Reasons to Contact an Employment Lawyer

Navigating the workplace environment can sometimes become complex and fraught with legal uncertainties. Whether you are an employee facing workplace issues or an employer managing compliance and dispute resolution, understanding when to seek professional legal help is crucial. Here’s a look at why contacting an employment lawyer is essential for addressing various employment-related issues effectively.

Understanding Your Rights and Responsibilities

The first and most fundamental reason to consult with an employment lawyer is to gain a clear understanding of your rights and responsibilities under current employment law. Both employees and employers must understand the legal framework that governs their actions in the workplace. An employment lawyer can provide crucial insights into issues like contract terms, salary entitlements, safe working conditions, and the limits of corporate policy.

Navigating Employment Contracts

Whether you’re starting a new job or are in the process of leaving one, an employment contract forms the backbone of your professional relationship with your employer. Misunderstandings or disputes arising from employment contracts are common and can involve issues like non-compete clauses, severance pay, and job responsibilities. An employment lawyer can help clarify the terms, negotiate adjustments, and ensure that your contract aligns with your best interests and legal standards.

Facing Workplace Discrimination or Harassment

Discrimination and harassment in the workplace can severely impact your professional and personal life. These issues often necessitate legal intervention to resolve and may require an employment lawyer to ensure proper handling according to human rights laws. If you believe you have been unfairly treated based on race, gender, age, disability, or any other protected status, an employment lawyer can help you file a complaint and represent your interests in any proceedings.

Dealing with Wrongful Termination

If you suspect that your termination was unjust, an employment lawyer can offer critical guidance. Wrongful dismissal could involve a lack of proper notice, severance, or a breach of contract. Legal expertise is vital to evaluate the circumstances of your dismissal and to advise you on the best course of action, which may include negotiating a better severance package or pursuing a lawsuit. Contact a wrongful dismissal lawyer Toronto or a constructive dismissal lawyer to learn more.

Handling Retaliation Claims

Retaliation by an employer can occur after an employee has made a complaint or participated in an investigation involving the employer. If you face demotion, reduction in hours, pay cuts, workplace bullying and harassment or other punitive measures following lawful actions or requesting your legal entitlements, an employment lawyer can help protect your rights and address the retaliation.

Recent Landmark Cases in Employment Law

Recent years have seen several landmark cases that have reshaped aspects of employment law. For instance, the Supreme Court of Canada’s ruling in Matthews v. Ocean Nutrition Canada Ltd. clarified the entitlements regarding bonuses and benefits during the reasonable notice period of wrongful dismissal, such as stock options, restricted stock units, and other short-term incentive plans and long-term incentive plans. Another important case, Dawe v. Equitable Life Insurance Company, addressed the upper limits of reasonable notice for wrongful dismissal, impacting how severance is calculated for long-term employees.

Unified LLP: Experienced Advocates for Your Employment Rights

At Unified LLP, we understand the complexities of employment law and are committed to defending the rights of our clients while ensuring they receive the maximum compensation they are justly owed. Our team of skilled lawyers specializes in a wide range of employment matters, from contractual disputes to wrongful terminations and discrimination cases. We bring extensive experience and a tailored approach to each case, ensuring the best possible outcomes for our clients.

We serve a diverse client base across several locations, including:

We’re also able to handle more specialized issues regarding long-term disability as your:

If you’re facing an employment issue, don’t navigate the challenging waters alone. Contact Unified LLP today for an employment lawyer Toronto free consultation and let us help you secure your rights and interests in the workplace.