Andromeda Law

Employment Contract Review

Entering into a new employment relationship is a significant step that can impact your career and personal life. Before signing an employment contract, it’s essential to fully understand the terms and implications. Andromeda Law offers comprehensive contract review services to help you make informed decisions and protect your rights.

Understanding Employment Contracts

An employment contract outlines the terms and conditions of your employment, including your rights, responsibilities, and obligations. Key elements typically include:

  • Compensation and Benefits: Salary, bonuses, health insurance, retirement plans, and other perks.
  • Job Duties and Expectations: A detailed description of your role and performance standards.
  • Termination Clauses: Conditions under which either party can end the employment relationship.
  • Restrictive Covenants: Non-compete, non-solicitation, and confidentiality agreements that may affect future opportunities.
  • Intellectual Property Rights: Clauses concerning ownership of work produced during employment.

Understanding these terms is crucial to ensure that the contract aligns with your expectations and does not contain unfavorable conditions.

Common Issues in Employment Contracts

Employment contracts can sometimes include clauses that are not in your best interest. Common issues to watch out for include:

  • Overly Restrictive Non-Compete Agreements: Limitations that unreasonably prevent you from working in your field after leaving the company.
  • Unfair Termination Provisions: Clauses that allow for termination without adequate notice or severance.
  • Ambiguous Job Descriptions: Vague terms that could lead to unexpected responsibilities.
  • Inadequate Compensation Details: Lack of clarity on bonuses, commissions, or salary reviews.
  • Liability Clauses: Provisions that unfairly assign legal or financial risks to you.

Identifying these issues before signing can save you from future legal disputes and career setbacks.

Our Contract Review Services

Comprehensive Analysis

  • Clause-by-Clause Review: We meticulously examine every section of your contract to identify potential concerns.
  • Legal Compliance Check: Ensuring the contract adheres to Ontario employment laws, including the Employment Standards Act and Human Rights Code.
  • Highlighting Hidden Terms: Bringing attention to any clauses that may be buried in legal jargon or fine print.

Identifying Risks and Opportunities

  • Risk Assessment: Pointing out terms that could negatively impact your employment rights.
  • Opportunity Identification: Recognizing beneficial clauses that you may leverage during negotiations.
  • Customized Advice: Tailoring our recommendations based on your industry, role, and career objectives.

Negotiation Guidance

  • Strategy Development: Advising on how to approach your employer for amendments or clarifications.
  • Communication Tips: Assisting you in articulating your concerns effectively.
  • Support Throughout Negotiations: Being available to answer questions as you negotiate terms.

Plain Language Explanation

  • Demystifying Legal Terms: Explaining complex legal language in clear, understandable terms.
  • Summarizing Key Points: Providing an executive summary of the most critical aspects of the contract.
  • Q&A Session: Allowing ample time for you to ask questions and receive detailed answers.

The Contract Review Process

Our streamlined process is designed for efficiency and convenience:

  1. Initial Contact

    • Document Submission: Send us your employment contract via secure email.
    • Scheduling: Book a consultation through our online booking tool.

  2. In-Depth Review

    • Detailed Analysis: We conduct a thorough review of the contract.
    • Preparation of Report: Crafting a written report outlining our findings and recommendations.

  3. Consultation Meeting

    • Discussion of Findings: A one-hour meeting to go over the report.
    • Personalized Advice: Addressing your specific concerns and questions.
    • Negotiation Planning: Assisting you in formulating a negotiation strategy if needed.

  4. Follow-Up Support

    • Ongoing Communication: Available to answer additional questions after the consultation.
    • Review of Amendments: If the employer provides a revised contract, we can review changes (additional fees may apply).

Flat-Fee Pricing

  • Service Fee: $350 (exclusive of HST)

    What’s Included:

    • Comprehensive contract review
    • Written report summarizing key issues and recommendations
    • One-hour consultation to discuss findings

Why Choose Andromeda Law

Timely Service

We recognize that job offers often come with tight deadlines. Our process is designed to provide you with prompt feedback without sacrificing thoroughness.

Personalized Attention

We take the time to understand your unique situation, ensuring that our advice is tailored to your specific needs and career goals.

Expertise in Employment Law

With extensive knowledge of Ontario employment laws, we are well-equipped to identify potential pitfalls and advise on best practices.

Confidentiality

Your privacy is paramount. All information shared with us is kept strictly confidential in accordance with professional ethical standards.

Convenient Virtual Consultations

As an online-only firm, we offer flexible scheduling for virtual meetings, saving you time and travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly can you review my contract?

We strive to complete contract reviews within 2-3 business days. If you have an urgent deadline, please let us know, and we will do our best to accommodate.

Can you help if I’ve already signed the contract?

Yes. While it’s ideal to review a contract before signing, we can still provide advice on your rights and potential options if you’ve already entered into the agreement, including discussing the potential enforceability of the agreement.

What if I need additional assistance after the consultation?

We offer further services at our hourly rate of $300 per hour if you require ongoing support, such as assistance with negotiations or reviewing subsequent revisions.

Absolutely. We can assist with reviewing severance packages, non-disclosure agreements, independent contractor agreements, and more.

Is the consultation confidential?

Yes. All consultations are strictly confidential, and we are bound by professional obligations to protect your privacy.

Getting Started

Protect your career and peace of mind by ensuring your employment contract is fair and compliant.

Urgent Service

While most appointments require 48 hours notice to allow time for our lawyer to review the contract, we understand that sometimes urgent deadlines mean that 48 hours is not available. Contact us at info@andromeda.law or 548-776-0070 to inquire whether an urgent appointment can be made.

Before you commit to your new role, let us help you navigate the complexities of your employment contract.

Book Your Contract Review Now