Irene (Xinyi) Xie ✉
Irene is a lawyer at Rousseau Mazzuca LLP. Irene’s practice focuses on employment law and civil litigation.
Irene routinely advises employees and employers in matters including wrongful dismissal, constructive dismissal, human rights issues, exit strategies, and employment contract reviews. Her practice also includes professional negligence matters and commercial disputes.
Irene is empathetic, analytical, and pragmatic. She provides candid advice to clients and is effective in securing meaningful results. Representing clients both inside and outside the courtroom, she has experience with the Superior Court of Justice, the Divisional Court, the Small Claims Court, the Human Rights Tribunal, and professional regulatory bodies.
Prior to joining the firm, Irene articled at a large national firm, where she worked on a wide range of matters including labour arbitrations, wrongful dismissal claims, professional liability litigation, and constitutional rights claims.
Irene received her law degree from Osgoode Hall Law School. During law school, Irene worked at Parkdale Community Legal Services where she provided pro-bono services to people experiencing income insecurity. She also volunteered at the Concerned for Working Children, an Indian-based NGO.
Out of the office, Irene enjoys meditation, travelling to underrated destinations, and spending time with her grumpy cat Miao Miao.
Representative Work:
Achieved a settlement of 6 months of pay in lieu of notice for an employee with less than 1 year of service
Achieved a settlement of 24 months of pay in lieu of notice for an employee
Defended a contractor facing threats of injunction and damages in the amount of $500,000, for breaches of non-compete, non-solicitation and confidentiality covenants
Defended an employer in claim for constructive dismissal based on a temporary lay-off
Defended an employer against a claim of $1 million for punitive and bad faith damages
Acted for an employee terminated and accused of benefits fraud
Acted for an employee dismissed on account of their disability and need for work-from-home accommodation
Advised professionals and small businesses pursuing insurance claims for COVID-19 related business interruption and other losses
Advised First Nations communities and individuals on their entitlements for compensation under an $8 billion settlement. The settlement resulted from an historic class proceeding to address long-term drinking water issues on reserve
