O’Brien Dispute Resolution

Michael O’Brien

Michael is a mediator and arbitrator specializing in labour, employment and human rights disputes.  He brings creativity and insight to solving workplace disputes, delivering practical results. He has worked in the labour relations for over 30 years, occupying positions of increasing responsibility within unions and on the management side.  Commencing in June 2024, he is dedicating his practice to mediation and arbitration. Michael holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Toronto (1996),  a Juris Doctor from Osgoode Hall Law School (2012), and Master in Laws in Dispute Resolution, also at Osgoode Hall Law School, in 2024.  Michael has practiced labour law in Toronto for over a decade, and brings extensive experience in negotiations, and dispute resolution, having litigated, and settled numerous cases before various administrative and labour tribunals.  He has knowledge of the legal issues involved in labour and employment disputes and a theoretical and practical understanding of the factors that motivate the parties, having worked in senior positions on both sides.  He believes that the best outcomes are those achieved by the parties themselves and strives to assist the parties by facilitating resolutions which recognize the parties varied interests.  

His practice includes mediating and arbitrating disputes in both the public and private sectors.