Subscribe to our newsletters
Employment Contract Review Lawyers
An employment contract is a legally binding agreement that defines your rights, responsibilities, and future entitlements as an employee. Once you sign it, it can be difficult to challenge unfair terms even if they conflict with your rights under BC employment law.
At Achkar Law, our employment contract lawyers help employees across British Columbia review agreements before signing, so you can understand exactly what you’re agreeing to and avoid costly mistakes down the road.
Why You Should Review an Employment Agreement Before Signing
Many employees sign contracts without legal advice, only to discover later that termination clauses or restrictive covenants limit their rights.
Some contracts even reduce your entitlement to severance or termination pay if you are dismissed.
Having a lawyer review your employment contract before signing can help you:
- Understand how each clause affects your rights and future options
- Identify unfair or risky provisions your employer may try to enforce later
- Negotiate fairer terms before you commit to them
Reviewing your employment agreement first is the best way to protect your rights and your future career options.
What Is an Employment Contract?
An employment contract or employment agreement is a binding document that sets out the terms of your job. Whether it’s called a staff employment contract, a job contract agreement, or a work contract agreement, it defines your pay, duties, benefits, and obligations.
These contracts often include important clauses about termination, non‑compete restrictions, confidentiality, and dispute resolution. Because these terms can significantly affect your career and earnings, understanding them is critical before signing or if a dispute arises later.
Common Risks Hidden in Employee Contracts
Employment contracts often contain clauses that reduce your rights or limit your future opportunities, and many employees don’t realize it until it’s too late.
Once you sign, it can be difficult to challenge these terms, even if they conflict with your rights under BC employment law.
Risks to watch for include:
- Termination Clauses
These clauses can significantly limit your right to severance pay or termination pay if your employer lets you go. Some are written to give you only the minimum notice under the BC Employment Standards Act, rather than the much higher amounts courts often award under common law. - Restrictive Covenants
Clauses like non-compete agreements, non-solicitation agreements, or broad NDAs can restrict where and how you can work after leaving your job. Many are overly broad, vague, or unenforceable — but signing them gives your employer leverage. - Severance and Termination Pay Clauses
Some contracts try to cap or eliminate severance entitlements that you would otherwise receive. This can leave you with less compensation than the law would provide if you are dismissed.
Reviewing your contract before signing is the best way to catch these issues early and protect your rights.
“Employment contracts often seem routine, but they can quietly limit your rights and future options. Once you sign, it’s hard to undo the damage. Getting legal advice first can protect your career, your income, and your peace of mind.”
— Christopher Achkar, Employment Lawyer
What If You’re Asked to Sign a New Contract?
Even if you’re already employed, signing a new employment agreement can replace your previous rights and entitlements.
Employers sometimes use new contracts to introduce termination clauses, restrictive covenants, or limits on severance pay that weren’t in your original agreement.
Before signing anything new, it’s important to understand exactly what you might be giving up.
A lawyer experienced in employment contract review can help you:
- Compare the new agreement to your existing rights
- Identify clauses that could reduce your severance or termination pay
- Negotiate changes before you sign
Reviewing new contracts before you agree to them is the best way to protect your rights and future opportunities.
How Achkar Law Helps Employees
At Achkar Law, we help employees across British Columbia understand their rights before they sign.
Our employment contract lawyers provide clear, practical advice to help you protect your future and avoid costly mistakes.
We assist employees with:
- Reviewing employment agreements and job offers before signing
- Identifying termination clauses, restrictive covenants, and severance clauses that could limit your rights
- Explaining how the contract could affect your severance pay or termination pay if you are dismissed
- Negotiating changes to ensure your agreement is fair and legally sound
With the right advice early, you can start a new role with confidence, knowing your contract protects your interests.
Frequently Asked Questions About Employment Agreements
Do I really need a lawyer to review my employment contract?
Yes. Employment contracts often contain termination clauses or restrictive covenants that can limit your rights.
A lawyer experienced in employment contract review can help you understand what you’re agreeing to before you sign.
What are termination clauses and why are they risky?
Termination clauses can restrict your right to severance pay or termination pay if you are let go.
Some clauses give you only the minimum notice under the BC Employment Standards Act, which is often much less than what courts award.
Can an employer add new terms to my job contract after I start?
Yes, but signing a new contract can override your existing rights, so it’s important to be cautious.
Employers may use new contracts to add termination clauses, restrictive covenants, or limits on severance pay.
They must also provide fresh consideration, such as a raise, bonus, or promotion, for the new contract to be legally enforceable.
Always have new agreements reviewed by an employment contract lawyer before signing.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our Experienced Employment Lawyers
Contact us by phone toll-free at 1-866-471-5098 or email us at [email protected], and we will be happy to assist.