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Four Years Running
Top Employment Lawyers In Toronto
Lecker & Associates have helped clients resolve disputes with their employers for over 35 years. From negotiating fair severance packages, securing disability benefits and offering strategic advice on employment contracts, to litigating egregious human rights violations and workplace harassment cases, we represent our clients aggressively and with swift efficiency.
Unlike others, our focus is singular: To fiercely defend employee rights.
We operate with deep expertise in this field.
As skilled negotiators, our employment lawyers settle most cases without going to trial. However, we don’t shy away from trials when circumstances demand them. We have accrued deep knowledge and experience to litigate your case from Ontario Provincial Courts through to the Supreme Court of Canada.
Employment Law Services
Our experience, crafted over decades of practice, allows us to represent you with excellence.
Some of our services include:
Every case we manage is unique and distinctive to the circumstances of our clients. But we see a common theme in all. Our clients lack knowledge about their employee rights and entitlements.
We level the playing field
Unionized Workers
The good news for employees working under a collective agreement as part of a union is that, for employment-related disputes, your legal fees are covered through your union dues. Before you contact us, however, call your union’s business agent for the next steps.
The provisions of the Labour Relations Act prevent us from representing you without expressed consent from your union.
The Exception: We can interject if your union fails to represent you properly for claims against an insurance provider regarding your company-sponsored Long-Term Disability Claim.
Legal Fees
Do not let legal fees deter you from obtaining your lawful entitlements. This is particularly true for matters that affect you daily, such as your employment. For a vast majority of cases, we do not require a retainer up-front. Instead, we charge a percentage of the settlement we obtain for you.
In fact, legal fees should be one of several factors to consider when selecting your team of employment lawyers. Vet them for their years of experience, efficiencies, chances of success, area of specialty as well as communication style.
Ministry of Labour & Ontario Human Rights Tribunal
You can file a claim with the Ministry of Labour or OHRT for free. The administrative procedures are straightforward and retaining a lawyer is not compulsory. However, before you decide on self-representation, know that your employer will likely hire professional legal counsel to defend themselves. We strongly recommend you proceed with equal representation yourself, especially if your case is complex, to improve your chances of success.
Furthermore, both the Labour Board and OHRT have limitations. A Labour Board ruling will only allow you to collect the minimums stipulated by law. They do not consider extra compensation you might rightfully qualify to receive under Common Law. Similarly, the Human Rights Code addresses matters of discrimination. Accordingly, they will not award amounts for lost wages, severance pay, bonuses etc.
We only take on your case if we believe we can get you more than what the Labour Board and OHRT might award.
NOTABLE CASES
The Keenan Case
The Keenan Case represented a watershed moment for contract worker rights. The judge recognized them as a new class of worker, the Dependent Contractor, with rights no different from employees.
The Keenan’s received the highest ever compensation awarded to contract workers dismissed without compensation in Canada. And this case directly influenced changes to our employment laws.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Employees applying for jobs at Canadian subsidiaries of U.S. corporations should review their employment contracts closely. We often find at will termination clauses which supposedly allow employers to fire employees without notice. First of all, our laws completely prohibit such clauses . In this matter, there is little room for a Canadian employer to maneuver. They must offer notice or severance pay in lieu to employees. If you must sign such a contract to land the job, consult with one of our lawyers. In almost all cases, our courts will consider the clause void when taken to trial.
You remain an employee of the company when you are on disability leave or parental leave. You may return to your original or one comparable to it. Your employer cannot fire you for being on leave. And if they do, then they must prove that it was for reasons unconnected to your leave. Our courts will demand evidence and the bar is set very high, indeed.
If your leave extends beyond two years, your employer can fire you by declaring the employment relationship “frustrated”. And in this event, you should consult with one of our lawyers.
When your employer decides to let you go they must offer you fair notice that your job is ending. You can use this time to look for alternative work while earning a salary.
Alternatively, your employer can offer you severance pay in lieu of this notice period. The Employment Standards Act outlines the minimum standards for notice and severance pay. However, if your employer terminates you without cause, then you could be entitled to more than the minimum. The circumstances of your employment come into play to determine the fairness of your severance package, such as your age, your position, length of service and how long it will take you to find another job. If you are close to retirement and at a senior point in your career, chances are you will find some challenges to land an equivalent job any time soon. And in this case, your severance should be much higher than the minimum. Contact us before you sign any termination contract to ensure you don’t leave money behind.
This sometimes occurs when new owners take over a company with existing employees. They start announcing the “new order” and all of a sudden the terms of your employment change. This includes seniority, job descriptions, location and hours of employment, etc. It may even include wage cuts. If these changes are necessary for the survival of the business then your boss has to provide you with options. He cannot unilaterally change the terms of your employment.
In exchange for the wage cut, they should offer you equivalent “consideration”. Examples are more vacation time, signing bonuses, reduced hours etc
If these changes are not acceptable to you, then your employer must offer you an adequate severance package to end your employment relationship.
This is one of the most contentious employment issues of our times. Lecker & Associates fought a precedent setting case which clarified laws that remained open to interpretation before. If you are a true “Independent Contractor”, then you must remain fully in control over your work assignments. Essentially, you would operate like a business. Many project based contractors operate in this manner. They pay their own taxes and generally use their own resources (tools & equipment, etc.); they can set their own hours and also hire employees to complete portions of the work. Often, fees charged by contractors are higher than wages for hourly employees.
