5 Signs It’s Time to Call an Employment Lawyer in Ottawa

If you’re an employee in Ottawa dealing with a workplace issue, knowing when and how to get legal advice can make all the difference. From termination disputes to workplace discrimination, employment issues can affect not only your job but also your well-being and financial stability. Speaking with an employment lawyer who understands the Ottawa landscape can help you protect your rights and plan your next steps.

This article outlines five key signs that it’s time to reach out to an Ottawa employment lawyer.

1. You’ve Been Fired or Laid Off Without Clarity

If you were terminated without cause or offered a severance package that feels inadequate or unclear, it’s time to speak to a lawyer. Ontario law often entitles employees to more than what employers initially offer. Legal advice ensures you know whether the severance reflects your legal entitlements.

2. Your Job Changed Without Your Consent

When an employer significantly changes your job duties, hours, pay, or work location without your agreement, it may amount to constructive dismissal. A lawyer can help you determine if these changes give rise to legal action or severance pay.

3. You’re Experiencing Harassment or Discrimination

If you’ve faced discrimination, bullying, or harassment based on race, gender, age, disability, or other protected grounds, you may have a claim under Ontario’s Human Rights Code. A local human rights lawyer can advise you on how to document the situation and whether a complaint or legal claim is appropriate.

4. You’re Involved in a Workplace Investigation

If you’ve been asked to participate in or are the subject of a workplace investigation, getting legal advice early helps protect your position. Whether it’s about misconduct allegations or a broader cultural review, a lawyer can prepare you and identify red flags.

5. Your Employment Contract Seems Unfair or You’re Owed Money

Unclear or outdated employment contracts, unpaid bonuses or commissions, or disagreements over job terms can justify legal help. A lawyer can review your contract and determine whether your rights have been violated.

As Christopher Achkar, employment lawyer and founder of Achkar Law, explains:

“If something feels off at work, whether it’s unfair treatment, sudden changes to your role, or pressure to sign documents you don’t owe it to yourself to speak with a lawyer before things escalate.”

Why Choose an Ottawa-Based Employment Lawyer?

Ottawa workplaces often involve bilingual policies, federal regulations, or hybrid work settings. Local legal advice matters. An employment lawyer who understands the regional context can:

Apply the right legal framework (provincial or federal)
Navigate local tribunals and deadlines
Spot issues in bilingual documentation or policies

Speak with an Ottawa employment lawyer at Achkar Law if you’re unsure how your local workplace laws apply.

What to Bring to Your Legal Consultation

To make the most of your consultation, bring:

Your employment contract
Termination letter or relevant communications
Pay stubs, T4s, and ROE
Any emails, texts, or documents related to the issue
A timeline of key events

Being prepared helps your lawyer give you a better legal assessment.

Call Us Today

If you’re an employee in Ottawa and facing one of these five signs, don’t delay. The sooner you get legal advice, the better your chances of protecting your rights and securing a fair outcome.

Contact Achkar Law to schedule a confidential consultation with an Ottawa employment lawyer.

Contact us by phone toll-free at 1-800-771-7882 | Email us at [email protected]

employment law firm toronto - Achkar Law

The article in this client update provides general information and should not be relied on as legal advice or opinion. This publication is copyrighted by Achkar Law Professional Corporation and may not be photocopied or reproduced in any form, in whole or in part, without the express permission of Achkar Law Professional Corporation. ©

Workplace Law Topics: Termination and Severance, Constructive Dismissal, Human Rights, Workplace Harassment, Workplace Accommodations, Employment Dispute and Litigation, Employee Contracts

Robert McAuley (Rob)

Very professional and helpful, would recommend

Response from the owner:Thank you, Robert! We’re happy to hear you found our Toronto employment law team professional and helpful. We truly appreciate your recommendation and are here if you ever need support again.

Patricialeyi Lei

I met with Mark Jackman last week Friday to discuss a document that required a legal review before submitting for signature. He was very insightful and knowledgeable in regards employment law. The conversation was very pleasant and he provided me with legal information that was helpful that would guide me in my own review of the document. I would definitely contact the law firm again and provide a referral to anyone who asked. I had a successful outcome and I would use the same law firm again. THANK YOU!!!

Response from the owner:Hi Patricialeyi, thank you for sharing your experience. We’re so glad Mark was able to provide the insight and guidance you needed during your document intake review. It’s great to hear that his knowledge helped you feel confident and led to a successful outcome. We truly appreciate your trust in our Toronto team, and your kind recommendation means a lot to us!

GTA Stem03

Charles was extremely helpful in providing me with the facts and information I needed and the firm was extremely responsive in addressing my situation. A great experience.

Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing your experience! We’re so glad Charles and our Toronto employment law team were able to provide the information and support you needed. It’s great to hear you had such a positive experience with us.

