Employment Law in Vancouver, what to expect
Employment Standards Act minimums are floors, not ceilings. Common law reasonable notice is almost always greater, especially for older employees, senior roles, longer tenure, and harder-to-replace specialties. The Bardal factors (age, length of service, character of employment, availability of similar employment) routinely produce 12 to 24 months of notice for executives and long-service employees. Employers know this. They offer the ESA minimum hoping employees sign quickly. Pause. Get advice.
How to choose a employment law lawyer in Vancouver
Look for a firm with active employment law practice in Vancouver courts and tribunals, transparent fee structures, and clear communication. The right counsel will explain options without pressure, return calls promptly, and have demonstrated experience with matters comparable to yours. Every lawyer listed on Bremo Lawyers is verified against the relevant provincial law society.
Severance review consultations are commonly $300 to $600. Negotiated severance enhancement work is often contingency-based, with the firm taking a percentage of the additional value secured beyond the original offer. Litigated wrongful dismissal claims run on hourly retainers, with most settling at discovery or pre-trial mediation. Plaintiff-side employment firms generally do not charge for the first review.