Our success is built on partnership.

Caroline V. (“Nini”) Jones,
Partner

Nini is a dynamic and forceful advocate for the interests of trade unions, professional associations, and the rights of working people generally.

With more than two decades of labour and employment law experience, Nini is known for her resolute and strategic representation of her clients’ interests and her ability to achieve results. Nini’s practice includes all aspects of labour relations, including human rights issues, collective bargaining, discipline and other work-related disputes, as well as the strategic and focussed advice necessary to address internal and external union crises. She has a special expertise in policing labour relations, and is a close and long-term advisor to many police associations across the province.

Nini is a highly skilled litigator and negotiator. She has been recognized as one of the ‘Best Lawyers in Canada’ practising in labour and employment law every year since 2013. In 2018, she received the Lexpert Zenith Award for Mid-Career Excellence in the labour relations practice area, and is regularly recognized by her colleagues in the labour bar through the Lexpert rankings.

Before founding Jones Pearce LLP, Nini practised at a leading Toronto litigation firm, where she was a leader in the union-side labour group. Nini graduated from U of T Faculty of Law, where she was a recipient of the Dean’s Key.

Nini can be reached at:
T: 416.735.0678
E: nini.jones@jonespearce.com

Lauren Pearce,
Partner

Lauren helps her clients solve complex problems with tenacity, grace, and an overall view to advancing workplace justice.

Lauren provides comprehensive labour relations advice to trade unions and associations, including in grievance and interest arbitrations, human rights matters, as well as the day-to-day work of representing members. She is trusted and relied upon by her clients for her exceptional work ethic, sound judgment, and practical, no-nonsense recommendations.

An experienced and confident litigator, Lauren is equally adept at appearing before labour arbitrators and administrative tribunals as she is before the civil courts. Lauren is also a strong written advocate; her academic writing has been cited by both the Supreme Court of Canada (2020 SCC 30) and the Court of Appeal for Ontario (2017 ONCA 301).

Prior to founding Jones Pearce LLP, Lauren practised at a leading Toronto litigation firm in the areas of labour, employment, professional discipline, and public and administrative law. In law school, Lauren worked and volunteered at the Downtown Legal Services Community Legal Clinic, where she had the privilege to serve clients seeking refugee protection or otherwise to regularize their immigration status.

Lauren can be reached at:
T: 647.463.8625
E: lauren.pearce@jonespearce.com

Cassandra Jarvis,
Associate

Cassandra works tirelessly to achieve favourable and effective results for unions, associations, and their members.

Cassandra advises clients in all aspects of labour relations, including collective agreement interpretation, discrimination and accommodation, as well as bargaining and interest arbitration. She brings strategic thinking as well as strong written and oral advocacy skills to all her work.

Prior to joining Jones Pearce LLP, Cassandra articled and practised at a prominent labour and employment firm in Ontario, gaining experience in both civil litigation and labour arbitration across various sectors. Cassandra also assisted the Ottawa Light Rail Transit Public Inquiry as part of the Commission’s counsel team.

Cassandra graduated from Osgoode Hall Law School where, as part of her studies, she completed an internship with the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva.

Cassandra can be reached at:
T: 647.612.6870
E: cassandra.jarvis@jonespearce.com

Olivier Bishop-Mercier,
Associate

Olivier is dedicated to advancing the interests of working people through strong advocacy. 

Prior to joining Jones Pearce LLP, Olivier articled at a prominent union-side labour firm in Toronto and worked at a large public sector trade union in Ontario. He is an experienced negotiator and litigator in his own right and supports all aspects of the firm’s labour practice with excellent legal research and writing skills.

Olivier graduated from the University of Toronto Faculty of Law, where he received an academic award for his outstanding achievement in labour arbitration. During his studies, Olivier worked and volunteered as a caseworker at Advocates for Injured Workers, representing workers before the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board.

Olivier can be reached at:
T: 416.253.9399
E: olivier.bishop-mercier@jonespearce.com

Kathleen Lipani,
Executive Legal Assistant and Office Manager

Kathleen is a seasoned executive legal assistant with over three decades of experience, including nearly two decades working exclusively in the areas of labour and employment law. She is confident and knowledgeable in navigating the distinct worlds of the civil courts, administrative tribunals, as well as labour mediation and arbitration processes.

Kathleen oversees all aspects of the Jones Pearce practice and office with efficiency, unparalleled attention to detail, and an eye to exceptional client service. She takes pride in her work and is always looking for ways to improve systems and processes.

Kathleen joined Jones Pearce LLP in 2023 and is a key member of the team. Previously, she worked for many years as a senior legal assistant to multiple lawyers at a leading Toronto litigation firm. Before that, Kathleen worked as both a legal assistant and office manager at a small law firm in New Brunswick.

When she is not keeping everyone organized, Kathleen enjoys spending time at the cottage with family and friends.

Kathleen can be reached at:
T: 416.306.2043
E: kathleen.lipani@jonespearce.com