Jennifer Dolman

(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 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 was recently 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 an strong interest in board/committee/governance work, and has served on: Havergal College’s Board of Governors (2012-2018); University College’s Alumni of Influence Award Committee (2018-2019); University of Toronto’s College of Electors (2018-2022) (she sat on the Nominating Committee for three years, and was the Vice-Chair for her last two years); University of Toronto’s Academic Board (2022-2023), including the Academic Policy and Programs Committee, as well as the Striking Committee); University College’s Alumni Association executive; McGill University’s Faculty of Law’s Fundraising Committee; and the Toronto Public Library Foundation’s Literary Circle Committee. Jennifer received a University of Toronto Arbor Award in 2021, and became a member of the University of Toronto’s Alumni Association Board of Directors in 2023.