Lawyers for Employees (Ontario)

We Help Ontario Employees Protect Their Rights at Work

If you’re dealing with job loss, harassment, discrimination, or unfair treatment at work, you’re not alone. Many employees don’t know their rights or what an employer is legally allowed to do.

Speaking with an employee rights lawyer early can protect your job, your income, and your future.

Whether you were fired, pressured to resign, denied accommodation, treated unfairly, or handed a contract you don’t fully understand, our lawyers help employees across Ontario get answers and take action.

Before signing anything or responding to your employer, get clear legal advice so you know where you stand.

Your Rights as an Employee in Ontario

Ontario workers are protected from unfair treatment under the Employment Standards Act (ESA), the Ontario Human Rights Code, and common law.

You have the right to:

Be paid fairly and on time
Work in an environment free from harassment and bullying
Receive accommodations for family or medical needs
Be protected from discrimination based on protected grounds
Receive proper notice, termination pay, or severance pay when you lose your job
Be compensated according to your employment contract and the law

If you believe your rights have been violated, an employee rights lawyer can help you understand your options and next steps.

Common Workplace Issues We Help With

Employees contact us for help with:

If something feels wrong at work, it usually is, and we can help you confirm it.

When to Contact an Employee Rights Lawyer

Not every workplace issue requires legal action, but getting advice early can prevent serious problems.

You should speak with a lawyer if:

You were fired or laid off
You were pressured to resign or forced out
You experienced harassment, bullying, or a toxic work environment
Your role, schedule, or pay changed without your agreement
Your employer is asking you to sign a new contract
You were denied accommodation for a disability or family need
You believe you are facing discrimination
You haven’t been paid wages, overtime, vacation pay, or bonuses
You’re unsure whether your situation is legal

A quick consultation can help you understand your rights before things escalate.

How Our Employment Lawyers Help Ontario Employees

Our team provides practical, strategic support to help you take control of your situation.

We can assist with:

✔️ Legal Advice and Representation

Understand your rights, your options, and the best strategy for your case.

✔️ Severance Package Reviews

Ensure your offer is fair before you sign. Many employees are owed far more than what’s initially offered.

✔️ Wrongful Dismissal Claims

Challenge unfair terminations and secure compensation.

✔️ Constructive Dismissal

If your employer made your work conditions unbearable or changed your job without consent, we can help.

✔️ Workplace Harassment and Bullying

Guidance and representation for emotional, psychological, and sexual harassment issues.

✔️ Human Rights & Discrimination Cases

Support for discrimination related to race, gender, disability, family status, and other protected grounds.

✔️ Employment Contract Reviews

Understand restrictive covenants, termination clauses, non-compete clauses, and your legal obligations.

✔️ Unpaid Wages & Misclassification

Recover unpaid overtime, vacation pay, and compensation owed if you were misclassified as an independent contractor.

✔️ Ministry of Labour Complaints

Support in managing government investigations and enforcing your rights.

Speak With an Employee Lawyer Today

Workplace issues can be stressful, but you don’t have to face them alone. At Achkar Law, we’ll stand by you, protect your rights, and work toward the best possible outcome so you can move forward with confidence.

Accommodations & Human Rights

Understand Workplace Accommodations and Human Rights Claims

Employment Contract Review

Get help to review your employment contract

Employment Disputes and Litigation

Understand your legal options in employment disputes and litigation

Long-term Disability Claims

Understand your rights regarding long-term disability claims

Executive Severance Packages

Get assistance negotiating your executive severance

Constructive Dismissal Claims

Learn More About Constructive Dismissal Claims

Wrongful Dismissal Claims

Get Assistance with Wrongful Dismissal Claims

Termination and Severance Packages

Get help with your termination pay and severance

Termination With Cause

Find out about your options for a Termination With Cause

Harassment & Discrimination

Address Harassment, Bullying, and Discrimination at Work

Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our Experienced Employment Lawyers

Employee Lawyer FAQs

What does an employee lawyer do?

An employee lawyer explains your rights, assesses your situation, and represents you in disputes with your employer. Their goal is to protect your job, income, and legal entitlements.

What are the different types of termination in Ontario?

✔️ Wrongful dismissal

Terminated without proper notice, severance, or legal justification.

✔️ Constructive dismissal

Your employer changes your job in a major way or makes conditions unbearable, forcing you to resign.

✔️ Termination for cause

You’re fired for alleged misconduct often challenged because employers rarely meet the high legal standard.

✔️ Termination without cause

You’re let go for business reasons, but still owed notice or severance.

Understanding your type of termination helps you know what compensation you’re entitled to.

Can an employee rights lawyer help with severance?

Yes. We review your severance offer, negotiate on your behalf, and protect your financial future.

Should I sign an employment contract without legal advice?

Do not sign a new employment contract without advice.

Hidden clauses can:

Reduce your severance
Add restrictive covenants
Limit your ability to work elsewhere
Waive rights you didn’t intend to give up

A lawyer can review your contract and protect your interests.

Do I need evidence to start a workplace claim?

Not always. We help you understand what evidence matters, how to gather it, and how to protect yourself.

