Matthew Vella

Matthew R. Vella is a partner at Loopstra Nixon LLP. He brings over twenty years of experience advising employers on all aspects of labour and employment law, with a particular focus on labour relations and complex workplace matters.

Matthew represents clients in both unionized and non-unionized environments across a wide range of sectors, from construction and technology to manufacturing and retailers. His clients include everything from small, family-owned businesses to large multinational corporations.

Matthew is known for providing proactive, relations-based solutions for his clients. When such solutions are not possible and litigation becomes necessary, he is a tenacious advocate who does not shy away from high-stakes matters. As such, he regularly appears as lead counsel before labour boards, arbitration panels, and administrative tribunals, including the Ontario Labour Relations Board. His practice includes a significant focus on certification disputes, unfair labour practice complaints, and complex jurisdictional matters in the construction industry.  He is also known for complicated and precedent setting civil litigation matters before the Superior Court of Justice.

In addition to his advocacy work, Matthew provides strategic guidance during collective bargaining negotiations and frequently serves as spokesperson at the bargaining table. He is also called upon to conduct investigations, including those involving harassment, workplace misconduct, fraud, and whistleblower complaints. Matthew is often retained as a third-party neutral investigator in such matters.

An accomplished writer and speaker, Matthew has authored articles on a wide range of topics such as mental health, mergers, and workplace policies. He has also taught employment law at the post-secondary level.

Outside of his legal practice, Matthew is an active contributor to professional development initiatives. He takes pride in mentoring young lawyers, and regularly delivers presentations to industry groups and employers.