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Hicks Morley Hamilton Stewart Storie LLP (Toronto, Ottawa, London, Kingston, Waterloo, Ont.) With offices across Ontario, this management-side boutique currently has just over 100 lawyers in five cities. It opened in 1972 with eight lawyers after breaking away from Miller Thomson LLP. The amicable split saw the new firm oper- ate in the large firm's offices for three months. The firm was co-counsel to Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce in an overtime pay class action; labour counsel to Vale Inco during the prolonged strike there; and U.S. Steel Canada Inc. during its recent lockout, which ended in October. The firm also counts the Toronto District School Board, the University of Toronto, and Hydro One among its clients. "We deal with them a lot," says one Ontario-based in-house counsel. "Universally, the feeling is that Hicks is it. You don't get anyone better on the management side." Top LABOUR & EMPLOYMENT 10 BOUTIQUES Neuman Thompson (Edmonton) Formed in 1977 by Ron Neuman and Brian Thompson, this management-side firm now has eight lawyers, all working out of its Edmonton office. But its reach extends much further. The firm mas- terminded the labour platform at Saskatchewan-based inter- national grain company Viterra Inc., a template now exported to the company's Asian, European, and Australian operations. Another key client, B.C.-based West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd., has also called on the firm to overhaul its collective bargain- ing approach in recent years. The Government of Alberta, Loblaw Companies Ltd., and Suncor Energy Inc. are among the other illustrious names in the firm's Rolodex of clients. "I've heard very good things about them across the country, not just in Alberta," says one western Canadian partner at a national law firm. We're so used to helping our clients look like stars, we're not quite sure what to say. So we'll just say 'thanks' to everyone, but especially our team, for making us one of Canada's Top 10 Labour& Employment Boutiques. Main 416.603.0700 24 Hour 416.420.0738 www.sherrardkuzz.com www.CANADIAN Lawyermag.com JAN UARY 2012 41 ntitled-1 1 11-12-09 10:45 AM www.hicksmorley.com www.neumanthompson.com