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Leave of Absence

A leave of absence allows employees to be able to take unpaid and, in some instances, paid, time off from work. An employee may be eligible for a leave of absence regardless if they are full-time, part-time, permanent, or term contract. The various laws in Canada protect employees from being discriminated against for taking a leave of absence.

At Zeilikman Law, we approach leave of absence issues with logical and creative solutions. Our lawyers are, professional, friendly, and determined. We have the know-how to navigate through the psychology of any given leave of absence dispute.

Job-Protected Leaves

In Ontario, certain types of leaves are not discretionary, and therefore employees have a legal right to take time off work. Under the Employment Standards Act, an individual may have the right to take time off in the following situations:

  • Pregnancy

  • Parental

  • Personal emergency

  • Family caregiver

  • Family medical

  • Critical illness

  • Organ donor

  • Reservist

  • Child death or crime-related child disappearance leave.

What are my rights when taking a leave of absence?

Currently, some minimums are specified in legislation regarding an employee’s entitlement to take a leave of absence. These minimums cannot be contracted out of. For each of these non-discretionary leaves of absence, their length and eligibility criteria might vary.

Leave of absence

For example, there may be specified criteria about how many days of the leave of absence would be required to be paid, and how many can be unpaid.

An employer can pay more than the required amount of days. However, it is not mandatory. On the other hand, under the Employment Standards Act, an employee has the right to continue to participate in the employer’s group benefit plan, such as health insurance, dental plans, and accidental death.

Most importantly, once the non-discretionary leave has ended, employees are entitled to be reinstated to their employment. In the event that the employee’s position was eliminated, the employer will be required to reinstate the employee in a comparable position.

How can Zeilikman Law help?

If you have questions or concerns regarding your legal entitlement to take a leave of absence, contact one of the experienced lawyers today to discuss your options.

Request a consultation today!

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.