Arbitrator & Mediator
Providing impartial, well-reasoned resolution of labour, employment, human rights, and professional regulation disputes, grounded in more than a decade of experience navigating Ontario's legal system at every level, including the Supreme Court of Canada.
Effective mediation requires the consideration of the rights and legal issues at stake as well as going beyond stated positions to address the parties' underlying interests and perspectives. Mae focuses on what is driving a dispute and the barriers to resolution. A strong and empathic listener, Mae is sensitive to the competing considerations at play and works to understand the parties' main interests. Her approach is practical and creative, with the aim of exploring possibilities and solutions that may not have been apparent at the outset.
Workplace disputes are rarely just about the law. Interests overlap, relationships matter, positions harden, and what appears to be driving a dispute may not be the barrier to resolution. Mae approaches mediation by listening carefully to understand the perspective, interests, and concerns underlying each party's position. She is particularly comfortable with difficult and highly charged workplace and human rights matters. The objective is not resolution at any cost — it is to create the conditions for informed and meaningful negotiation.
Request a Mediation DateArbitration should provide a fair and effective resolution of a workplace dispute without imposing more procedure, expense or delay than the matter requires. Mae oversees fair, focused, and streamlined arbitrations that are proportionate to the matter before her. She carefully examines the evidence and legal submissions to deliver clearly reasoned decisions without unnecessary delay.
Her approach combines rigorous legal analysis with practical case management — the procedure should fit the dispute. Her decisions are clear and reasoned, aimed at providing the parties with a timely and useful resolution.
Request an Arbitration DateIn diverse and dynamic workplaces, a one-size-fits-all mediation approach can further damage relationships, harden positions, and lead to longer arbitrations. Mae works with parties to develop alternative forms and models of mediation attuned to the parties' shared objectives, cultural values, and needs.
Not every dispute requires a conventional hearing. Mae offers expedited arbitration, med/arb, mass mediation, and other tailored mechanisms geared to providing a fair process while reducing unnecessary cost, delay and procedure. The objective is not speed for its own sake — it is proportionality.
Discuss an Expedited ProcessMae J. Nam is an arbitrator and mediator with extensive experience in labour relations, collective bargaining, and workplace disputes across the public, broader public and private sectors. Immediately before becoming a neutral, she was a partner at a leading union-side labour law firm. Throughout her career, Mae has acted in rights and interest arbitrations, labour board matters, and constitutional and appellate litigation. She has appeared at all levels of court in Ontario, including the Supreme Court of Canada.
Mae spent much of her career representing and working within some of Canada's largest unions, and served as the senior manager responsible for large table negotiations involving bargaining units ranging from approximately 6,000 to 30,000 members. Her experience spans health care, universities and education, government, social services and professional workplaces.
Read Mae's Full BiographyNeutral services across the disputes that arise most often in Ontario workplaces and regulated professions.
Resolution of rights and interest disputes arising under collective agreements, including discipline, discharge, and contract interpretation matters.
Independent resolution of workplace conflicts, including matters involving policy interpretation and non-unionized employment relationships.
Impartial adjudication of disputes involving accommodation, discrimination, and human rights obligations in the workplace.
Neutral guidance on matters of professional conduct, capacity, and discipline within regulated sectors, including health care.
Facilitated negotiation to help parties reach a mutually acceptable resolution before, or in place of, a formal hearing.
Assistance with unresolved issues arising during collective bargaining, drawing on direct experience with large-scale negotiations.
Every matter is approached without bias, giving each party a full and fair opportunity to be heard.
Decisions are communicated in clear, well-reasoned awards that parties can understand and rely on.
Scheduling, submissions, and awards are handled promptly, respecting the time and resources of all parties.
To discuss a potential arbitration or mediation engagement, get in touch to check availability and next steps.
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