60 acast.com Water Cooler Justice https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/water-cooler-justice en Chris Robertson Law,Employment Law,Workplace Stories,Panel Discussion Chris Robertson Real stories of workplace drama through the lens of employment lawyers

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]]> false Chris Robertson watercoolerjustice@gmail.com 66f6d1ae2750688fd02dae40 water-cooler-justice episodic https://assets.pippa.io/shows/66f6d1ae2750688fd02dae40/1727453264044-6a120312-2eec-4a85-8490-a30da94dd930.jpeg https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/water-cooler-justice Water Cooler Justice Wigdor v. Facebook and Liggett v. Veeva with Ellen Low and Sean Bawden Wigdor v. Facebook and Liggett v. Veeva with Ellen Low and Sean Bawden Thu, 12 Feb 2026 12:00:00 GMT 43:15 698cccbf5a0d566e5b3c2d7e false https://shows.acast.com/water-cooler-justice/episodes/698cccbf5a0d566e5b3c2d7e 698cccbf5a0d566e5b3c2d7e 66f6d1ae2750688fd02dae40 full 1 10 "Two compensation schemes that look almost identical on paper can lead to wildly different outcomes.”


Chris Robertson and Sarah Goodenough are joined by employment lawyers Ellen Low and Sean Bawden to unpack the murky and increasingly high-stakes world of restricted stock units (RSUs). In this episode, the panel compares Wigdor v. Facebook Canada and Liggett v. Veeva Software System, two recent Ontario cases involving equity compensation, termination, and notice, with sharply divergent results.


The conversation explores why RSUs continue to sit in a legal grey zone, how courts are navigating the tension between the Employment Standards Act and common law reasonable notice, and why precise drafting (or the lack of it) can mean the difference between forfeiting millions or recovering vested compensation. The panel also debates whether RSUs should be treated as wages or benefits, the role of good faith and discretion in forfeiture decisions, and what these cases signal for employers and employees alike as equity-based compensation becomes more common.


Is there a case you'd like to hear us talk about? Do you have a story you'd like to share with our panel? Reach out to us at: watercoolerjustice@gmail.com 

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]]> "Two compensation schemes that look almost identical on paper can lead to wildly different outcomes.”


Chris Robertson and Sarah Goodenough are joined by employment lawyers Ellen Low and Sean Bawden to unpack the murky and increasingly high-stakes world of restricted stock units (RSUs). In this episode, the panel compares Wigdor v. Facebook Canada and Liggett v. Veeva Software System, two recent Ontario cases involving equity compensation, termination, and notice, with sharply divergent results.


The conversation explores why RSUs continue to sit in a legal grey zone, how courts are navigating the tension between the Employment Standards Act and common law reasonable notice, and why precise drafting (or the lack of it) can mean the difference between forfeiting millions or recovering vested compensation. The panel also debates whether RSUs should be treated as wages or benefits, the role of good faith and discretion in forfeiture decisions, and what these cases signal for employers and employees alike as equity-based compensation becomes more common.


Is there a case you'd like to hear us talk about? Do you have a story you'd like to share with our panel? Reach out to us at: watercoolerjustice@gmail.com 

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]]> Chan v. NYX Capital Corp with Ellen Low and Matthew Dewar Chan v. NYX Capital Corp with Ellen Low and Matthew Dewar Tue, 14 Oct 2025 12:00:00 GMT 41:41 68e91eeed14438356ba1023d false https://shows.acast.com/water-cooler-justice/episodes/68e91eeed14438356ba1023d 68e91eeed14438356ba1023d 66f6d1ae2750688fd02dae40 full 1 9 Ellen Low and Matthew Dewar join Chris Robertson and Sarah Goodenough to discuss Chan v. NYX Capital Corp. This case explores the limits of probationary employment and what happens when employers attempt to contract out of the Employment Standards Act. The panel dives into the meaning and implications of the phrase “at any time for any reason” in termination clauses, and why small drafting choices can make or break enforceability. With a mix of humour and technical insight, they reveal how two simple words, “legally permissible”, might be the key to getting it right.


Is there a case you'd like to hear us talk about? Do you have a story you'd like to share with our panel? Reach out to us at: watercoolerjustice@gmail.com 

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]]> Ellen Low and Matthew Dewar join Chris Robertson and Sarah Goodenough to discuss Chan v. NYX Capital Corp. This case explores the limits of probationary employment and what happens when employers attempt to contract out of the Employment Standards Act. The panel dives into the meaning and implications of the phrase “at any time for any reason” in termination clauses, and why small drafting choices can make or break enforceability. With a mix of humour and technical insight, they reveal how two simple words, “legally permissible”, might be the key to getting it right.