Francis Tamayo

Very helpful! Had a meeting with Alexandra, she helped me on everything I need to know and what processes is needed about my situation.

Response from the owner:Hi Francis, thank you for your kind words. We’re glad to hear Alexandra was able to walk you through everything you needed to know and help you understand the process clearly. It’s great to know our Toronto employment law team could support you with your situation.

Ahmed Abukar

Professional team.

Response from the owner:Thank you, Ahmed! We’re glad you had a positive experience with our Toronto employment law team and appreciate your feedback.

David Hall

Outstanding service. Straight forward, down to earth, very professional advice. Highly recommended as a lifetime law firm.

Response from the owner:Hi David, thank you for your wonderful feedback. We’re so glad you had a positive experience with our Toronto employment law team and appreciated the clear, down-to-earth advice. Your recommendation means a lot to us. We’ll be here whenever you need trusted legal support.

Anna Sunn

I had a strategy session with Madison - she was phenomenal. She had answers to questions that I hadn’t even asked yet. She was very realistic and played out different scenarios which helped give me a better perspective. These are not fun situations to be in, if you have any legal questions regarding employment you should absolutely schedule a session.

Response from the owner:Hi Anna, thank you for sharing your experience. We’re so glad to hear Madison was able to give you clarity and perspective during your strategy session. We know employment situations can be stressful, and it’s great to know her realistic approach helped you feel more confident about your options. We truly appreciate your recommendation and are here whenever you need guidance from our Toronto employment law team.

SHAN RAMANATHAN

Very professional and Knowledgeable staff.

Response from the owner:Hi Shan, thank you for your feedback! We’re glad to hear you had a positive experience with our team. If you ever need guidance on an employment law matter, we’ll be here to help.

Deb Sal

Years ago, I had a negative experience with a different law firm and was unsure what to expect from Ackhar Law. Let me just say this. The experience was professional, timely, and most of all effective. Charles, Alicia, and Babak made this experience seamless and took care of all things big and small. I am extremely greatful. If you have an employment issue, you NEED to give this office a call.

Response from the owner:Hi Deb, thank you for sharing your experience with us. We’re so glad Charles, Alicia, and Babak were able to turn things around for you after your past experience and make the process feel seamless. It means a lot to know you felt taken care of, and we truly appreciate your trust in our team of employment lawyers. We’ll be here whenever you need support with workplace matters.

Qianqiu Zhang

I had a great conversation with Lawyer Charles at the initial meeting, and I can also get a quick reply from their team！

Response from the owner:Hi Qianqui, we’re so glad you had a great first conversation with Charles! It’s always our goal to make things feel clear and approachable from the start, so it’s great to hear you felt supported and got quick responses from our team.

David T

Sincere thanks to the Achkar Law Team. During our interactions I was able to ask multiple questions and received clear responses and timely advice. I also gained a better understanding of applicable laws and regulations during our discussion.

Response from the owner:Hi David, thank you for your kind words. We’re glad our team could answer your questions and give you the clarity you needed. It’s great to know the conversation helped you better understand the laws and regulations around your situation. We’re here if you ever need guidance from an employment lawyer again.

Mark A

I had a consultation over teams with Clifford about a couple months ago and he explained everything I need to know starting from the rights & entitlements I have, and breaking down my contract in simpler terms. He also gave some recommendations which helped me concluding my decision. Would recommend this firm to assess your case

Response from the owner:Hi Mark, thank you for sharing your experience. It’s great to hear that Clifford was able to walk you through your rights, clarify your contract, and help you feel confident in making your decision. We’re glad you felt supported, and we truly appreciate your recommendation.

Jacques Gosselin

I was very worried in the beginning but as we talked further on he made me feel very comfortable on my decision. He was very up front with everything about my situation and i'm looking forward to the outcome of things as it looks very promising.

Response from the owner:Hi Jacques, thank you for your kind words. We’re glad to hear that the conversation helped ease your worries and gave you confidence moving forward. It’s important to us that our clients feel informed and comfortable with their decisions, and it’s great to know you’re feeling positive about the path ahead.

Mars

The response and efficiency is quick and thorough. Madison took the to explain the different option that are available for our situation.
We look forward to working with this team.

Response from the owner:Hi Mars, thank you for your kind words. We’re glad to hear Madison was able to walk you through your options and provide clear guidance. It’s great to know you felt supported by our team, and we look forward to working with you as well. If any workplace or employment matters come up, we’re here to help.

Abdulrashid Ayobi

“Great experience with Achkar Law. Very professional and helpful team. Special thanks to Rachel Masih for her support and guidance. Highly recommended!”

Response from the owner:Hi Abdulrashid, thank you for sharing your experience. We’re happy to hear Rachel’s support helped you feel confident through the process. Knowing you felt well taken care of means a lot to us, and we truly appreciate your recommendation.