Are you looking for top-notch legal representation in Toronto for your employment issues? Lecker & Associates is an esteemed law firm with a track record of success and a reputation for making a real impact on the law.
Our team of Toronto employment lawyers is dedicated to delivering results for our clients.
This blog article highlights some of our services and key cases that set us apart.
Who We Are
At Lecker & Associates, we specialize in employment law and advocate for employees across Toronto and Ontario. Our team of skilled lawyers is dedicated to protecting your rights and providing legal guidance tailored to your situation.
We understand your challenges during difficult career times and strive to offer compassionate, practical solutions that empower you to move forward.
What Services Do Our Toronto Employment Lawyers Offer?
Our Toronto employment lawyers provide comprehensive support to employees facing various challenges, including:
Wrongful Dismissal
If you’re fired without serious misconduct, due to a restructuring, layoff or through no fault of your own, your employer owes you compensation in the form of a severance package. Our wrongful dismissal lawyers excel at maximizing severance packages, negotiating with company’s of all sizes and are master litigators if a negotiated settlement is not reached.
Pregnancy, Maternity and Parental Leave
Employment laws protect your job if you decide to take time off to have your baby or welcome your adopted child. Parents on leave have the right to return to their original or a similar role with the same pay.
If your employer demotes you, makes contemptuous comments or fires you due to pregnancy or parental leave, consult our Toronto employment lawyers right away.
Workplace Harassment
Workplace harassment includes verbal abuse, such as offensive jokes or slurs; physical harassment, such as unwanted touching; and sexual harassment, involving unwelcome advances or favours. It may also includes bullying, psychological manipulation, exclusion, retaliation for reporting misconduct and cyber harassment via digital channels.
Harassment can lead to a toxic work environment, mental and physical health issues and staff absences. In severe cases, it can even escalate to violence.
Denied Disability Benefit Claims
When an illness or injury prevents you from working, you can rely on your employer’s group insurance for benefits while you recover. Insurance companies may deny legitimate claims to protect their profits. If this happens, our Toronto disability lawyers can negotiate with the insurers, easing your stress so you can focus on recovery.
Constructive Dismissal
Constructive dismissal occurs when your employer makes drastic changes to your job conditions so much so that you must resign. Bullying bosses, demotions, changes to pay more than 12 – 15% or a ‘toxic’ work environment can all be grounds for a constructive dismissal case. A court must decide if the conditions made it impossible for you to continue working.
Setting Legal Precedents: Influential Cases in Employment Law
Here are a few of our most impactful cases that highlight our commitment to defending employee rights and setting precedents in employment law:
Keenan v. Canac Kitchens
The Keenan case, a landmark moment for contract worker rights, made headlines as one of the most influential cases of 2016. Our clients, Lawrence and Marilyn Keenan, won $125,000 in a wrongful dismissal lawsuit against their long-time employer, Canac Kitchens, after they were fired without notice or severance following 30 years of service.
This was the largest compensation ever awarded to contract workers in such a case. Justice Gillam used this opportunity to establish a new category of workers in Ontario, the dependent contractor. The case also influenced Ontario’s legislative changes introduced through Bill 148.
Luz v. Moore Business Communication Services
After six years as a purchasing manager with Moore Business Communication Services, Joe Luz was fired and offered only the minimum compensation required by the Employment Standards Act (ESA). However, his entitlements under common law were overlooked, leading to a wrongful dismissal lawsuit.
Facing the drawn-out legal process, Mr. Luz sought a quicker solution. We used the summary judgment procedure, which banks often use to resolve loan disputes, to expedite the case quickly. In six months, the court awarded Mr. Luz six more months of pay plus legal costs, providing fair compensation for his age, position, employability and years of service.
King v. 1416088 Ontario Ltd. (Danbury Industrial)
Jack King started working as a bookkeeper for the Danbury Group in 1973. Eight years into his employment, he began receiving pension benefits. Over the years, the company underwent several ownership changes, mainly for tax purposes. However, these changes did not impact King’s job responsibilities, seniority or benefits.
In 2014, King was abruptly fired, and his employer denied his pension benefits after another ownership transfer. The judge reviewed the various successor employers and found significant similarities, including their location, structure, website and suppliers. The judge ruled that all entities continued Danbury’s business and were responsible for King’s severance and retirement benefits.
Consult Our First-Rate Toronto Employment Lawyers
Bram A. Lecker, our principal at Lecker & Associates, has been recognized by Three Best Rated as one of Toronto’s top three employment lawyers for four consecutive years. This honour is based on a rigorous, independent 50-point review.
He and our other wrongful dismissal lawyers are committed to standing by your side every step of the way.
Call 416.223.5391 or complete our contact form to book a free consultation.