Is there a case you'd like to hear us talk about? Do you have a story you'd like to share with our panel? Reach out to us at: watercoolerjustice@gmail.com 

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]]> Kondaj v. Crossbridge with Barry Fisher and Robert Richler Kondaj v. Crossbridge with Barry Fisher and Robert Richler Tue, 09 Sep 2025 12:00:00 GMT 45:48 68bf2495b494ca82a29322bc false https://shows.acast.com/water-cooler-justice/episodes/68bf2495b494ca82a29322bc 68bf2495b494ca82a29322bc 66f6d1ae2750688fd02dae40 full 1 8 "The toughest cases in the world to predict the outcome are short service people. There’s no other word for it, they’re just a complete and utter mess." Barry Fisher and Robert Richler join Chris Robertson to discuss Kondaj v. Crossbridge Condominiums. In this episode, the panel unpacks the complexities of determining reasonable notice for short-service employees and explores whether notice functions as an objective calculation, a bridge to re-employment, or simply a judicial “crapshoot.”



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]]> "The toughest cases in the world to predict the outcome are short service people. There’s no other word for it, they’re just a complete and utter mess." Barry Fisher and Robert Richler join Chris Robertson to discuss Kondaj v. Crossbridge Condominiums. In this episode, the panel unpacks the complexities of determining reasonable notice for short-service employees and explores whether notice functions as an objective calculation, a bridge to re-employment, or simply a judicial “crapshoot.”



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]]> Preston v. Cervus Equipment Corporation and Bertsch vs. Datastealth Inc. with Matthew Fisher and Matthew Certosimo Preston v. Cervus Equipment Corporation and Bertsch vs. Datastealth Inc. with Matthew Fisher and Matthew Certosimo Wed, 23 Apr 2025 12:30:00 GMT 38:30 6807d854d841fa6edc589b54 false https://shows.acast.com/water-cooler-justice/episodes/6807d854d841fa6edc589b54 6807d854d841fa6edc589b54 66f6d1ae2750688fd02dae40 full 1 7 "We have put all this work in and none of it will matter if the decimal is in the wrong place, or the release has two extra words we didn't notice." Matthew Fisher and Matthew Certosimo join Chris Robertson and Sarah Goodenough to discuss Preston v. Cervus Equipment Corporation and Bertsch v. Datastealth Inc. The common theme in these two cases is that employment law is not as unfair to employers as it is often alleged. It is, rather, a heavily technical process for both sides. Both these cases show that the devil is truly in the details.


Is there a case you'd like to hear us talk about? Do you have a story you'd like to share with our panel? Reach out to us at: watercoolerjustice@gmail.com

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]]> "We have put all this work in and none of it will matter if the decimal is in the wrong place, or the release has two extra words we didn't notice." Matthew Fisher and Matthew Certosimo join Chris Robertson and Sarah Goodenough to discuss Preston v. Cervus Equipment Corporation and Bertsch v. Datastealth Inc. The common theme in these two cases is that employment law is not as unfair to employers as it is often alleged. It is, rather, a heavily technical process for both sides. Both these cases show that the devil is truly in the details.


Is there a case you'd like to hear us talk about? Do you have a story you'd like to share with our panel? Reach out to us at: watercoolerjustice@gmail.com

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]]> Galea v. Wal-Mart with Muneeza Sheikh and Ellen Low Galea v. Wal-Mart with Muneeza Sheikh and Ellen Low Tue, 11 Mar 2025 11:00:00 GMT 41:58 67cf029bde20851680b6b85e false https://shows.acast.com/water-cooler-justice/episodes/67cf029bde20851680b6b85e 67cf029bde20851680b6b85e 66f6d1ae2750688fd02dae40 full 1 6 "Do you think that awards are going up? Or do they seem stuck?" Muneeza Sheikh and Ellen Low join Chris Robertson and Sarah Goodenough to discuss Galea v. Walmart. Here, the topic of punitive damages in the world of employment law is described in length, and the panel talks about the implications damages might have in cases with larger corporate wrongdoers. Additionally, the panel gets into the reasoning behind why awards may differ dramatically on a case to case basis.


Is there a case you’d like to hear us talk about? Do you have a story you’d like to share with our panel? Reach out to us at: watercoolerjustice@gmail.com

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]]> "Do you think that awards are going up? Or do they seem stuck?" Muneeza Sheikh and Ellen Low join Chris Robertson and Sarah Goodenough to discuss Galea v. Walmart. Here, the topic of punitive damages in the world of employment law is described in length, and the panel talks about the implications damages might have in cases with larger corporate wrongdoers. Additionally, the panel gets into the reasoning behind why awards may differ dramatically on a case to case basis.


