Irene (Xinyi) Xie ✉
Irene is a lawyer at Rousseau Mazzuca LLP. Irene’s practice focuses on employment law and civil litigation.
She advises and represents a variety of clients both inside and outside the courtroom. Specifically, Irene assists both employees and employers in matters including wrongful dismissal, constructive dismissal, human rights issues, and employment contract reviews. She also represents clients in commercial disputes.
Irene is empathetic, pragmatic, and has a strong work ethic. She is committed to achieving meaningful results for clients, supporting them at pivotal points in their lives. She has experience with the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, the Divisional Court, the Small Claims Court, the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario, 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, whale-watching on the East Coast and spending time with her grumpy cat Miao Miao.
Representative Work:
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
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
Acted for an employee placed on temporary lay-off and subsequently terminated without severance pay
Defended a charitable organization at labour arbitrations regarding breaches of its vaccine mandate
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
