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Choosing a Workplace Lawyer

Whether you are addressing employment disputes or ensuring your company adheres to Ontario's workplace laws, selecting the right workplace lawyer is crucial. This decision influences workplace relations, legal standing, and financial outcomes, making it vital for both employees and employers to choose their legal representation wisely. This article looks into the crucial aspects of selecting a workplace lawyer adept in employment law, suitable for defending employee rights or protecting business interests. From assessing legal expertise to understanding communication styles and...

September 23, 2024

Employee vs Contractor?

Knowing whether you are an employee or a contract worker in Ontario can have a big impact on your legal rights and obligations. Your classification affects everything from your entitlement to Employment Insurance (EI) and reasonable notice, to the benefits and protections you receive at work. While a written employment contract might state your status, the true nature of your working relationship could be different. Determining whether you are an employee or an independent contractor involves looking beyond your...

September 18, 2024

Contra Proferentem in Ontario in Employment Contracts

Contra Proferentem in Ontario – Ambiguity in Employment Contracts

When disputes arise over the interpretation of employment contracts, the legal principle of contra proferentem often plays a significant role. This doctrine, which means "against the offeror" in Latin, is designed to protect employees in situations where the wording of a contract is unclear or ambiguous. In the context of employment contracts, contra proferentem serves as a powerful tool that tilts the interpretation of ambiguous terms in favour of the employee rather than the employer, who typically drafts the...

September 16, 2024

Wrongful Termination in Ontario: Essential FAQs

Wrongful termination can have a profound impact on employees, affecting not only their livelihoods but also their sense of security and fairness in the workplace. In Ontario, specific laws and protections exist to safeguard employees from unjust dismissals. Whether you're an employee who believes you've been wrongfully terminated or an employer seeking clarity on proper dismissal practices, understanding the legal framework around wrongful termination is crucial. This FAQ guide will help answer common questions about wrongful termination in Ontario,...

September 15, 2024

Employer Retaliation and Employees Rights in Ontario

Laws in many jurisdictions, including Ontario, provide protections against employer retaliation. In Ontario, for example, the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code (the Code) contain provisions that prohibit employers from taking adverse actions against employees for exercising their rights or reporting workplace violations. If an employee believes they are facing employer retaliation, they may have legal options, such as filing a complaint or seeking legal counsel. What Is Employer Retaliation? Employer retaliation occurs when an employer...

September 14, 2024

What Is Reasonable Notice in Ontario

In Ontario, understanding the notice period for employment termination is critical for both employers and employees. Whether you’re an employer planning to terminate an employee or an employee facing job loss, knowing how much notice is considered reasonable is essential. This article will explore the factors that influence notice periods and provide important guidance for both sides. Bardal Factors When it comes to terminating employment, employers are legally required to provide employees with notice before the termination takes effect. This requirement...

September 13, 2024

retainer fees and types of legal retainers

Understanding Retainer Agreements

A retainer agreement serves as a crucial legal foundation that outlines the relationship between a client and their lawyer. It establishes the terms of engagement, ensuring clarity and mutual understanding from the outset of the legal representation. However, not all retainer agreements are the same. They vary depending on the nature of the legal matter, the services required, and the fee structure agreed upon. Whether you are exploring legal representation or looking to understand what a retainer agreement entails, this...

September 12, 2024

Minimum Wage Ontario 2023: October 1 Changes

Minimum Wage Ontario: Changes in 2024

Effective October 1, 2024 | The general minimum wage in Ontario is set to increase to $17.20 per hour, reflecting a continued effort by the provincial government to align wages with the rising cost of living. This is an increase from the previous rate of $16.55 per hour in 2023. In Ontario, workplace policies and expectations are set out in the Employment Standards Act (ESA), which outlines employees’ rights and employers’ responsibilities, including the minimum wage requirements. Understanding Minimum Wage in...

September 11, 2024

Suspended From Work in Ontario?

Workplace suspensions are difficult for both employers and employees. There is often confusion about the rights and obligations surrounding suspensions, especially if an employee is suspended from work pending investigation. Understanding what these suspensions mean and how they should be handled is key for both parties. What Is a Suspension From Work? A workplace suspension occurs when an employer temporarily removes an employee from their work duties. This can happen for various reasons, such as pending investigations into misconduct or disciplinary...

September 10, 2024

Understanding Electronic Monitoring Ontario

As workplace technology continues to evolve, electronic monitoring has become a common practice in many organizations. Employers in Ontario are increasingly using software and other tools to track employee productivity, ensure compliance with workplace policies, and enhance security. However, there are important legal standards and obligations surrounding the practice of electronic monitoring in Ontario, which both employers and employees need to be aware of. Understanding your rights as an employee and your responsibilities as an employer is crucial to ensure...

September 10, 2024

What Our Clients Are Saying

4.5

Jean Sagasag

I recently had a consultation with Charlie Millar and I was impressed with his knowledge and understanding of my situation. He was honest and kind. My experience was very positive and I will be recommending him to family and friends.

