A background in operations and human resources management has helped distinguish John Hyde as one of Canada’s most effective labour and employment lawyers.
The founder of Hyde HR Law brings 30 years of experience to his practice, where he advises management on all aspects of employment and labour relations. This practical experience before entering law gives him insight that few other practitioners can match.
According to his nomination, Hyde is “a relentless advocate, who always puts his clients first” with “significant experience in HR matters” and “passion about assisting employers in all areas of labour and employment law.”
Hyde is one of only 17 lawyers certified as a Specialist in Labour Law by the Law Society of Ontario. This rare designation reflects his deep expertise in an increasingly complex legal field.
His career path wasn’t typical for a lawyer. Before attending law school, Hyde earned both a bachelor’s and master’s degree from the University of Guelph, then worked in operations and human resources management prior to pursuing legal education. He ultimately earned both Canadian (LL.B.) and American (J.D.) law degrees and was called to the bar in 1993.
His practice represents management across a diverse client base, from international companies to healthcare providers, universities and major breweries. His services include representation before administrative tribunals, collective agreement negotiation, arbitrations, wrongful dismissal defence and human rights cases.
Beyond major corporations, Hyde has maintained a commitment to helping small businesses establish sound human resources practices. His nomination highlights that he has “helped numerous small businesses get off the ground by assisting them in establishing sound Human Resources practices, employment contracts, workplace policies, and the like.”
His legal guidance extends to strategic advice on labour and employment matters during complex business transactions such as mergers, acquisitions and business sales — critical junctures where employment issues can significantly impact outcomes.
Before founding his current firm, Hyde served as managing partner at one of Canada’s best-known law firms, demonstrating leadership abilities that complement his legal expertise.
The nomination also notes that “he is an excellent mentor to younger lawyers looking to hone their skills in the areas of labour and employment law.”
His firm maintains a 4.9-star Google review rating and has won the Toronto Star’s Reader’s Choice Award for best legal services for three consecutive years (2022-2024).
Hyde maintains active involvement in professional organizations, including membership in the Law Society of Ontario, Canadian Bar Association (Ontario), Transportation Lawyers Association of America and Canadian Transport Lawyers’ Association. He has served as a director of both the North American Transportation Employee Relations Association and the Human Resources Professionals Association of Ontario.
According to his bio, Hyde’s pre-law background “provides him with the unique opportunity to assist clients in the formulation of practical legal solutions, specifically tailored to their needs.”
He has authored numerous articles in labour and employment publications and frequently presents seminars on labour and employment law matters.
Hyde represents private, public and institutional clients in a wide variety of labour and employment matters across Canada, bringing a pragmatic approach informed by both his legal expertise and real-world HR experience.
