Trent alumnus Stephen Gillman ’10 is a rising star in Canadian labour law who is enjoying many rewarding legal experiences and high-profile cases only three years into his career.

The 33-year-old studied Business Administration at Trent, which he says was “unquestionably” the most important academic experience of his life.

“Without Trent, I am certain I would not be where I am today,” he says. “The tight-knit and collegial atmosphere allowed me to make connections with students and professors, which I continue to maintain and rely on today. And Trent Business’ experiential approach to learning helped me to build a foundation of skills (social, problem solving, etc.) that are fundamental to my current practice.”

Mr. Gillman specializes in Labour and Employment Law; he’s licensed and practices in both Toronto and Vancouver.

After beginning his career in 2015 as an associate lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP in Toronto, he says he has helped employees and employers navigate complex workplace issues and was excited to represent the defendants in a high profile $400 million class-action lawsuit against Uber.

The case focuses on whether Ontario’s Uber drivers should be classified as employees, instead of independent contractors, and entitled to the benefits of Ontario’s Employment Standards Act. An Ontario judge has stayed the proposed lawsuit in favour of arbitration in the Netherlands, where Uber is incorporated.

Mr. Gillman, who studied law at the University of Windsor, explains that parts of his team’s arguments are under appeal and will be heard by Ontario’s highest court on November 27.

As he reflects on his career so far, and what other high-profile cases await, he says he will always look back fondly at Trent, which he can visit often as his family remains in Peterborough.

“Trent was a fun, inclusive, engaging and all around fantastic educational experience,” he says.

Learn more about the prestigious School of Business at Trent University.