joining the firm, she served as legal counsel to the Copyright Board of Canada and practiced civil litigation at a large national law firm in Ottawa.
She advises a broad range of public and private sector employers, as well as Indigenous organizations, providing strategic and practical guidance across the full spectrum of labour and employment law in both English and French. Her practice also extends to related areas, including human rights, immigration, privacy, pay equity, and not-for-profit governance, and is informed by a deep understanding of the legal, operational, and cultural realities facing organizations across Northern Ontario and beyond. Clients value Mélissa for her ability to translate legal risk into clear, pragmatic advice that supports organizational objectives and values while managing cost and exposure.
Mélissa routinely advises on legislative and regulatory compliance matters. She also regularly represents employers in wrongful dismissal litigation, interest and rights arbitrations, collective bargaining, and proceedings before the Labour Relations Board, Human Rights Tribunal, and other administrative tribunals. Additionally, she brings extensive drafting experience, advising on the preparation and enforcement of employment agreements at all levels, from frontline roles to executive appointments, independent contractor arrangements, and comprehensive workplace policies.