harmela Ganendralingam is a strategic and solutions-oriented associate who advises employers on all aspects of employment and labour law. She is committed to delivering practical, business-focused advice that helps clients manage workplace risk, navigate complex employment issues, and achieve their organizational objectives. Her practice includes employment litigation, labour relations, workplace investigations, terminations, human rights matters, workforce restructurings, and strategic workforce planning.

Prior to joining Stringer LLP, Tharmela articled at an international labour and employment law firm and was seconded to the Ontario Labour Relations Board. Before her call to the bar, she worked in-house at one of Canada’s largest technology and e-commerce companies and served as the Employer Representative for the Government of Ontario, managing workplace insurance and compensation matters across provincial ministries. These experiences provide her with valuable insight into the legal, operational, and business realities facing employers.

Tharmela earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Ottawa, where she developed a particular interest in technology law and dispute resolution. During law school, she contributed to a research project with the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission examining consumer access to dispute resolution mechanisms and completed an international exchange at the University of Puerto Rico focused on access to justice and the role of courts in addressing gender-related issues. She also participated in the Court Mentorship Program under the mentorship of Justice Trevor Brown. Demonstrating her commitment to leadership and community engagement, Tharmela co-founded and served as the inaugural President of the Tamil Law Students’ Association at the University of Ottawa Faculty of Law.

An entrepreneur at heart, Tharmela brings a commercial and forward-thinking perspective to her legal practice. She currently volunteers with the Tamil Bar Association and enjoys staying active through weightlifting, horseback riding, investing, and hiking with her dog, Kai.