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Zeilikman Law 101

Civil LItigation

Civil Litigation in General

Civil litigation deals with the procedural rights and obligations of individuals who are involved in private disputes. Typical categories of dispute in the civil litigation context include wrongful dismissal, personal injury, contract breach, defamation, negligence, business disputes, confidentiality issues, violations of fiduciary duty and professional malpractice.

In Ontario, civil litigation is governed by a set of rules called the Rules of Civil Procedure (the “Rules”). These Rules provide the framework for the resolution or disposition of civil conflicts. A party that commences a claim, (or “sues” someone), is known as the “plaintiff.” The party defending the allegations of the plaintiff is called the “defendant.”

A civil dispute usually ends by way of a settlement, judgment, or an order. It may also be dismissed due to various procedural considerations.

Labour and Employment Law

People often use the words “labour” and “employment” law interchangeably. However, while both concepts deal with rules that govern work relations, the former area of practice generally deals with unionized employees and the collective bargaining regime while the latter does not.

At common law the employment relationship between the employer and employee is governed by the “employment contract.” The employment contract is a special kind of contract. This is because unlike a “typical” commercial contract – one involving a written agreement with defined terms – an employment contract might change over the course of the employment relationship. However, as with any contract, the parties have to decide on the essential terms of the agreement and something of value has to be exchanged for the employment contract to be formed. An employment contract may be entered into verbally or in writing.

When it comes to “labour law,” once a workplace is guaranteed the protection of a union, employees become subject to the “collective bargaining” regime with the employer. This means that the union serves as an advocate for those employees falling within the bargaining unit. One can say that while most litigation relating to dismissed employees deals with the breakdown in the employment relationship, a collective agreement serves to preserve such a relationship and address disputes while trying to keep the employment relationship alive.

Although unionized employees are oftentimes more protected than their non-unionized counterparts, the vast majority of employees in Canada are not unionized.

Zeilikman Law routinely represents both employers and employees and strongly advises the reader to seek the help of a licensed Ontario lawyer in the event of a labour or employment dispute. We would be happy to provide you with a consultation.

Employment contract

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Legal Receptionist

Zeilikman Law is an employment law firm located in Vaughan, Ontario. We are looking to hire a legal receptionist to join our firm. Preference will be given to candidates who have experience working as a receptionist at another law firm.

Location: Vaughan, Ontario.

Start Date: Immediately.

Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. Full time. In-person only. This is not a remote work position.

Wages: 35,000 to 40,000 per year.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Manage our firm’s multi-line telephone system to receive incoming calls.  Screen incoming telephone call inquiries to determine the nature of the telephone call and provide standard information related to our legal services.  Take and deliver messages and route incoming telephone calls to the appropriate staff person.
  • Answer general inquiries coming from the firm’s social media and website email.
  • Welcome in-person visitors upon arrival.  Direct visitors to the appropriate staff person and / or office or boardroom.
  • Organize in-person visitor schedule to prevent overlap and multiple bookings.
  • Receive, sort, and distribute daily mail and deliveries.
  • Arrange for couriers.
  • Keep front reception, kitchenette area and boardroom tidy.
  • Perform various clerical duties such as filing, photocopying, and faxing on an as-needed basis.
  • Process client or other payments.
  • May be asked to run minor errands outside of office such as attending post office to arrange a courier or pick up mail.
  • May be asked to assist other law clerks or lawyers of the firm as required and as appropriate.
  • Any other basic administrative duties or tasks as deemed appropriate.

Required Skills:

  • Basic knowledge of general office procedures including filing, faxing, and printing and copying.
  • Basic word processing computer skills.
  • Proficient in receptionist and telephone practices, etiquette, and decorum.
  • Professional attitude and appearance.
  • Excellent organizational skills.
  • Positive customer service attitude is a must.
  • Must be able to maintain confidential and sensitive information.

Education and Experience:

  • Highschool diploma or equivalent.
  • 1 – 2 years’ experience in an office setting with an emphasis in accounting, reception or clerical work is required.   We would prefer experience in a law firm environment.

Applications for this position should be sent via email to jennifer@zeilikmanlaw.com. All applications should include a cover letter, resume and at least two references. Only successful candidates will be contacted.