Employment Lawyers in Ontario

Workplace disputes can leave you feeling vulnerable and uncertain about your future. Whether you're facing wrongful dismissal, navigating severance negotiations, or dealing with human rights concerns, the relationship between employers and employees can become complex and overwhelming. At UL Lawyers Professional Corporation, our employment lawyers understand the emotional and financial toll these situations take on you and your family.

For over 10 years, we've provided strategic, compassionate, and results-driven representation to workers across Ontario, helping hundreds of clients secure the benefits and compensation they deserve. Based in Burlington, our experienced employment lawyers serve clients throughout the GTA, including Toronto, Hamilton, Mississauga, and Brampton. We combine legal excellence with a personal touch, taking the time to understand your unique circumstances and guide you through every step of the legal process. Our team is committed to protecting your rights and pursuing the best possible outcome for your situation. If you're facing an employment law matter, you don't have to navigate it alone. Call us today at 905-744-8888 to discuss your case and explore your options with a team that truly cares about your future.

Experienced Employment Lawyers Serving Ontario

UL Lawyers Professional Corporation provides comprehensive employment law representation for both employees and employers across Ontario. Based in Burlington and serving clients throughout Toronto, Hamilton, Mississauga, Brampton, and the GTA, our employment lawyers understand the complexities of workplace disputes and the significant impact they have on your livelihood and business operations.

Whether you're facing wrongful dismissal, navigating constructive dismissal, or managing workplace compliance issues, our team offers strategic guidance grounded in current Ontario employment law. We represent employees who have been terminated without adequate notice or severance, as well as employers dealing with complex termination decisions, employment contracts, and workplace policies. Our team includes experienced counsel, associate lawyers, and dedicated support staff who work collaboratively on each case. From articling student to associate positions, our legal professionals bring diverse perspectives and thorough research to every matter.

What Our Employment Lawyers Handle

Our employment law practice covers a broad range of workplace matters, including:

• Wrongful dismissal and termination disputes – Employees may be entitled to significantly more than the Employment Standards Act minimums, typically between 3 to 24 months of compensation depending on factors such as age, length of service, and position
• Constructive dismissal claims – When fundamental changes to your role, compensation, or working conditions effectively end your employment
• Severance package review and negotiation – Ensuring you receive fair compensation before signing any release
• Employment contract drafting and review – Protecting both employers and employees with clear, enforceable agreements
• Workplace human rights violations – Addressing discrimination, harassment, and reprisal claims

In our experience, many employees accept initial severance offers without realizing they may be entitled to substantially more under common law. With the two-year limitation period to file wrongful dismissal claims in Ontario, early legal advice is critical to preserving your rights.

Our Burlington team works closely with clients across Ontario to resolve employment disputes efficiently, whether through negotiation, mediation, or litigation. If your workplace matter involves related issues such as long-term disability benefits or other legal concerns, we coordinate comprehensive representation to protect your interests.

How Our Employment Lawyers Can Help You

Navigating workplace disputes and employment terminations can be overwhelming. Our employment lawyers provide experienced guidance to both employees and employers across Ontario, helping resolve complex workplace issues while protecting your legal rights and interests.

For Employees: Protecting Your Workplace Rights

Our team represents employees who have been terminated unfairly or without proper notice under Ontario law. We carefully review severance offers to ensure you receive what you may be entitled to—which often exceeds the minimum standards set by the Employment Standards Act. In our experience, many employers initially offer only basic ESA minimums, but common law entitlements typically range from 3 to 24 months of compensation depending on your age, position, and length of service.

We assist workers facing discrimination, harassment, or unsafe working conditions under the Ontario Human Rights Code. Our employment lawyers handle constructive dismissal cases where fundamental changes to your role may constitute termination, and we pursue claims for unpaid wages or ESA violations. Whether you're dealing with wrongful dismissal or workplace reprisal, we work to secure fair compensation and hold employers accountable.

Our employee services include:

• Wrongful dismissal and termination without cause representation
• Severance package assessment and negotiation
• Employment contract review before you sign
• Workplace harassment and discrimination claims
• Constructive dismissal cases
• Employment Standards Act violations and unpaid wages
• Bad faith termination damages

For Employers: Minimizing Legal Risk

We assist employers and businesses with compliant termination procedures and proper documentation to reduce legal exposure. Our lawyers draft employment contracts, workplace policies, and termination agreements that comply with current Ontario legislation. We provide guidance on Employment Standards Act compliance, human rights obligations, and the new compensation disclosure requirements effective January 1, 2026.

Our employment lawyers help employers navigate complex situations including performance management, workplace investigations, and restructuring. We advise on proper termination practices to minimize wrongful dismissal claims and ensure your business meets its legal obligations to employees while protecting your operational interests across the GTA and throughout Ontario.

