McCarthy Tétrault Adds Partner April Kosten to Labour and Employment Group

Why It Matters

The hire strengthens McCarthy Tétrault’s capacity to guide Alberta employers through increasingly complex labour regulations, reducing legal risk and supporting business growth. It underscores the rising importance of specialised employment counsel in a tightening regulatory environment.

Key Takeaways

• April Kosten joins McCarthy Tétrault as Calgary partner.
• Expertise includes workplace drug testing policy compliance.
• Handles labour board, court, arbitration employment disputes.
• Recognized by Lexpert as Rising Star 2023.
• Strengthens firm’s Alberta labour and employment capabilities.

Pulse Analysis

McCarthy Tétrault’s decision to elevate April Kosten to partner reflects a broader push among Canadian law firms to deepen their labour and employment benches in key regional markets. Alberta’s economy, driven by energy, technology, and a growing service sector, faces heightened scrutiny over workplace safety, privacy and human‑rights obligations. As provincial regulators tighten standards for drug and alcohol testing and as courts expand the scope of employee protections, firms that can deliver nuanced, compliant advice are in high demand. Adding a Calgary‑based partner signals the firm’s commitment to meet those local needs while reinforcing its national platform.

Kosten brings more than a decade of practice before the Alberta courts, labour boards and arbitration panels, and a track record of crafting compliant testing policies for diverse employers. Her expertise spans collective bargaining, accommodation, disability, harassment investigations and executive employment contracts—areas that have become increasingly complex amid remote‑work trends and heightened employee activism. Recognized by Lexpert as a Rising Star in 2023, she also advises on the employment implications of mergers and acquisitions, helping clients align human‑resource risk with strategic growth objectives.

The appointment positions McCarthy Tétrault to capture a larger share of the province’s corporate clientele seeking proactive risk management. Companies navigating the intersection of privacy law, human‑rights legislation and occupational health standards now have a dedicated point of contact with deep local insight. This move also mirrors a sector‑wide pattern where top firms double‑down on employment talent to stay ahead of legislative shifts such as Bill 24 amendments and emerging jurisprudence on workplace wellness programs. For businesses, the enhanced capability translates into more robust compliance frameworks and reduced litigation exposure.