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Labour & Employment Law Blog

What To Do If You Have Been Fired

Zeilikman Law

Zeilikman Law

What To Do If You Have Been Fired

If you have been fired from your job in Ontario, a lawyer may be able to help you in a number of ways:

  1. Review your employment contract: A lawyer can review your employment contract to determine if your employer followed proper termination procedures and if you are entitled to a better severance package than originally offered.
  2. Determine if you have a case for wrongful dismissal: If you were terminated without cause and your employer did not follow proper termination procedures, a lawyer can help you determine if you have a case for wrongful dismissal. A lawyer can advise you on your legal rights and help you take legal action if necessary.
  3. Negotiate a severance package: A lawyer can help you negotiate a fair severance package if you are entitled to one. A lawyer can also advise you on the terms of any severance agreement and ensure that your rights are protected.
  4. File a complaint with the Ministry of Labour: If you believe that your employer terminated you for reasons that are in breach of provincial statutory standards and a civil action is not worth pursuing, a lawyer can help you file a complaint with the Ministry of Labour.
  5. Represent you in court: A lawyer can represent you in court by commencing a lawsuit on your behalf and advocating for you up to and including trial and on appeal.

In general, a lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options and guide you through the process of seeking redress for being fired from your job in Ontario.

Fired from your job? 10 Tips on what to do next. Being fired from a job can be a difficult and stressful experience. Here are ten tips on what to do next:

  1. Stay calm: It’s important to take a deep breath and stay calm. Being fired can be emotional, but it’s important to remain level-headed and avoid reacting in the heat of the moment.
  2. Ask for feedback: Ask your employer for feedback on why you were fired. This can help you understand the reasons behind the decision.
  3. Review your employment contract: Review your employment contract to ensure that your employer followed proper termination procedures and that you receive any severance pay or benefits that you are entitled to. It is highly possible that your employment contract has unlawfully limited your rights upon dismissal, and you could potentially be entitled to a lot more than what the employment contract stipulates.
  4. If provided with a severance package in exchange for a full and final release, do not sign anything until you have consulted an employment lawyer. Further, do not be frightened by an “acceptance deadline” – these deadlines are artificial and are typically imposed to pressure the employee into accepting less than what they are entitled to at law.
  5. Update your resume and network: Reach out to friends, colleagues, and contacts in your industry for job leads and referrals.
  6. Apply for employment insurance benefits: Apply for employment insurance benefits if you are in need of income as soon as possible to help support yourself financially during your job search.
  7. Stay positive: Maintain a positive attitude and focus on taking reasonable efforts in finding a new job. Remember that being dismissed from work does not define your worth or abilities as a worker.
  8. Take a break: Take some reasonable time to relax and recharge. Use the opportunity to do things you enjoy and explore new hobbies.
  9. Consider professional help: Consider seeking professional help, such as career counseling or therapy, to help you cope with the emotional impact of being fired and navigate your job search.
  10. Learn from the experience: Use the experience of being fired as an opportunity to learn and grow. Reflect on what you can do differently in your next job to avoid similar issues or challenges.

The above article is for general information purposes only, does not constitute legal advice or create a solicitor-client relationship. Because each case is unique and factually driven, if you have concerns with regard to the foregoing issues, please make an appointment with one of our lawyers or a qualified legal practitioner elsewhere. We represent clients in the Greater Toronto Area including Toronto, North York, Markham, Vaughan, Thornhill, Newmarket, Aurora, Brampton, Mississauga, Barrie, Ajax, Whitby, Pickering and Oshawa.

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.