Cozen O’Connor taps litigator Andrea Piercy to lead its Canadian employment law practice expansion

By Cozen O’Connor

On March 27, Cozen O’Connor announced attorney Andrea Piercy, a prominent Vancouver-based employment law litigator with more than a decade of experience resolving complex disputes in and out of the courtroom, will lead the expansion of its employment law practice into Canada. Piercy, who comes to the firm from Hamilton Duncan, joins Cozen O’Connor as a member and will work out of the firm’s Vancouver office.

As chair of the firm’s Canadian Employment Law Practice, Piercy will represent clients in employment law disputes, provide advice relating to employment agreements and terminations, and help clients develop and/or revise corporate-level employment policies and procedures. She has appeared before courts and tribunals across Canada, and assists clients to resolve employment disputes through settlement and alternative dispute resolution measures.

“Enhancing our Labor & Employment Group is one of the last, critical steps in our goal to offer a full complement of services in Canada,” said Michael J. Heller, Cozen O’Connor’s Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “Employment laws vary by province and, taken as a whole, Canada’s employment laws can vary significantly from those in the United States and other countries. Broadening our employment services capability in Canada, therefore, not only benefits our in-country clients but also our cross-border U.S. and international clients with Canadian operations.”

“When viewed from a global perspective, employment law has a huge impact on our business clients and Andrea’s track record makes her the perfect choice to lead our Canadian Employment Law Practice,” said Brigeeta Richdale, vice chair of White Collar Defense & Investigations and managing partner of the Vancouver office. “The fact that she brings experience advising on employment issues that arise in M&A and other complex corporate transactions is a bonus for our Canadian Capital Markets & Securities Group. I’m thrilled to welcome her to our Canadian team.”

“Labor and employment laws are rapidly evolving and changing. Having a distinguished litigator that can lead and grow our group in Canada is a tremendous asset for our clients,” stated Thomas S. Giotto, chair of Cozen O’Connor’s Labor & Employment Department. “Andrea is a highly respected adviser with a depth of knowledge in labor and employment law that will keep her in high demand as corporations continue to address these issues.”

Piercy also represents clients in wrongful dismissal claims and post-employment litigation matters, including those involving competition, solicitation, and confidential information. In addition, her experience as a trial lawyer extends beyond employment law and includes representing clients in a range of business disputes, including those related to shareholder and partnership agreements, development projects, commercial leases, and instances of negligence and fraud. Her commercial clients populate a broad range of industries, including mining, construction and development, hospitality, finance, and technology.

“With employment laws constantly evolving, it’s important to me to work with other lawyers who are committed to staying ahead of the curve and providing strategic and innovative solutions for their clients,” Piercy said. “By joining Cozen O’Connor, my clients will benefit from the remarkable breadth and depth of knowledge among my colleagues and have more resources and support than ever before. I’m very happy to be here.” 

Piercy earned her LL.B at the University of Alberta and a B.A. at East Tennessee State University.

About Cozen O’Connor

Established in 1970, Cozen O’Connor has over 825 attorneys who help clients manage risk and make better business decisions. The firm counsels clients on their most sophisticated legal matters in all areas of the law, including litigation, corporate, and regulatory law. Representing a broad array of leading global corporations and middle-market companies, Cozen O’Connor serves its clients’ needs through 31 offices across two continents.