Common Employment Law Issues in Ontario

Workplace legal disputes affect thousands of Ontario employees each year. Employment lawyers regularly handle cases ranging from inadequate severance packages to human rights violations. Understanding your legal rights can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case and the compensation you may receive.

Wrongful Dismissal and Severance Disputes

Wrongful dismissal remains one of the most frequently litigated employment issues in Ontario. When employers terminate employees without cause, they must provide reasonable notice or pay in lieu. Many workers are unaware that common law notice periods typically exceed Employment Standards Act minimums—sometimes substantially.

Under the ESA, eligible employees may receive up to 34 weeks of combined termination and severance pay. However, common law entitlements often range from 3 to 24 months of compensation, depending on several factors. Our lawyers analyze your employment history, age, position, and job market conditions to assess your potential entitlements accurately.

Key factors affecting severance calculations include:

• Length of service with the employer
• Age at termination
• Position and responsibility level
• Availability of similar employment opportunities
• Terms of your employment contract

We recently helped a Burlington client who was initially offered only eight weeks' severance after 12 years of service. Through negotiation, we secured a settlement equivalent to 14 months' pay—significantly more than the employer's original offer.

Workplace Discrimination and Human Rights Violations

The Ontario Human Rights Code protects employees from discrimination based on protected grounds including race, disability, gender identity, family status, and age. Employers have a duty to accommodate disabilities and family status up to the point of undue hardship.

Human rights complaints have increased in recent years as employees become more aware of their protections. Employment lawyers represent clients filing complaints with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario, which has awarded damages up to $57,000 in cases involving reprisal and discrimination.

Common workplace discrimination scenarios include:

1. Failure to accommodate medical conditions or disabilities
2. Pregnancy or family status discrimination
3. Age-based termination or demotion
4. Harassment based on protected grounds
5. Reprisal for asserting your legal rights

In our experience, employers often fail to properly document accommodation efforts or make unilateral changes that violate human rights protections. If you believe you've experienced workplace discrimination, documenting incidents and seeking legal advice promptly is essential. You generally have two years from the date of termination to file a wrongful dismissal claim, though Human Rights Tribunal deadlines may be shorter.

Our team has successfully represented clients across the GTA in complex human rights matters, securing both financial compensation and workplace policy changes. For cases involving workplace injuries or harassment leading to disability, we can also assist with long-term disability claims alongside your employment law matter.

Why Choose UL Lawyers Professional Corporation

When your employment rights are at stake, choosing the right legal representation can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Our Burlington-based team understands that dealing with workplace disputes, wrongful dismissal, or severance negotiations is stressful and often overwhelming. Employment Lawyers at UL Lawyers Professional Corporation provide personalized attention, clear communication, and strategic advocacy to help you navigate Ontario's complex employment legislation and protect your interests.

Rated 4.8/5 stars based on over 200 client reviews. Clients consistently praise the firm's responsiveness, compassionate approach, and successful outcomes. Most reviews highlight quick response times (typically within 24 hours), clear communication throughout the process, and dedication to securing positive results.

Proven Track Record in Ontario Employment Law

Our team has successfully represented numerous clients in wrongful dismissal negotiations and litigation across the Greater Toronto Area. We have recovered substantial severance packages for terminated employees throughout Ontario, often securing compensation that significantly exceeds the minimum standards set by the Employment Standards Act. In many cases, our lawyers have negotiated settlements ranging from several months to over a year of additional compensation beyond initial employer offers.

One Burlington client came to us after receiving a minimal severance offer following 12 years of service. The employer initially proposed only the ESA minimum, which would have provided just 12 weeks of pay. After reviewing the employment contract and assessing the client's common law entitlements, we negotiated a settlement worth several months of additional compensation, ultimately securing over eight months of severance pay. This case exemplifies how experienced Employment Lawyers can leverage Ontario case law and negotiation strategies to achieve substantially better outcomes for employees.

Our lawyers stay current with evolving Ontario employment legislation, including recent changes under the Working for Workers Acts, and apply this knowledge to strengthen your position in negotiations or litigation. Our firm's approach has been recognized in publications such as the Financial Post Howard Levitt column, where employment law expert Howard Levitt has discussed emerging workplace trends and legal developments affecting both employers and employees across Canada. The insights shared in the Financial Post Howard series have helped shape our understanding of evolving workplace issues.

Transparent Communication and Client-Focused Service

We explain your legal options in clear, accessible language, avoiding unnecessary legal jargon that can leave you confused about your rights. Our team responds promptly to client inquiries and provides regular case updates throughout the process, ensuring you understand each step and decision point. We work to achieve the best possible outcome while keeping you informed every step of the way.

