About
Workplace Sage Legal
At Workplace Sage Legal, we believe in practising employment law with a deep sense of compassion, care, and kindness.
Our commitment to leading from the heart is reflected in how we support our clients at every step. We understand that reaching out to an employment lawyer often happens during an already stressful time, and we take that responsibility seriously to make the process feel steady, clear, and as stress-free as possible.
We also lead from the heart in how we think through strategy and support you in making decisions about your legal matter. Every situation is approached with care, expertise, and integrity, always with a clear view toward your best interests and the outcome that will support you most.
Our goal is to be a steady, trustworthy partner throughout your career, not just in moments of conflict, but at pivotal decision points where clarity matters most. By offering thoughtful guidance we aim to ensure your experience feels grounded in integrity, empowerment, and genuine compassion, so you can move forward feeling informed, supported, and confident in your choices.
About
Stephanie McDonald
Stephanie obtained her law degree (Juris Doctor) from University of Western Ontario. Throughout law school, she worked in the legal clinic, where she gained hands-on litigation experience and benefited from close mentorship, grounding her legal training in real client advocacy from the outset.
She articled and began her legal career at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, the largest plaintiff-side employment law firm in Canada, where she developed a strong foundation in employee-side advocacy under Ontario employment law. This experience deepened her commitment to supporting employees, particularly during vulnerable moments such as after termination or when workplace relationships break down.
Following the pandemic, Stephanie joined Milburn & Associates to gain specialized experience in executive employment law. There, she built a strong understanding of complex compensation structures, including commissions, bonuses, deferred compensation, and equity-based compensation, issues that often arise when negotiating severance packages or reviewing employment agreements at senior levels.
While Stephanie gained valuable experience working for and learning from other people, she was not satisfied with traditional law firm culture and practice norms, and decided to open Workplace Sage Legal so she could remain her authentic self while practicing law.
Stephanie is neurodiverse and is a member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. From the moment you contact her, Stephanie will lead you with care, kindness, and patience. She will listen, answer all of your questions, validate your experience, and leave you with a clear understanding of your options.
As an employee in Ontario with Stephanie on your team, you will be able to reach your personal and professional goals by using your rights and the legal system to your advantage, stepping into your power at work and breezing through uncomfortable workplace conflict.
It is easy to work with Stephanie because throughout stressful situations, she maintains a calm and collected demeanour. While lawyers can’t always control external situations, Stephanie is skillful and creative in coming up with the most effective solution to roadblocks and curveballs.
Why does this all matter to Stephanie? Stephanie loves being an employment lawyer for employees because it allows her to have a positive impact on workplaces.
After meeting with Stephanie even one time, you will have a deep understanding of your situation, feel relief in having a clear path forward and will feel supported and empowered to keep forging ahead with your goals.
Our Values
Our Practice Areas
- Negotiating severance packages for constructive dismissal and wrongful dismissal
- Reviewing offers of employment
- Disputing "just cause" allegations
- Building a case for constructive dismissal
- Responding to allegations of workplace misconduct
- Requesting and managing a medical leave of absence
- Drafting employment contracts and independent contractor agreements
- Drafting workplace policies
- Coaching on best practices for a healthy and happy workplace
- Completing workplace assessments to identify discord and improve workplace culture
- Implementing progressive discipline for misconduct and poor performance
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Representation of employees in litigation to seek
compensation for: - Wrongful dismissal
- Constructive dismissal
- Breach of the duty of good faith
- Breach of contract
- Discrimination and failure to accommodate
