Figuring out if you have a good claim against your employer or former employer should not cost anything at all.

If we think you have a good case, we will likely offer to take it on a contingency fee. This means that if you do not win or settle the case, you do not have to pay. We are in the business of taking on good cases—and if we do not believe that you have one, we won’t charge you to tell you this. At Unified LLP, our team of legal professionals can help you evaluate your case, and we do it without any initial fees. We are all about value for you, the client.  Our contingency fee ranges on the type of case and can be up to 33% of the award or settlement.

We can help you with all types of employment law disputes, including:

  • Wrongful Dismissal
  • Constructive Dismissal
  • Unpaid Overtime
  • Unpaid Vacation Pay
  • Restrictive covenants
  • Unpaid commission
  • Unpaid bonus

Wrongful dismissal

Wrongful dismissal refers to a situation where an employee has been terminated without being provided with reasonable notice of termination.  Reasonable notice is based on, among other factors, the employee’s length of service, age, and position.  The older the employee is, the longer they worked, the more senior or specialized their role is, the more notice of termination they were entitled to.  Most employers do not provide an employee with reasonable notice of termination and offer an employee a severance package instead.  Terminated employees should always have a lawyer review their employment history and severance package before accepting an employer’s offer. 

Constructive Dismissal

Constructive Dismissal refers to a situation where any employer unilaterally and materially changes the terms of an employment contract.  Examples of potential constructive dismissal cases include demotion, decrease in remuneration and change of responsibilities.  Constructive Dismissal cases can be difficult to prove.  It is prudent to obtain legal advice prior to taking any action.

Unpaid Overtime

Many employers fail to pay their employees proper overtime pay as required by law. It is the Employment Standards Act, 2000, S.O. 2000, c. 41 or the Canada Labour Code, R.S.C. 1985 c. L-2 that determines whether you are entitled to overtime pay – not an employment contract or the employer’s practices or beliefs.  Many employers believe that salaried employees are not entitled to overtime pay – this is simply wrong.  Other employers pay overtime but calculate the amount only on base salary and not other wages (including commission) that need to be accounted for in determining the rate of overtime pay.  Contact us for a free, no obligation consultation.

Unpaid Vacation Pay

Most employers fail to pay employees proper vacation pay as required by law.  Most employers simply continue to pay an employee their base salary while they are on vacation.  If you earn wages other than salary (which includes commission or bonus) it is likely that the employer is required to pay vacation pay on those amounts as well.  Contact us for a free, no obligation consultation.

Employment Lawyer Toronto FAQ

What is an employment lawyer and what types of work do they do in Toronto?

An employment lawyer in Toronto is an expert on all things relating to employment law. They can provide legal counsel to both employees and employers. Toronto employment lawyer cases can involve: wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, contract disputes, and more. At Unified LLP, the employment lawyers only represent employees, not employers.

When should I hire an employment lawyer in Toronto?

If you are facing workplace issues such as unfair treatment, wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, bullying, negotiating employment contracts, or if you have any concerns related to your rights as an employee, then you owe it to yourself to contact an employment lawyer in Toronto. You can often get an employment lawyer free consultation, and some work on a contingency fee meaning that, if they take your case, you won’t have to pay unless your case is successful.

What can an employment lawyer do for employers in Toronto?

Employment lawyers in Toronto are able to help employers navigate the complexities of employment law. This translates into: ensuring compliance with regulations, drafting employment contracts and policies, handling disputes or grievances with employees, providing advice on terminations or layoffs, representing the employer in legal proceedings, and more.

What should I look for when hiring an employment lawyer in Toronto?

When you’re looking to hire an employment lawyer in Toronto, the first thing to consider is their experience - have they handled similar cases to yours in the past and do they have a strong track record of achieving successful outcomes for past clients? The next step is considering their fee structure (retainer/hourly vs contingency fee). Next, you’ll want to consider how they deal with clients - are they compassionate and supportive, or do you feel like just another file? Finally, you want to make sure that you have direct access to your lawyers, not their assistants. Oftentimes, employment lawyers do not communicate with their clients directly and instead, communicate to the client through their assistants. You want your lawyer to be available to you to answer your questions and address your concerns.

How much does it cost to hire an employment lawyer in Toronto?

The cost of hiring an employment lawyer in Toronto depends on a variety of factors such as the complexity of the case, the lawyer's experience and reputation, and the fee structure they follow (contingency vs. retainer/hourly fee).

Can an employment lawyer in Toronto help me when negotiating severance packages?

Yes, an employment lawyer in Toronto is able to assist you with negotiating severance packages. They are able to review the terms offered by your employer, review your employment contract, assess whether it is fair and reasonable, negotiate on your behalf to improve the terms, and ensure your rights are protected throughout the negotiation process.

How long do I have to file a claim with an employment lawyer in Toronto?

The time limits for filing an employment-related claim in Toronto can vary depending on the specific circumstances and the type of claim. It can range from 90 days to upwards of 15 years, depending on the venue, type of application, type of claim and the facts of the case. It is important to consult with an employment lawyer promptly to ensure you meet any applicable deadlines.

Can I consult with an employment lawyer in Toronto if I believe I have been wrongfully terminated?

Absolutely. If you believe you have been wrongfully terminated, consulting with an employment lawyer in Toronto is your best recourse. A Toronto employment lawyer will assess the details of your case, determine the validity of your claim, and guide you through the process of seeking compensation or reinstatement. Some firms, such as Unified LLP, offer free consultations.

Is it necessary to go to court for every employment-related issue in Toronto?

Not all employment-related issues in Toronto necessitate a court appearance. Many disputes can be resolved through negotiation, mediation, or alternative dispute resolution methods. An employment lawyer will always advise you of your options and on the best course of action based on your specific set of circumstances.

How can I schedule a consultation with an employment lawyer in Toronto?

To schedule a consultation with your prospective employment lawyer in Toronto, contact their law firm directly by phone or email. Many law firms have online intake forms as well, so they can assess your case in advance of the meeting or phone call, saving you both time.