Services

Contracts

The employment contract is arguably the most important document defining the employment relationship. A poorly drafted employment contract can be costly and disastrous. A well drafted employment contract provides protection to individuals and businesses. Our firm offers the following:

  • Contract negotiations ranging from basic employment contracts to executive employment contracts
  • Drafting contracts, including executive employment contracts
  • Contract interpretation
  • Assist in resolving contract disputes

Human Resources

Next to employment contracts, human resource policies are essential in defining the employment relationship: it provides clarity to employees and affords protection to businesses. Our firm provides the following services:

  • Drafting comprehensive human resource policies in accordance with employment laws of the applicable jurisdiction(s).
  • In addition to compliance with applicable laws, our policies are designed to meet a business’s unique needs and workplace culture.

Employment Standards

Most employees are entitled to basic rights and benefits as outlined in employment standards legislation in each Canadian province. Employers are obligated to comply with the minimum standards outlined in employment standards legislation. Our firm advises on all aspects of the applicable minimum employment standards legislation in each Canadian jurisdiction and federally, which includes, but is not limited to the following matters:

  • Probationary employees
  • Wages
  • Benefits
  • Vacation time
  • Vacation pay
  • Statutory holidays and holiday pay
  • Leaves of Absence, which includes but is not limited to: pregnancy leave, medical leave, bereavement leave, reservist leave
  • Lay-offs
  • Terminations

Recruitment and Hiring Process

Advise on all aspects of the recruitment and hiring process, including:

  • Recruitment and selection
  • Interview process
  • Extending an offer
  • Employment contracts

Dismissals:

  • Review and advise on appropriate severance packages
  • Advise on "with cause" terminations
  • Constructive dismissal
  • Dismissals arising from restructuring
  • Mass terminations

Human Rights

Competent advice and representation on all aspects of human rights matters in employment, which includes but is not limited to the following:

  • Harassment
  • Accommodation in employment
  • Discrimination
  • Workplace Investigations

Accessibility in Employment

In Ontario, all businesses with at least one employee must ensure that they comply with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act 2005 S.O. 2005, CHAPTER 11 ("AODA") and its Regulation. This legislation imposes comprehensive obligations on Ontario businesses and a timeline for compliance. Failure to comply with these obligations within the timeline prescribed can result in exorbitant fines. This can be avoided with proper legal advice. Our firm provides comprehensive advice and materials on how to comply with the mandatory requirements outlined in this legislation, which includes, but is not limited to:

  • Training seminars on accessibility in employment
  • Establishing accessibility policies
  • Drafting accessibility plans

Occupational Health and Safety

Occupational Health and Safety legislation expects each organization to take an internal responsibility approach to compliance with health and safety in the workplace. This means that both the employer and employee have certain obligations, which must be met. Our firm provides comprehensive legal advice on compliance with the applicable occupational health and safety legislation.

Cross Border Compliance

Our firm provides advice to Companies outside Canada that have existing operations, or are considering starting operations in any Canadian jurisdiction.

Our clients share:

Ms. Carvery assisted me in reviewing a severance package. The first call was complimentary as I briefly explained my situation. She discussed some of the possible courses of action/outcomes/cost. At the end of the call, she was very pleasant and not pushy at all.

I have never used a lawyer before and was quite anxious. Several days later, I called her back to ask more questions which she answered without hesitation. I decided that I would have her represent me. During the process she was always available to answer any questions and explain them in detail, with patience. The end result was a great outcome! Ms. Carvery is very knowledgeable and experienced in dealing with Employment Law. She was able to achieve results that I had no idea I could have, and that my employer did not offer.

I would highly recommend the Carvery Law Firm to assist with any labour/employment issues.

Thank you, Ms. Carvery for being my counsel during a difficult time!

The Carvery Law Firm handled my complex and lengthy case with sensitivity and determination. Knowing that the support and honest approach to my case was always the priority allowed me to manage my expectations and set reasonable goals. By retaining their legal services and guidance I was afforded the opportunity to realize the outcomes that I had envisioned. The Carvery Law Firm was instrumental in obtaining the peace of mind that I had pursued every avenue to obtain justice. Ms. Sumitha Carvery's understanding of the importance of what I required allowed her to be an excellent advocate for me. I would highly recommend The Carvery Law Firm to anyone looking for an honest and knowledgeable representative.

Ms. Carvery is such a nice lawyer. She helped me with my case smoothly. She showed empathy, competency of the law and kindness while being professional. She suggested the best method for my case, achieved what I was aiming for, and she is very knowledgeable. Overall, I highly recommend the Carvery Law Firm.

I would like people to know that Sumitha is an amazing person as well as an amazing lawyer. She helped through my arbitration with my employer even though I had a union and the union paid for my lawyer. I hired Sumitha myself just to make sure I wasn’t getting ripped off as I did not have full confidence in the union or the lawyer they had hired for my case. Sumitha told me exactly how my case was going to play out after she reviewed most of the evidence. Believe it or not 13 months later the judge made a ruling in my favour giving me exactly what Sumitha told me was going happen. If i were in a bad situation again I would not hesitate to call Sumitha. Thank you for being there for me and I really appreciate the calls you would take even though you weren’t on the clock.
Sumitha represented me in a severance resolution. From the first meeting she impressed me by her professional demeanor and her keen insight to the specifics of the law. My settlement was secured quickly and exceeded my expectations. I attribute the success to Sumitha's abilities and I recommend her ...
I recently had the opportunity of working with Sumitha Carvery and found her to be very professional, very personable, very knowledgeable and with the highest integrity. As a result I would not hesitate to recommend her to others.
I found that Sumitha Carvery and her law firm provided excellent service. I was given the type of personal service you want when dealing with any legal issue. I received exceptional counsel that was clear, concise and informative, which gave me the opportunity to make decisive decisions. Although I was the “client” I felt like I was more then that, and that there was genuine care and concern for my situation. I would not hesitate to hire her again and highly recommend her to anyone require who her expertise in labour law.
Sumitha is a consumate professional. Her complete knowledge of the law, and ability to express it brought our case to a quick and amicable close. We are completely thrilled with the settlement Sumitha attained for us. Sumitha’s approach brought great results in a very short time. We are sure this saved us much angst, and many dollars. We highly recomend her to anyone needing legal services,and will continue our association with her. June 16, 2013
Top qualities: Great Results, Expert
Ms. Carvery is an amazing lawyer. From the outset, she made me feel at ease when I found myself in the midst of a difficult legal situation. She is very knowledgeable and provided me with clear and helpful legal advice by explaining each issue, step-by-step, so I had a clear understanding of my situation and how best to proceed. Additionally, she accommodated my schedule and needs in providing such advice. I would highly recommend her to anyone that needs legal counsel.