clausework for employers
legal advice & gender equity consulting for employers
With over a decade of experience practicing employment and human rights law at a top international firm and Ontario's Ministry of Labour, I offer employers clear, pragmatic legal advice they can count on. I understand the realities of HR and leadership decision-making—and I bring legal solutions that work in the real world.
In addition to general employment law advice, I specialize in the intersection of gender equity and workplace law. As a certified gender auditor, I help employers build legally sound, equitable policies and practices that reduce risk and advance inclusion.
Whether you’re navigating a workplace dispute, reviewing an employment contract, or looking to design a more equitable parental leave program, I’ll meet you with sound legal advice, a practical mindset, and a non-judgmental, collaborative approach.
CORE VALUES
My mission is to achieve gender equity in the workplace through practical, accessible legal advice. It guides every part of my work—from how I structure my services to how I communicate with clients.
These are the three core values that ground my practice, and I stand by them no matter how the market evolves. If they resonate with you, let's work together.
practical & accessible
expertise
Employment law can feel overwhelming—especially when it intersects with complex issues like gender equity, human rights, or organizational culture. My goal is to make it approachable. With over a decade of experience at an international law firm and the Ministry of Labour, I bring deep expertise to the table—but always with clarity, candour, and practicality. Whether you're navigating a compliance issue or building a long-term strategy, you'll get sound legal advice, plain language explanations, and judgment-free support every step of the way.
intersectionality is
integral to legal
advice
This is where Clausework stands apart. Most employment lawyers aren't trained in equity, inclusion, or intersectionality—which means they might miss the more subtle, systemic ways discrimination shows up at work. My background as a certified gender equity consultant allows me to dig deeper. I help uncover root causes, not just legal symptoms—always with a non-judgmental, collaborative approach.
social & environmental responsibility
is non-negotiable
Clausework is built on the belief that legal practice should reflect broader commitments to social and environmental justice. That’s why I commit a portion of my work to pro bono services, contribute 1% of revenue to environmental causes through 1% for the Planet, and measure my climate impact through the SME Climate Hub. Corporate social responsibility isn’t a marketing slogan—it’s a minimum standard.
HOW I CAN HELP
From organizational audits to inclusive hiring and harassment prevention, my services combine legal rigour with gender equity insight.
Whether you’re focused on compliance, culture, or strategy, I offer bundled support in the areas that matter most to your people — and your obligations.
Choose a bundle below to learn more, or reach out to build a custom plan.
e&l
gender
equity
at work
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MEET YOUR LEGAL PARTNER
Hi, I'm Rika Sawatsky (she/her), an employment lawyer, gender equity consultant, and founder of Clausework. I started this practice after 10 years at an international firm and Ontario's Ministry of Labour, right where our workplace laws are made.
Over the years, I developed a way of practicing law that’s clear, practical, and genuinely accessible. I wanted to offer legal advice that
clients could understand, trust, and act on—and to build a practice grounded in values I stand by, no matter what the market demands.
Clausework is the result. For employers, I offer workplace legal advice with a deep focus on gender equity. For employees, I provide employment contract reviews and negotiation support—right here on the site.