Is there a case you’d like to hear us talk about? Do you have a story you’d like to share with our panel? Reach out to us at: watercoolerjustice@gmail.com

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]]> Dufault v. Township of Ignace with Barry Fisher and Stuart Rudner Dufault v. Township of Ignace with Barry Fisher and Stuart Rudner Thu, 13 Feb 2025 12:00:00 GMT 36:42 67aca9b2505cb2a0a34bf078 false https://shows.acast.com/water-cooler-justice/episodes/67aca9b2505cb2a0a34bf078 67aca9b2505cb2a0a34bf078 66f6d1ae2750688fd02dae40 full 1 5 Stuart Rudner and Barry Fisher join Chris Robertson and Sarah Goodenough to discuss Dufault v. The Township of Ignace. They discuss how the termination provision was struck not only for violating Waksdale but went further identifying new attacks on termination provisions including "at any time", a phrase that is as ubiquitous as "without cause" in employment agreements. They explore the challenges faced by both employees and employers, the complexities of legal language in contracts, and the need for clearer guidelines in employment agreements.


Is there a case you'd like to hear us talk about? Do you have a story you'd like to share with our panel? Reach out to us at: watercoolerjustice@gmail.com

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]]> Stuart Rudner and Barry Fisher join Chris Robertson and Sarah Goodenough to discuss Dufault v. The Township of Ignace. They discuss how the termination provision was struck not only for violating Waksdale but went further identifying new attacks on termination provisions including "at any time", a phrase that is as ubiquitous as "without cause" in employment agreements. They explore the challenges faced by both employees and employers, the complexities of legal language in contracts, and the need for clearer guidelines in employment agreements.


Is there a case you'd like to hear us talk about? Do you have a story you'd like to share with our panel? Reach out to us at: watercoolerjustice@gmail.com

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]]> Mediation with Barry Fisher and Andrew Monkhouse Mediation with Barry Fisher and Andrew Monkhouse Wed, 15 Jan 2025 14:27:56 GMT 48:47 6787c5ec339cdeb44cd8fa82 false https://shows.acast.com/water-cooler-justice/episodes/6787c5ec339cdeb44cd8fa82 6787c5ec339cdeb44cd8fa82 66f6d1ae2750688fd02dae40 full 1 4 Let's talk about mediation. In this episode of Water Cooler Justice, Chris Robertson discusses the intricacies of mediation in employment law with Andrew Monkhouse and Barry Fisher. They explore the mandatory mediation system in Ontario and the impact of contingency fees on mediation outcomes. The conversation also delves into the challenges faced in settling disputes and the various mediation styles employed by mediators.


Is there a case you'd like to hear us talk about? Do you have a story you'd like to share with our panel? Reach out to us at: watercoolerjustice@gmail.com

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]]> Let's talk about mediation. In this episode of Water Cooler Justice, Chris Robertson discusses the intricacies of mediation in employment law with Andrew Monkhouse and Barry Fisher. They explore the mandatory mediation system in Ontario and the impact of contingency fees on mediation outcomes. The conversation also delves into the challenges faced in settling disputes and the various mediation styles employed by mediators.


Is there a case you'd like to hear us talk about? Do you have a story you'd like to share with our panel? Reach out to us at: watercoolerjustice@gmail.com

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]]> Mechalchuk v. Galaxy Motors with Barry Fisher and Stuart Rudner Mechalchuk v. Galaxy Motors with Barry Fisher and Stuart Rudner Tue, 10 Dec 2024 12:00:03 GMT 39:45 67575cfad59c6635eebe1838 false https://shows.acast.com/water-cooler-justice/episodes/67575cfad59c6635eebe1838 67575cfad59c6635eebe1838 66f6d1ae2750688fd02dae40 full 1 3 This episode is all about just cause. Chris Robertson, Barry Fisher, and Stuart Rudner discuss the implications of dishonesty in the workplace, the standards of conduct expected from senior employees, and the legal principles surrounding just cause dismissals. The panel emphasizes the importance of integrity and the contextual approach courts take in employment law. They also discuss practical strategies for employees facing confrontational meetings and the potential consequences of dishonesty.


Is there a case you'd like to hear us talk about? Do you have a story you'd like to share with our panel? Reach out to us at: watercoolerjustice@gmail.com

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]]> This episode is all about just cause. Chris Robertson, Barry Fisher, and Stuart Rudner discuss the implications of dishonesty in the workplace, the standards of conduct expected from senior employees, and the legal principles surrounding just cause dismissals. The panel emphasizes the importance of integrity and the contextual approach courts take in employment law. They also discuss practical strategies for employees facing confrontational meetings and the potential consequences of dishonesty.


