Employment Law

Severance Review Lawyers in BC

When an employer offers a severance package, having a lawyer review it before you sign can make a significant difference to your outcome. BC employment law providers can assess whether a severance offer is reasonable and advise on your options. This page is for general informational purposes only — BCLegalServices.ca is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice.

For general information only. BCLegalServices.ca is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice.

What Employment Law Providers Can Help With

Reviewing severance package offers
Assessing common law notice entitlements
Negotiating enhanced severance terms
Reviewing termination agreement releases
Advising on continuation of benefits
Assessing non-compete and non-solicitation clauses in separation agreements
Advising on tax implications of severance
Advising on Employment Insurance (EI) eligibility after termination

Employment Law Providers in BC

law firm

YLaw Group

Vancouver — 580-1122 Mainland Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 5L1

A family, estate, and immigration law firm in Vancouver offering personalized legal solutions across multiple practice areas.

law firm

KSW Lawyers

Surrey — 7565 132 St #220, Surrey, BC V3W 1K5

A Surrey law firm providing legal services in real estate, employment law, and other areas to clients throughout the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley.

law firm

FH&P Lawyers LLP

Kelowna — 400 – 1628 Dickson Ave, Kelowna, BC V1Y 9X1

FH&P Lawyers LLP is a mid-size Okanagan Valley law firm with offices in Kelowna, West Kelowna, and Penticton, providing a range of legal services to commercial and private clients.

legal clinicLegal Aid

Okanagan Thompson Legal Clinic

Kelowna — 201-1633 Ellis St, Kelowna, BC V1Y 2A8

The Okanagan Thompson Legal Clinic provides free legal advice and representation to low-income individuals in various areas of law.

law firm

Doak Shirreff Lawyers LLP

Kelowna — 200-537 Leon Ave, Kelowna, BC

Doak Shirreff Lawyers LLP is a full-service law firm in Kelowna, BC, providing practical legal services in various areas including personal injury, business law, and family law.

law firm

Linley Welwood LLP

Abbotsford — 2692 Clearbrook Rd #305, Abbotsford, BC V2T 2Y8

Linley Welwood LLP is an Abbotsford-based law firm offering a full suite of legal services with over 125 years of combined experience. They focus on providing efficient and creative solutions for t...

law firm

RDM Lawyers LLP

Abbotsford — 33695 South Fraser Way Abbotsford BC V2S 2C1

RDM Lawyers LLP is a community-based, full-service law firm in Abbotsford, providing legal advice, assistance, and advocacy for families, homeowners, and business owners for over 50 years.

law firm

MacAdams Law Firm

Abbotsford — 205 Gladwin Centre 2955 Gladwin Road Abbotsford, BC V2T 5T4, Canada

MacAdams Law Firm has provided litigation services in the Abbotsford area since 1988, specializing in employment litigation, business litigation, and professional negligence.

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Questions to Ask Before Hiring

1
Is the severance offer I received reasonable given my years of service and position?
2
What does the release in my severance agreement mean for my future rights?
3
Can the severance amount be negotiated upward?
4
Are there any clauses in the agreement I should be concerned about?
5
How long do I have to decide whether to accept the offer?
6
What are my options if I decline the severance offer?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in a typical severance package in BC?

A severance package typically includes pay in lieu of notice (covering the notice period), continuation of benefits during the notice period, and sometimes a release of claims. The amount depends on factors including length of service, age, position, and the employment contract. Packages may also include outplacement support or other terms.

Is the severance offer my employer made me fair?

Whether a severance offer is fair depends on your specific circumstances, including your length of service, age, position, and the terms of your employment contract. An employment lawyer can assess whether the offer meets or exceeds your legal entitlements. Many employees find that their initial offer is below what they are entitled to.

What is a release and why does my employer want me to sign one?

A release is a legal document in which you agree to give up your right to make future legal claims against your employer in exchange for the severance payment. Employers include releases to achieve certainty and finality. You should have a lawyer review any release before signing, as it is generally binding once executed.

Can I collect Employment Insurance after being terminated in BC?

Generally, employees who are terminated without cause are eligible to apply for Employment Insurance (EI) benefits. Employees who resign or are terminated for serious misconduct may not be eligible. The amount and duration of EI benefits depends on your insurable earnings and the regional unemployment rate.

What is the difference between ESA severance and common law severance?

The Employment Standards Act (ESA) sets out minimum severance entitlements based on length of service. Common law notice entitlements, determined by courts, are typically greater and consider additional factors like age, position, and availability of similar work. Unless your employment contract limits you to ESA minimums, you may be entitled to more than the ESA minimum.

Disclaimer: This page is for general informational purposes only. BCLegalServices.ca is an independent directory and is not a law firm. We do not provide legal advice, and nothing on this page creates a lawyer-client relationship. Provider listings are compiled from publicly available sources and may not be current. Always verify provider information directly and consult a qualified BC lawyer for your specific situation. Read our full disclaimer.