Madelena Viksne

Madelena is a Senior Associate with Levitt Sheikh LLP. With significant employment law and litigation experience, Madelena has a diverse practice representing both employers and employees in Ontario and British Columbia. She is an experienced and passionate advocate who has successfully appeared before the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, Supreme Court of British Columbia as well as various boards and tribunals in both jurisdictions.

Madelena began her career at one of Toronto’s longest-standing mid-size full-service firms before joining the largest national plaintiff-side employment litigation firm where she honed her expertise in employment & labour law, human rights law and employment law litigation.  Her extensive experience advising both employers and employees and her balanced, insightful and practical approach to employment disputes allows Madelena to achieve timely and favourable results for her clients.

Madelena’s practice focuses on areas such as:

• Wrongful dismissal
• Constructive dismissal
• Sexual harassment
• Human rights issues
• Employment contracts
• Employment policies

It was the human element of employment law that drew Madelena to this area of practice. In her practice, Madelena has a unique ability to cultivate relationships with her clients – both employer and employee – in which there is trust and confidence in her representation of their best interests. Her progressive approach to her practice means she is often able to pre-empt the escalation of any workplace disputes and find common ground for effective and efficient resolutions when such issues arise.

On the employer side, Madelena regularly helps her clients navigate difficult challenges such as terminations, investigations, complaints and lawsuits. Her forward-looking, holistic approach also necessitates that she work closely with her management-side clients to prevent legal disputes from materializing by ensuring compliance, enforceable contracts and policies, and positive workplace environments.

On the employee side, Madelena shows her clients great care and understanding and ensures that all aspects of the process are explained, understood and dealt with efficiently. She is a fierce advocate for her clients’ rights and takes her responsibility to rectify wrongdoing to heart. The meaningful results she is able to generate for her clients who are dealing with difficult or unjust circumstances is what inspired her to practice in the area of employment law.

Aside from work, Madelena enjoys practicing yoga, travelling and spending time with her friends and family. After many years as a devoted foster working with rescue dog organizations, Madelena adopted her own dog, Cora, who she is often seen with at the beach and parks around the city.