In our experience, many employees feel pressured by tight employer-imposed deadlines to accept inadequate severance offers. We help you understand that you typically have up to two years from the date of termination to file a wrongful dismissal claim in Ontario, giving you time to make informed decisions. Our approach includes:

• Comprehensive case assessment to evaluate your employment contract, termination circumstances, and potential claims
• Strategic advice on whether to negotiate, litigate, or pursue alternative dispute resolution
• Regular updates via phone, email, or in-person meetings at our Burlington office
• Clear fee structures so you understand the cost of legal representation from the outset
• Personalized attention from lawyers who take the time to understand your unique situation and goals

Whether you are dealing with wrongful dismissal, constructive dismissal, or other employment law matters, our team is committed to providing accessible, responsive legal support that empowers you to make confident decisions about your future.

Understanding Employment Law Costs in Ontario

When facing workplace issues like wrongful dismissal or severance negotiations, one of the first questions many employees ask is: "How much will an employment lawyer cost?" Understanding fee structures can help you make informed decisions about protecting your rights without financial stress. Employment lawyers in Ontario offer various payment arrangements designed to make legal representation accessible, regardless of your financial situation.

How Much Does an Employment Lawyer Cost Per Hour?

Hourly rates for employment lawyers in Ontario generally range from $250 to $600 or more, depending on the lawyer's experience level, firm location, and case complexity. However, many wrongful dismissal cases are handled on contingency, meaning you pay a percentage of your settlement only if you recover compensation—no upfront costs required.

In our experience representing employees across the GTA, we've found that hourly billing is typically reserved for advisory services, contract reviews, or ongoing workplace disputes. For termination and severance matters, contingency arrangements remove financial barriers and align our success with yours. We offer free initial consultations to discuss your situation, review your termination letter or employment contract, and explain all fee structures clearly so you understand your options before making any commitment.

Our Burlington team has helped employees negotiate settlements significantly higher than initial offers, often recovering additional months of severance pay that more than covers legal fees. One client came to us after being offered only the minimum Employment Standards Act entitlements—through negotiation, we secured a settlement reflecting their common law entitlements, which amounted to an additional 14 months of compensation.

Fee Structures That Work for You

Contingency fees for wrongful dismissal and severance negotiations reduce upfront costs and financial risk. You pay nothing unless we successfully recover compensation on your behalf—typically a percentage of the settlement amount. This arrangement makes experienced employment lawyers accessible to all employees, regardless of current financial circumstances.

Flat fee arrangements may be available for specific services such as employment contract reviews before you start a new job, severance package analysis, or limited advisory consultations. These predictable costs allow you to budget for legal advice when navigating important career decisions.

We discuss all fee options during your consultation so you can make an informed decision about representation. Our lawyers have handled hundreds of employment law matters for employees and employers throughout Ontario, and we're committed to transparent pricing that respects your financial situation while protecting your workplace rights.

What to Expect When Working With Our Employment Lawyers

Navigating a workplace dispute or termination can feel overwhelming. Our employment lawyers guide you through each step of the legal process, from your first consultation to resolution. We've helped hundreds of employees across the GTA understand their rights and secure fair compensation under Ontario law.

Your Initial Consultation

During your initial consultation, we conduct a comprehensive review of your employment situation and all relevant documentation. This typically includes your employment contract, termination letter, pay stubs, performance reviews, and any correspondence with your employer. Our lawyers assess potential claims such as wrongful dismissal, constructive dismissal, or human rights violations under Ontario law.

You'll receive honest, practical advice about the strengths of your case and realistic outcomes. We explain whether you may be entitled to common law severance—which often ranges from 3 to 24 months' pay depending on factors like your age, position, and length of service—or if you qualify for additional damages. In our experience, many employers offer only the minimum Employment Standards Act (ESA) entitlements, which may be significantly less than what you're legally owed. We help you understand the difference and make informed decisions about how to proceed.

Moving Forward With Your Case

Once you decide to work with our team, we typically begin with demand letters or settlement negotiations to resolve matters efficiently. Most employment law disputes are settled without going to court, saving you time and stress while you focus on your next career steps.

If litigation becomes necessary, our employment lawyers have experience representing clients in Ontario courts and tribunals, including the Ontario Superior Court and the Human Rights Tribunal. We handle all correspondence, negotiations, and legal filings on your behalf. You remain informed of developments and involved in key strategic decisions throughout the process—whether that means accepting a settlement offer or proceeding to trial.

Our Burlington office serves clients across Toronto, Hamilton, Mississauga, Brampton, and the broader GTA. We keep the process transparent, explaining legal concepts in plain language and ensuring you understand your options at every stage. From reviewing termination clauses to calculating your entitlements under both ESA minimums and common law principles, we provide the expertise you need to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.

Last Updated: November 2025 | This page is reviewed quarterly to reflect current Ontario law.