Any other type of arrangement is likely that of a “dependent contractor”. They may be skirting the law. They might be avoiding paying out your CPP, EI and severance benefits. Contact one of our lawyers for an assessment of your case.
Client Testimonials
What our clients are saying
After I was laid off I went to a law firm that told me, after charging me $450 up front and a short consult that nothing could be done and I had no case. I decided to call Lecker & Associates to get a 2nd opinion. I sent in my details and was called immediately by Matthew Fisher. He explained to me that I had a great case and he went through all the details of filing suit and the entire process in a calm manner. Matthew and staff guided me throughout the process and a settlement was received from my former employer, one that I would not have gotten had I listened to the first lawyer I met. I would recommend that you call Lecker & Associates if you have been let go from your job, even if you’ve consulted another law firm. The difference between a good lawyer and one that is not so good, is whether they can see details where other lawyers do not and this can result in massively different outcomes, as I experienced first hand. Great job Matthew, Eslita, Dora & team!
Ong Ba
I want to share my experience on how Lecker & Associates Employment Lawyers helped me at a most vulnerable and crucial time in my life while I was dealing with an employment matter. I want to mention how incompetent, confused and completely inept I was feeling by what had transpired and the best thing that I did was to go with my gut instinct after meeting Mr. Jordan Reiner. First of all he was empathetic, very clear in his explanation and to the point. He had a plan in place before I left the office fully supported by facts and legislation. I cannot say enough about him and his team in terms of professionalism, timely responses and taking the time to listen and explain without making me feel inadequate. I am extremely satisfied with the outcome and most importantly I would recommend anyone who is seeking legal help in employment matters to consult with Mr. Reiner.
SD Dhal
I would highly recommend Lecker & Associates. Going through an employment issue is never easy, but the team here were by my side every step of the way. They take the time to explain your options and help you make informed decisions. This is the team you want on your side!
Mike Farrow
Excellent service was provided by the team at Lecker & Associates. Would highly recommend them to represent you in Employment Dismal cases. Very efficient and thorough when dealing with my previous employer legal team. Took control and handled all aspects during this difficult time, they kept me informed throughout the entire process and I couldn’t have been happier with the end result!
Golf Guy
Professional, reliable and supportive. That’s how I would describe the law firm. It’s not fun to deal with employment law, but they will help you get through it. A+++, If you need legal help, call them now
Sam Ekenasi
I had the pleasure of working with Maria Esmatyar in my settlement case. She was professional and informative.She explained the expectation from our first meeting and worked hard to achieved that goal. At the end, she made a negative situation into a positive experience. Thanks Maria.
John Lim
Jordan Reiner handled my case and I feel very fortunate that I found him. He delivered exactly what he promised the first time I saw him. He did an exceptional job of working with me to get to a fair settlement and exceeded all my expectations. I will highly recommend Jordan to any professional looking to hire an Employment Lawyer.
Adrian D.
I highly recommend Simon Spelsmakher & his senior law clerk Eslita Ramkishun from Lecker & Associates due to their high degree of professionalism and tremendous amount of knowledge they had in resolving my claim in a timely manner. They all worked together consistently, and diligently in order to make this legal process smooth and successful!
Sara Spagnuolo
Let’s face it, dealing with an Employer/Employee issue, can be very stressful. Mine was no different. However, I was referred to Lecker & Associates by a trusted friend, who said it was the best legal experience he’d ever experienced. So, I met with Jared Lecker & Jassanthy Pakirisamy, and guess what? My stress was immediately relieved. They were sincere, courteous, professional and extremely communicative, during the entire process. I highly recommend Lecker & Associates. If you’re looking for a true partner to help guide you to a positive result/outcome, you need to “at least” meet with them. #VerySatisfied
Bill Banham
I have been to multiple employment lawyers and never have I met a lawyer like Jordan Reiner. Not only is Jordan the most thorough and knowledgeable employment lawyer I have ever worked with, he is incredibly personable and he gets results! He and his team are excellent communicators, particularly his law clerk, Ashley Hussey. If you have an employment issue, look no further than Jordan Reiner at Lecker & Associates.
Kelly Gray
Back in September 2020, I was laid off. This was the first time in my 20+ year career that I was out of work. My fiance told me that her best friend’s husband used Matthew and his team in the past when he was unexpectable laid off. From the initial call and throughout the entire process it has been absolute pleasure working with Lecker & Associates. I was pleasantly surprised with the severance package that they got me. It was more than what I was expecting. I recommend Matthew and his team to any individual that has been unexpectable laid off. You won’t regret your decision.
Louie Florovski
From the very first phone interview to discuss my employment matter with Ian, I was heard and acknowledged. I genuinely felt I had an strong ally in Ian and that Lecker & Associates had my back. During my correspondences I also was impressed with the follow ups and professionalism of Tina. At one point I was distressed and remember clearly that Tina called me and talked to me like a friend and reassured me that a positive settlement is in the works and everything will work out, which it did. Ian and Tina guided me through a very difficult and stressful time in my career and personal life and helped me to move forward and feel energized.
Raheem Pirani
Maria Esmatyar was my lawyer and was a huge help in an employment matter I had. She was professional and quick. She was successful in negotiating a substantial settlement in my case. I would highly recommend her. The rest of the staff were also very helpful. Great law office!
Tara Payne
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Awareness of Your Rights Offers You The Power to Level The Playing Field With Your Employer.