Rex Bissonnette

Unique Skills and Attributes

Throughout his career, Rex has been involved in unique and precedent-setting litigation, earning a reputation for his creative legal solutions. He has been instrumental in handling significant cases and reported decisions that have shaped the legal landscape in Canadian employment law. Notably, Rex played a key role as co-counsel in the high-profile decision in Waksdale v. Swegon North America Inc. (2019).

Rex’s unwavering dedication to his clients’ interests has been recognized by colleagues and clients alike.

A passion for justice and a reputation for being an experienced and forceful employment lawyer are qualities that set Rex apart from other Toronto employment lawyers. Driven by a commitment to providing exceptional legal representation, Rex’s strong advocacy skills and strategic approach contribute to his success in representing clients and achieving favourable outcomes. He has excellent people skills, his Spidey Sense is on, and he is always thinking 3 steps ahead.

Before becoming a partner at Wilson Drake & Associates LLP, Rex was an associate lawyer at a Toronto boutique litigation law firm, where he honed his skills in a diverse range of civil litigation cases, with a particular focus on employment law. Handling everything from wrongful dismissal to workplace discrimination cases, Rex developed a deep understanding of the complexities and nuances within the employment law landscape.

Significant cases handled or reported decisions include:

• Henderson v. Slavkin et al. (2022): Counsel for the defendants
• Khomami Lenet (2022): Counsel for the respondent
• Law Society of Ontario v. Cadogan (2022): Counsel for the respondent

Rex initially cut his teeth in employment law at a Toronto labour, employment, and human resources law firm as an associate lawyer. During his tenure, he dedicated himself to advising and representing employers in matters of employment and labour law. Rex’s strategic counsel and representation helped businesses navigate through challenging employment disputes and achieve favourable outcomes.

Significant cases handled or reported decisions include:

• Waksdale v. Swegon North America Inc. (2019): One of the most noteworthy employment law cases of the last five years. Rex was co-counsel on the summary judgment motion, which was successful, but not involved in the appeal, which was lost.
• R. v. Greater Sudbury (City) (2019): Overturned on appeal, under review at the Supreme Court of Canada.
• 2020268 Ontario Limited o/a Prescott Masonry & Restoration Inc. v. Bricklayers (2018): Counsel for the intervenor

Professional Associations

In addition to his busy legal practice, Rex is an active member of professional associations including the Ontario Bar Association (OBA), the Canadian Bar Association (CBA), the Law Society of Ontario (LSO), and the Advocates Society.

Rex takes pride in staying on top of the latest legal developments in his practice areas of focus through his participation in seminars and continuing legal education programs.

Education

Rex was admitted to the Bar of Ontario in 2013.

Rex earned a Juris Doctor (JD) in 2012 from the Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie University. During his legal studies, Rex had the opportunity to expand his perspective on the law through an exchange semester at the University of Arizona, Tucson in 2011.
Rex obtained a Bachelor of Arts (History) in 2008 from Acadia University where he developed critical thinking skills that continue to serve him well in his legal practice.