Hire an Employment Lawyer
Whether you are an employee or employer, the workplace can be a minefield. It’s important for both sides to understand employment law, and an experienced Toronto employment lawyer can help. Canadian Lawyer spoke with one such lawyer, David Whitten of the Toronto-based firm Whitten & Lublin. He discussed why it is important to hire an employment lawyer and what kind of work he does.
Employment lawyers support employees and employers with disputes in the non-unionized workplace. They can be either unionized or not and some prefer to work with either employees or employers. They can be found in every industry and work with both private sector companies and government. Their duties include interpreting, advising and litigating issues concerning employment.
One of the most important reasons to consult an employment lawyer is if you’re fired (With or without cause). A good employment lawyer Toronto Attorney can negotiate a fair severance package for you, and ensure that your termination is compliant with Ontario law.
Why Is It Important to Hire an Employment Lawyer?
Another common reason to contact an employment lawyer is if you’re being subjected to discrimination or harassment at work. An employment lawyer can provide a neutral third party to conduct an investigation and protect you from any retaliation or reprisal.
Employment lawyers can also provide advice on contract matters, including severance packages and wage garnishment. They can review the contract to identify any potentially problematic clauses, such as termination clauses or restrictions on post-employment activities, and suggest alternative terms that are more fair and reasonable.
An experienced employment lawyer can also act as a sounding board for you, helping you articulate and frame your concerns. They can then suggest ways to prevent a wrongful dismissal or constructive dismissal lawsuit by finding solutions that are mutually beneficial for both parties.
A Toronto based employment lawyer can also help you understand your legal rights when it comes to WSIB claims and human rights complaints. For example, you have only 6 months to file a claim for WSIB benefits after a workplace injury, and two years to file a wrongful dismissal complaint with the HRTO. An experienced Toronto employment lawyer can guide you through the process and help you meet the time requirements for filing your case.
Employment lawyers can provide free, no obligation consultations. Some will offer representation on a contingency basis, which means that you pay nothing upfront and the lawyer is paid an agreed percentage of any settlement recovery. Others will charge a flat rate or hourly rate. Be sure to discuss these options with your chosen lawyer before the consultation, to ensure that you’re getting the best service possible.
It’s also a good idea to bring any relevant documents and information to the consultation, such as letters or emails from your employer or copies of any notes you took during the meeting. This will help the lawyer prepare for your case and develop a strategy to achieve your goals. You should also be prepared to answer any questions the lawyer may have about your case.