Checking pay records for minimum wage and overtime compliance.
An Employment Standards claim must usually be filed within two years of the wages becoming due or the violation; after filing, the Ministry sets the timing. Ontario Licensed paralegal firm (LSO P21785)
What is included
Checking which Employment Standards Act, 2000 rights apply to you
Calculating the amounts that may be owed
Preparing a letter to the employer, where it helps
Preparing and filing the claim with the Ministry of Labour
Supporting you through the Employment Standards Officer's investigation
What is not included
Court claims over the $50,000 Small Claims Court limit, which a lawyer must handle
Court or tribunal fees and other disbursements
Hearings, reviews or appeals beyond the step described
Union grievances, which usually go through the union under the collective agreement
Who this service is for
Employees owed wages, overtime, vacation pay or termination pay
Employees who were dismissed or think they were constructively dismissed
Employees offered a severance package or a new contract
Small employers who want to follow Ontario's employment rules
Information to have ready
1Pay stubs and records of the hours you worked
2Your contract or offer letter
3Any termination letter and your Record of Employment
4Your employer's legal name and address
5Messages with your employer about the issue
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost?+
The fee is $250 plus 13% HST ($282.50 in all) for the work described on this page. Court, tribunal or government fees and other disbursements are extra. We confirm the scope and the fee in a written retainer agreement before any work starts.
What happens when I check out?+
You book a time for your intake call, then save a card on Stripe's secure page. Nothing is charged today: the card is only charged later, for an invoice for work already done, as your retainer agreement sets out. A licensed paralegal confirms the details, checks for conflicts of interest and, if we can act for you, sends the retainer agreement. Fees paid before the work is done are held in our trust account.
Can I file a claim if I am in a union?+
Usually not. Unionized employees generally enforce these rights through a grievance under the collective agreement.
Will a claim stop me from suing later?+
It can. Filing a claim for termination or severance pay may prevent a court claim for the same dismissal, so choose the route carefully.
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 outcome can be guaranteed; the decision-maker decides
Small Claims Court can award at most $50,000
Deadlines, often two years, must be met
Court claims over the $50,000 Small Claims Court limit and any other employment work outside a licensed paralegal's scope are referred to an Ontario lawyer.