Is there a case you'd like to hear us talk about? Do you have a story you'd like to share with our panel? Reach out to us at: watercoolerjustice@gmail.com

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]]> Wall v. M.H. Rowe Sheet Metal Fabricating Inc. with Barry Fisher and Matt Dewar Wall v. M.H. Rowe Sheet Metal Fabricating Inc. with Barry Fisher and Matt Dewar Tue, 05 Nov 2024 14:13:28 GMT 33:48 6728f2415e15233c40803ec8 false https://shows.acast.com/water-cooler-justice/episodes/6728f2415e15233c40803ec8 6728f2415e15233c40803ec8 66f6d1ae2750688fd02dae40 A conversation about mitigation full 1 2 "This is a classic example of what judges should do."


Chris, Barry, and Matt Dewar discuss a recent wrongful dismissal case. The panel explores notice periods, the implications of COVID-19 on job searches, and the legal arguments surrounding mitigation of damages. They delve into the strategies employed by both the employer and the employee, providing insights into employment law practices and the challenges faced in the current job market. In this conversation, we discuss the complexities of employment law, focusing on the significance of transferable skills, the volume of job applications, and the challenges faced by both employees and employers in proving mitigation efforts. The discussion highlights the nuances of the legal framework surrounding employment and the practical realities of job searching.


Is there a case you'd like to hear us talk about? Do you have a story you'd like to share with our panel? Reach out to us at: watercoolerjustice@gmail.com

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]]> "This is a classic example of what judges should do."


Chris, Barry, and Matt Dewar discuss a recent wrongful dismissal case. The panel explores notice periods, the implications of COVID-19 on job searches, and the legal arguments surrounding mitigation of damages. They delve into the strategies employed by both the employer and the employee, providing insights into employment law practices and the challenges faced in the current job market. In this conversation, we discuss the complexities of employment law, focusing on the significance of transferable skills, the volume of job applications, and the challenges faced by both employees and employers in proving mitigation efforts. The discussion highlights the nuances of the legal framework surrounding employment and the practical realities of job searching.


Is there a case you'd like to hear us talk about? Do you have a story you'd like to share with our panel? Reach out to us at: watercoolerjustice@gmail.com

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]]> How v. PRGX with Barry Fisher and Ellen Low How v. PRGX with Barry Fisher and Ellen Low Tue, 08 Oct 2024 12:58:46 GMT 1:01:01 66ff43549c11fb17d2ce1c2d false https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/water-cooler-justice 66ff43549c11fb17d2ce1c2d 66f6d1ae2750688fd02dae40 full 1 1 "This case is like a law school exam!" Chris, Barry, and Ellen examine the wrongful dismissal case Jimmy How Tein Fat v. PRGX Canada Corp. and share their thoughts. They touch on minimum payments, the onus on employers to show a failure to mitigate, and even the disadvantage of using AI tools to calculate payments. Tune in for an entertaining conversation and learn what the prevailing thoughts and trends are in the world of employment law.


IMPORTANT NOTE: Throughout the episode, we mistakenly refer to the defendant as PGRX, when in fact the company is called PRGX.


Is there a case you'd like to hear us talk about? Do you have a story you'd like to share with our panel? Reach out to us at: watercoolerjustice@gmail.com

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]]> "This case is like a law school exam!" Chris, Barry, and Ellen examine the wrongful dismissal case Jimmy How Tein Fat v. PRGX Canada Corp. and share their thoughts. They touch on minimum payments, the onus on employers to show a failure to mitigate, and even the disadvantage of using AI tools to calculate payments. Tune in for an entertaining conversation and learn what the prevailing thoughts and trends are in the world of employment law.


IMPORTANT NOTE: Throughout the episode, we mistakenly refer to the defendant as PGRX, when in fact the company is called PRGX.


Is there a case you'd like to hear us talk about? Do you have a story you'd like to share with our panel? Reach out to us at: watercoolerjustice@gmail.com

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]]> Water Cooler Justice | Trailer Water Cooler Justice | Trailer Fri, 04 Oct 2024 01:28:14 GMT 1:08 66ff3664a7d676ab06eb0bf5 false https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/water-cooler-justice 66ff3664a7d676ab06eb0bf5 66f6d1ae2750688fd02dae40 Real stories of workplace drama through the lens of employment lawyers trailer 1 Welcome to Water Cooler Justice a new podcast by Robertson Law that will explore the push and pull of business and fairness through the lens of employment. In each episode, we will hear a real life example of workplace drama, the rights of the employee and responsibility of the employer, and our approach to a fair turn out.


Each episode will feature guests from the industry and we will hear their perspectives and come to an agreement. Enjoy!

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]]> Welcome to Water Cooler Justice a new podcast by Robertson Law that will explore the push and pull of business and fairness through the lens of employment. In each episode, we will hear a real life example of workplace drama, the rights of the employee and responsibility of the employer, and our approach to a fair turn out.


Each episode will feature guests from the industry and we will hear their perspectives and come to an agreement. Enjoy!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]>