F Lauw

Had a great consultation with Chris! He was able to see me quite quickly and put me at ease during a very stressful time with his expertise and clear questions. He provided me with multiple options based on my situation and set me on course in the right direction. Thank you!!

Anthony Dinatale

Chris was super helpful and amazing to work with.

Alain Matar

I recently had a consultation with Charlie Millar, and I must say, the experience from start to finish was outstanding. From the initial contact with the company to accommodating an urgent call, everything was handled seamlessly. Charles was incredibly helpful and knowledgeable, showing a clear understanding of my situation. I'm thoroughly impressed and will definitely reach out to him for any future inquiries

Monique Crichton

I had a consultation with an employment lawyer and it went so well. Leading up to the meeting the clerk was responsive, informative and helpful; not to mention very polite. When I had the opportunity to sit with the lawyer she was friendly, attentive, and very well educated. She gave me honest answers to all my questions and provided me with all my options very clearly. It was a pleasure to talk with her and it made me feel a lot better about my situation. She calmed me down and made me feel heard and that I am not alone.I would recommend them to others.

mike battista

Initially, when I had the opportunity to speak with Charles Millar. I was impressed. I consider him a "man of refreshing candour", knowledge, and kindness. I have been dealing with Charles now for several months. He follows up in a timely manner. He's been on point with his recommendations; I feel very confident that his action plans are very well thought out and structured. It has been a pleasure consulting with him. I will be recommending him to friends and family. True professionals like Charles are definitely hard to come by.Thank you.

Christina

Mariel was informative and well knowledged the team takes time to express their care and concern . Worth the consult . They provided me so much direction with confidence . Thank you !!

Gisele Godin

I was in distressed for 24 hours when I unexpectedly lost my job yesterday. This morning, I had a meeting, and it turns out, I'm not the only one in this position when it comes to employment and that makes this stress less heavy. Thank you Achkard Law for your support and expertise.Looking forward to working with you.Gisele

kenneth smith

The whole team, from the start with Rachel and Charles to the conclusion of the hard work and success by Natalie was very positive. I have never been in a situation of constructive dismissal or without a job. They were an outstanding resource and well worth it. I hope they continue to expand their business and hopefully come out west. I would certainly recommend this company and particularly Natalie.

Derrick Ransom

A very positive experience with professional and forward thinking individuals. Thank you for the hard work.

Marco Tasca

Excellent, professional and thorough. Communication was always clear and concise and they were open and available for questions and support throughout the whole process. Everyone I dealt with at the office was great. Thank you Madison, Charles and Natalie for your quality work! Couldn't be happier with the process from beginning to end and of course, the result.

Kay Zee

Christopher was extremely supportive during a transitional period at my workplace. Together, we explored my options, and his guidance was consistently insightful. I had an outstanding experience and would certainly enlist his services again anytime in the future.

Matthew Mccormick

I had spoken with Mariel. She was really sympathetic and made everything easy to understand. Calmed my nerves and explained everything fully.

Leandra LeGendre

I had the pleasure of working with Chris regarding a severance package. He was thorough, asked great questions, and made sure things I hadn't thought about were covered and that I was being treated fairly. In addition to being happy with the quality of Chris' work, he was kind and even asked about my daughter. He clearly cares about people and that value came through in our conversations which I appreciated.

Rachel Lea Heide

My first consultation meeting with associate lawyer Mariel was very positive and helpful. I really appreciated her questions, empathy, listening, and expertise and advice she was able to give even at the very beginning of my file. If my work situation doesn't improve, I do look forward to working with Mariel and the Achkar Law firm team to tackle the issues.

Jennifer quirk

I had a great experience. Great team, very helpful and understanding. Will use them again in the future.

Mac MacGillivray

Madison was a great resource and put my mind to ease. I look forward to working with Madison to resolve my claim. Achkar Law took the time to research my concerns, were quick to respond on line and spoke to a lawyer within 24 hours. They provide kind and friendly service and care about their clients.

Adam Buchnea

Charles was very knowledgeable and resolute during our strategy consultation. I appreciated having skilled eyes on our contracts, which will undoubtedly pay off in the long term.

Dakota Little

I had a talk with Charles Millar, and he was a gentleman and a scholar. Very knowledgeable and extremely helpful. He demonstrated in depth understanding of the rules and laws surrounding my issue, which made me feel comfortable in his representation.I’ll continue to utilize the skills of Charles as well as the rest of his team.

J. T.

Charles is an absolute professional. He is approachable and answers all the questions that I have regarding my case. He read through all the materials that I shared with him before the meeting, so that I did not need to repeat myself. Our strategy session was very productive, and he shared all the actionable steps and provided great legal advice. I will reach out to him again if we need additional help.

Choosing a Workplace Lawyer

Employee vs Contractor?

Contra Proferentem in Ontario – Ambiguity in Employment Contracts

Wrongful Termination in Ontario: Essential FAQs

Employer Retaliation and Employees Rights in Ontario

What Is Reasonable Notice in Ontario

Understanding Retainer Agreements

Minimum Wage Ontario: Changes in 2024

Suspended From Work in Ontario?

Understanding Electronic Monitoring Ontario

What Our Clients Are Saying

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