Ishat Reza 
Investigator & Mediator

Ishat is an employment and human rights lawyer who works with employers and employees facing workplace legal issues. She specialises in workplace harassment, discrimination and inclusion issues, and conducts independent, thorough and timely workplace investigations and assessments of work environments. She advises on workplace policies and programs, and provides training to HR professionals, managers and employees. Ishat also provides independent ombudsman services for employees and representation in wrongful dismissal cases.

Ishat began her legal career as a litigator at a large Bay Street firm where she gained solid practical experience in litigation and arbitrations. Among her diverse professional portfolio, Ishat litigated breaches to employment contracts, advised on human rights legislation, researched sexual harassment cases, worked on files that involved Charter rights, and reviewed executive compensation packages.

Ishat has worked in the public and private sectors in Canada as well as at an international organization and a management consulting firm in Europe. In addition to her legal work, she has advised governments on policy, governance and change management, negotiated international agreements, and conducted independent assessments of institutions and organizational processes. Ishat leverages her diverse work experiences to provide contextualized and well-rounded services as a lawyer.

Ishat holds a Bachelor’s degree in civil and common law from McGill University. She is a member of the Law Society of Ontario. She also holds a Master of Arts in Middle Eastern Studies from Harvard University and a Bachelors of Arts (Hons.) in International Relations and Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies from the University of Toronto.

Education

  • Bachelor of Civil Law and Juris Doctor (B.C.L./J.D.), McGill University

  • Master’s of Arts, Middle Eastern Studies, Harvard University

  • Bachelor of Arts (Hons.), International Relations and Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies, University of Toronto​

Activities and Memberships

  • Law Society of Ontario