Congratulations! You just landed your dream job in Ontario. While the excitement is bubbling over, and visions of a successful career dance in your head, there are many other considerations that should also be top of mind. Most important among them is the crucial step that all employees in Ontario should not overlook: having your employment contract reviewed by an Ontario employment lawyer.
An employment contract, while it may seem like a simple formality you have to do before starting a new job, is at the end of the day a legally binding document that lays the groundwork for your entire relationship with your employer. In fact, it often outlines your rights, responsibilities, compensation, and most importantly, your legal rights and entitlements in case of termination of employment. However, these employment contracts are often drafted with the employer’s best interests in mind. That’s where an Ontario employment lawyer becomes your secret weapon to balance the playing field by protecting your interests as an employee (both during and at the time of termination).
This Ontario employment lawyer blog post dives into the compelling reasons why having a consultation with a lawyer to review employment contract is a wise investment. To get there, we will explore the potential pitfalls of skipping the employment contract review, the benefits of having a lawyer on your side, and the key areas an experienced employment lawyer in Toronto scrutinize to ensure your rights are protected.
Why it is Important to have an Employment Contract Review
Employment contracts might appear straightforward, filled with standard boilerplate text. But beneath the surface often is often legal jargon and clauses with significant implications usually intended to restrict or limit an employee’s rights and entitlements (while simultaneously enhancing an employer’s business interests). Here are some reasons why an employment lawyer’s contract review is crucial:
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Unbalanced Clauses: Employment contracts are typically drafted to favour an employer’s own interests. In fact, paragraphs of the employment contract (called “provisions” or “clauses”) relating to termination, non-compete agreements, or intellectual property rights might be crafted to limit your rights or entitlements significantly. By reviewing th employment contact in detail in an employment lawyer consultation, you will be able to identify these clauses and explain their potential impact on your future career options and financial security.
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Unforeseen Consequences: Certain clauses might seem harmless at first glance, but their true meaning could be hidden within legalese. A lawyer can decipher the legal language and unearth potential consequences you might not have anticipated. For instance, a seemingly straightforward confidentiality clause could restrict your ability to discuss your work with colleagues at a future employer.
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Missed Opportunities for Negotiation: While employment contracts often appear set in stone, there is usually room for negotiation, especially for experienced professionals with expertise in negotiating employment contracts (or negotiating severance packages, which comes in handy when scrutinizing the termination clause in an employment contract). An employment lawyer can also help you to clearly identify areas where you can negotiate better terms, such as higher compensation, more favourable benefits packages, or clearer termination clauses.
The Power of Legal Expertise: 5 Benefits of a Lawyer Review
Investing in an employment lawyer’s review offers a multitude of benefits:
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Peace of Mind: Knowing a legal professional has scrutinized your employment contract provides immense peace of mind, allowing you to enter your new role confident that your legal rights are protected and you understand the terms of your employment.
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Empowerment Through Knowledge: A Toronto employment lawyer will explain the legal implications of each clause in plain English.This empowers you to make informed decisions about your employment and future career path.
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Negotiation Leverage: Armed with a Toronto employment lawyer’s insights, you can approach negotiations with your employer from a position of strength. Your lawyer can help you craft a counter-offer that reflects your true value and aligns with industry standards.
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Reduced Risk of Future Disputes: Having an employment lawyer in Toronto review your employment contract can help prevent future disputes with your employer. Clear and well-understood terms on both sides minimize misunderstandings and potential legal battles.
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Long-Term Employee Rights Protection: Employment contracts have lasting implications beyond your current role. An employment lawyer can ensure the contract does not restrict your ability to pursue future opportunities or claim rightful compensation upon termination, especially important when it comes to protecting your rights to challenge an employer for
- wrongful dismissal claim and negotiating a fair severance package
- constructive dismissal when there are major changes to your job (terms and conditions of employment)
- discrimination claims when you experience workplace harassment or unequal treatment
Key Areas an Employment Lawyer Will Focus On
While just comprising a small sample of benefits, here is a glimpse into the key areas an employment lawyer will meticulously examine in your Ontario employment contract:
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Compensation and Benefits: Your Ontario employment lawyer will review your salary, bonuses, commissions, and benefits package to ensure they align with industry standards and your experience level. They will also clarify details regarding overtime pay, vacation time, and sick leave entitlements.
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Termination Clauses: This is a priority area where an employment lawyer’s expertise shines, where they will examine the termination clause, focusing on factors such as:
- Reasonable Notice Period: Ontario law mandates employers to provide reasonable notice before termination. Your employment lawyer consultation will ensure the contract reflects this legal requirement and protects your right to financial security during your job search.
- Severance Pay: In cases of wrongful dismissal (termination without cause), you might be entitled to severance pay. Your lawyer will assess the severance pay clause and ensure it provides fair compensation based on your position and length of service.
- Confidentiality and Intellectual Property: Employment contracts often have clauses regarding confidentiality of company information and ownership of intellectual property you create during your employment. By consulting with the best employment lawyers in Ontario, you will better ensure these clauses are reasonable and don’t restrict your ability to share relevant knowledge or claim ownership of your inventions.
Conclusion: Employment Lawyer Consultation is an Investment in Your Future
Reviewing your employment contract with an Ontario employment lawyer is an investment in your future career security and peace of mind. By proactively safeguarding your rights, you empower yourself to negotiate better terms, navigate your employment journey with confidence, and minimize the risk of future disputes. Remember, an employment lawyer is your advocate, ensuring a fair and balanced agreement that protects your interests throughout your employment with the company.
Take action. Finding a top employment lawyer in Ontario is easier than you might think. Do not hesitate to prioritize your well-being and career security. Schedule a consultation with an employment lawyer today to discuss your Ontario employment contract and ensure you enter your new role with the knowledge and confidence you deserve.
Book a Consultation with an Employment Lawyer in Toronto
To schedule a consultation to discuss your employment law matter with Sezar Bune, please call 647-822-5492. Consultations may be conducted in-person at the Toronto office or by telephone. Sezar will review your correspondence and reply to you if he believes that you have a case he can assist with, following which you can schedule a formal consultation to discuss your case and options available to help you. If you are inquiring about fees, please call the office directly to discuss, as fees are variable and depend on the complexity of the case. Bune Law’s boutique size allows us to focus on what matters most: the best results for clients. Bune Law offers competitive hourly rates and has the flexibility to offer clients predictable fee arrangements.
If you need a Toronto employment lawyer who is committed to delivering strong results and proactive solutions, please contact Bune Law online or by phone today at 647-822-5492