Niiti Simmonds

Niiti practices in the areas of human rights, professional regulation, long term disability litigation, civil litigation, employment and labour law, pay equity and administrative law. Niiti is a creative and practically minded lawyer who serves diverse client communities including individuals, associations and unions. Niiti has particular expertise in health, human rights and disability.

Niiti has appeared as counsel before all levels of court in Ontario, as well as the Supreme Court of Canada. She maintains a broad administrative law practice and represents individuals before all manner of administrative bodies and tribunals, including the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario, the Ontario Labour Relations Board, in social benefits proceedings, and in federal human rights proceedings. Niiti represents individuals in proceedings before Colleges regulating health professionals.

Niiti previously acted as a member of the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario's Practice Advisory Committee. She regularly delivers presentations on topics such as human rights, employment law and long-term disability insurance.

Niiti brings to her practice a strong background in workers’ rights advocacy. Niiti is committed to Cavalluzzo LLP's Statement of Principles and embraces her responsibility as a member of the legal profession to actively work against systemic racism and other forms of discrimination, and to advance and promote the dignity and human rights of all.

Niiti joined Cavalluzzo in 2018 after practicing for several years at a boutique litigation firm, where she specialized in employment, human rights, administrative law and civil litigation. Niiti also previously worked at a specialty legal clinic where she conducted test case and appellate litigation pertaining to workers' rights and poverty law.

Niiti holds a joint Juris Doctor and Master in Environmental Studies from Osgoode Hall law school. She was called to the Ontario bar in 2010 after completing her articles as a judicial law clerk to justices of the Superior Court of Justice.

Niiti has appeared as legal counsel on the following notable reported decisions, among others:

Young v. College of Nurses of Ontario, 2022 ONSC 6996 Counsel for applicant nurse in a Divisional Court Decision confirming the College of Nurses of Ontario’s obligation to consider human rights and delay issues in investigations before the College.

Toronto Star v Attorney General of Ontario, 2017 ONSC 7525 Co-counsel for a coalition of legal clinics intervening on the public interest issue of access to information before administrative tribunals in Ontario.

Jamuna Foods v Meghna Pacific International Inc., 2016 ONSC 7625 Counsel for successful plaintiff on interlocutory injunction to enforce non-competition clause.

Tossonian v. Cynphany Diamonds, 2015 ONSC 766 Counsel for plaintiff in a significant costs award related to wrongful dismissal litigation.

Kassburg v. Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, 2014 ONCA 922 Co-counsel for respondent insured member under a group disability insurance plan. This decision from the Ontario Court of Appeal confirms that group disability insurance is a consumer protection contract to which a two year limitation period applies.