Michele Garland

MacKenzie was very helpful. Clearly listened and had read my file prior before meeting. He was very helpful, and I would recommend Achkar Law

Response from the owner:Hi Michele, thank you for sharing your experience. We’re glad MacKenzie took the time to review your file and address your concerns thoughtfully. It’s great to hear you felt listened to and supported. We appreciate your recommendation.

greg gilbert

Dealing with the Achkar team was an excellent experience from start to finish. From my initial conversations with Travis to the thoughtful follow-up calls from Rachel, I always felt heard, supported, and respected. Reaching out for legal help isn’t easy, but the Achkar team made the process clear and reassuring. I knew I had made the right choice and that I truly mattered as a client. Thank you to the entire Achkar team.

Response from the owner:Hi Greg, thank you for sharing this. We know reaching out for legal help can feel daunting, so it means a lot to hear that you felt heard and supported throughout the process. We’re glad Travis and Rachel helped make things feel clear and reassuring from the start. Your trust in our Toronto team is truly appreciated. Thank you for taking the time to leave such thoughtful feedback.

Professional Miner Red Lake

I spoke with a paralegal regarding a wrongful dismissal case, the insight gathered from the initial consult was clear and concise. They were informed and familiar with process forward in providing guidance on achieving a maximum outcome and resolution.

Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing your experience. We’re glad the initial consultation helped clarify the wrongful dismissal issues and provided practical guidance on next steps. Offering clear, straightforward insight early on is important to us, and we appreciate you taking the time to leave this feedback.

JON BROCK Real Estate Partners

Chris from ACHKAR Law has been an incredible resource for our business’ legal needs. He has given us the comfort and confidence we need to navigate a complex issue and plan ahead for the future. Thank you Chris and team!

Response from the owner:Hi Jon, thank you for the kind words. We’re really glad Chris and the team could give you the clarity and confidence you needed while planning ahead. Supporting businesses through complex workplace issues is an important part of what we do, and we appreciate you taking the time to share your experience.

Marta Michalek

Chris and his team were incredible. Our case was more complicated than just severance negotiation, and I reached out to multiple firms and it seemed that many were not interested when it wasn't a cut and dry case. Chris had a strategy session with us, gave us our realistic options, and guided us through every single step. His team was incredibly quick and responsive. It was almost a 6-month process, but we came out with the outcome we hoped for, and we could not thank Chris and team enough for all of their support.

Response from the owner:Hi Marta, thank you so much for sharing this. We know how frustrating it can be when a situation isn’t straightforward, and we’re glad Chris and the team took the time to walk you through your options and support you throughout the process. Seeing things through over many months isn’t easy, and it means a lot to know you felt guided and supported along the way. We truly appreciate your trust in our Toronto employment law team and are pleased that the outcome matched your expectations.

mar pas

We had a consultation with Charles we very impressed. We told him our side and and he explained everything with details and depth and professionalism. His thoughtful approach made everything easy to understand and gave us confidence to move forward. I would highly recommend Charles and his team at Achkar Law. We look forward to work with him and his Team.

Response from the owner:Hi Mar, thank you for taking the time to share this. We’re really glad your conversation with Charles gave you clarity and confidence moving forward. Taking the time to listen and explain things in a way that makes sense is important to us, so it’s great to hear that came through. We appreciate the recommendation and look forward to continuing to work with you.

Nathaly Murray

Very quick to respond and I received useful advice. Professional and friendly. Thank you

Response from the owner:Hi Nathaly, thank you for your feedback. We’re glad we could respond quickly and provide advice that was helpful to you. We appreciate you taking the time to share your experience.

Laurel Gillespie

From initial contact, the team has been stellar. Very professional and attentive. Highly recommend whether as an employer or employee, they show up for you.

Response from the owner:Hi Laurel, thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We’re really glad we were able to help and appreciate you sharing your experience with others.

Negin

We had an hour consultation meeting with Charles today. He was very knowledgeable and informative. He gave us several options to consider. I would highly recommend Charles and this firm.

Response from the owner:Hi Negin, thank you for sharing your experience. We’re glad to hear your consultation with Charles was helpful and that you left with clear options to consider. Our Toronto employment law team truly appreciates your recommendation. We’re here whenever you need support.

Geoff Brisson

I was very satisfied with Madison, She answered questions got me that I didn't even know had to be asked aswell as a solid approach to a complicated scenario. She left me with a genuine feeling of wanting what was in my best interest. Thanks Madison and Achkar law.

Response from the owner:Hi Geoff, thank you for sharing your experience. We’re so glad to hear Madison was able to guide you through a complicated situation and raise the questions that really mattered. It’s great to know you left feeling supported and confident in the approach she outlined. Our Toronto employment law team truly appreciates your kind words.

terryk

The consulting experience was very positive. The consultant was well spoken and knowledgeable, and left me feeling confident that Achkar Law could handle my specific case.

Response from the owner:Hi Terryk, thank you for sharing your experience. We’re glad to hear your consultation was positive and that our team member helped you feel confident about the next steps. Our Toronto employment law team is here to support you, and we appreciate your trust in us with your situation.

AMIT PATEL

Great Service and discovery. Would definetly recommand service.

Response from the owner:Hi Amit, thank you for your kind words! We’re glad you had a great experience with our Toronto employment law team and truly appreciate your recommendation. We’re here if you ever need support again.

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.

We Help Ontario Employees Protect Their Rights at Work

Your Rights as an Employee in Ontario

Common Workplace Issues We Help With

When to Contact an Employee Rights Lawyer