Employee handbook and workplace policies
Drafting or updating an employee handbook that meets Ontario's current requirements.
What is included
- Drafts employment contracts, contractor agreements and termination clauses
- Prepares workplace policies and handbooks that meet Ontario requirements
- Advises on terminations, packages and group layoffs before they happen
- Conducts or advises on workplace investigations
- Defends claims, complaints and Ministry orders
What is not included
- Court or tribunal fees, reports and other disbursements
- Tax or pension calculations, unless the lawyer agrees to provide them
- Steps beyond the scope confirmed in writing, such as a trial or an appeal
- Work by NEO Legal Services: NEO is a paralegal firm and only makes the referral
Who this service is for
- Employers hiring, restructuring or ending employment
- Employers responding to a claim, complaint or order
- Growing businesses updating contracts and policies
Information to have ready
- 1Current contracts, policies and handbook
- 2Number of employees and where they work
- 3Details of the employee or situation involved
- 4Any claim, complaint or order received
How a referral works
- 1Tell us in a few words what the matter is about, and who else is involved, so we can check for a conflict of interest.
- 2We recommend an Ontario lawyer for your matter, and at least one other you could choose instead.
- 3The lawyer runs their own conflict check, confirms the scope and quotes the fee, normally in a written retainer agreement.
- 4You pay the lawyer's fee to the lawyer. Any referral fee comes out of it, is disclosed to you in writing, and never increases what you pay.
NEO Legal Services Professional Corporation is a licensed paralegal firm, not a law firm. Every step of a referral, and your rights
Frequently asked questions
What does the lawyer charge?
A typical Ontario fee for this service is $2,500–$8,000, plus HST. The lawyer quotes the actual fee before any work starts. You pay the lawyer directly; the referral itself costs you nothing.
Should I sign the severance package I was offered?
Not before getting advice. Depending on your contract, you may be entitled to more than the minimum under the Employment Standards Act, 2000, and signing a release usually gives up further claims.
What is constructive dismissal?
It may happen when an employer makes a major change to your job without your agreement, such as a large pay cut or demotion, or allows a toxic workplace. The lawyer can assess whether the facts may support a claim.
Do I have to look for a new job after I am dismissed?
Usually, yes. Dismissed employees are generally expected to make reasonable efforts to find similar work, and this can affect damages, so keep a record of your job search.
General information only, not legal advice. NEO Legal Services Professional Corporation is a licensed paralegal firm regulated by the Law Society of Ontario.
Important limitations
- No settlement amount or result can be guaranteed
- Deadlines keep running while you choose a lawyer
- Federally regulated workplaces, such as banks and airlines, are covered by federal laws, such as the Canada Labour Code, rather than Ontario's Employment Standards Act, 2000
PIPEDA-compliant⚖️ By-Law 9 trust accounting checks🛡️ Professional liability insured✅ LSO-licensed paralegal🔐 256-bit AES Encryption📋 Working toward WCAG 2.1 AA🇨🇦 Ontario-based firm🕒 SOC 2-audited hosting providers📄 CASL Compliant💻 Secure Client Portal📊 Transparent Fixed Fees🔍 Verified Google Reviews🤝 Free Initial Consultation🏛️ Law Society of Ontario📜 Professional Corporation🔏 Confidential by professional duty🌐 Province-Wide Service💬 Court interpreters in most languages⏱️ Same-Day Intake Response🗂️ Paperless Document Vault🔄 Real-Time Case Tracking🎓 Honours paralegal graduate · LLB in progress📱 Mobile-friendly client portal🧾 Upfront, written fees🔗 TLS 1.3 Secure Connections🛂 ID checks at sign-up (By-Law 7.1)🧑⚖️ Paralegal Scope of Practice📆 Flexible Appointment Booking💼 Small Business Friendly
