Employment Law

We provide a full range of employment services for both employers and employees, focusing on proactive protection and effective dispute resolution.

Cook Roberts-Employment Law
Cook Roberts-Employment Law

We provide practical, strategic legal advice to individuals and business owners to help manage workplace relationships through robust employment contracts, strategic guidance on dismissals and severance, and expert representation in Human Rights complaints and workplace investigations. 

Our services include drafting employment contracts, reviewing severance packages, and representing clients in workplace investigations. We guide you through the complexities of the Employment Standards Act and Human Rights Codes. Whether you are hiring a new team or navigating a dismissal, we provide the legal clarity needed to protect your interests.

Our Employment Law Team

John Adams
John
Adams
Leah K. Robinson
Leah K.
Robinson

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. A well-drafted contract provides a clear foundation for the relationship by defining roles, responsibilities, compensation, and termination notice requirements. We draft enforceable agreements tailored to your needs, including non-solicitation and non-competition clauses where appropriate.

Contact us first to ensure the dismissal is handled in “good faith” and avoids reputational or financial damage. We assist in planning the process and presenting severance packages that protect your interests, whether the dismissal is for “cause” or without cause.

Yes, but their actual status depends on specific legal factors regardless of the contract title. Misclassifying an employee or “dependent contractor” as an independent contractor can have significant financial consequences, and our team advises on the resulting legal and tax implications.

We recommend seeking legal advice immediately. Our lawyers have extensive experience defending employers against filed complaints and advising on proactive measures to minimize the risk of future human rights claims.

Yes. Investigations into bullying, harassment, or discrimination must be conducted fairly and effectively to protect both the employer and the workforce. We advise on the legal handling of these investigations and the implementation of any resulting disciplinary measures.

Possibly. If a dismissed employee becomes disabled during the notice period, the employer may be liable for the benefits the insurance company would have paid. We help properly address group insurance issues during the dismissal process to avoid this significant exposure.

Yes. Dismissal situations often involve complex tax-related issues. Our employment lawyers, supported by our experienced tax team, provide guidance to ensure these implications are properly managed.

A contract signed at the start of employment can significantly impact your rights during and at the end of the relationship. We review contracts before you sign and can represent you in negotiations to ensure the terms are as fair as possible.

Consult us before signing any release. If a package is fair, we provide peace of mind; if it is unfair, we have a strong track record of negotiating more favourable outcomes. Avoid accepting immediate offers under pressure, as packages presented with a demand for an immediate signature are often insufficient.

Possibly. We are experienced in pursuing these claims through settlement negotiations, mediation, or court proceedings when necessary to ensure your rights are upheld following a termination.

Contact us to discuss filing a complaint or negotiating a settlement. We represent employees in proceedings under the British Columbia Human Rights Code or the Canadian Human Rights Act involving discrimination based on protected grounds such as race, age, disability, or gender identity.

Yes. We understand the financial difficulty of losing a job and are pleased to discuss alternative fee arrangements for the specific legal services you require.

Get in Touch

With our experienced team of lawyers, Cook Roberts can help find the right solution for you.