Jennifer Dolman
UTAA VP, Governance 2025-2026
(BA 1986 University College)
Partner, Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP
Jennifer is a partner in the Toronto office of Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP where she has been practicing commercial litigation for over 30 years, following a clerkship with the Chief Justice of the Ontario Court (General Division). Jennifer is a 1991 call (Ontario) and obtained her LL.B. from McGill University in 1989, and a B.A. (High Distinction) (Philosophy and English) from the University of Toronto (University College) in 1986.
The primary focus of Jennifer’s practice is on franchise law. She assists Canadian and international franchisors with their business- critical disputes, including defending claims for rescission, breach of the duty of good faith, misrepresentation and interference with the right to associate, enforcing terminations, and defending franchise group and class actions. Jennifer also handles employment related matters for employers, including defending wrongful dismissal claims and human rights complaints.
Jennifer is a frequent speaker and writer on franchise related topics, and a regular speaker and skills instructor at The Advocates’ Society. She is a past Chair of the Ontario Bar Association’s Franchise Law Section, and has, on two occasions, been awarded the Markus Cohen, Q.C. Memorial Award for Excellence in Franchise Law. Jennifer’s high rankings in Franchising include recognitions by Chambers Canada (Band 1), Best Lawyers of Canada, Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory (Most Frequently Recommended), and Who’s Who Legal (Global Elite Thought Leader).
Jennifer has a strong interest in board -governance. She recently completed the ICD-Rotman Directors Education Program and had the privilege of being selected the class valedictorian by her peers. Jennifer’s board work at the University of Toronto includes the College of Electors (2018-2022) during which she was Vice-Chair for the last two terms; the Academic Board (2022-2023), which included being a member of the Academic Policy and Programs Committee, as well as the Striking Committee; and the University of Toronto’s Alumni Association (2023 to present) of which Jennifer is an officer, and holds the position of VP-Governance by which she serves as Chair of the College or Electors. Jennifer also sits on University College’s Principal Advisory Committee. In 2021, Jennifer received an Arbor Award in recognition of her volunteer service to the university.