Lior Samfiru

B.A. (Hons.), LL.B.

National Co-Managing Partner

Practice Areas

Employment Law

Location

Calgary, Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver

Championing Workplace Rights

Lior Samfiru is a trailblazer in Canadian employment law, serving as the National Co-Managing Partner at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP and the head of the firm’s Labour & Employment Law Group. With a career marked by relentless advocacy and groundbreaking legal victories, Lior has cemented his status as one of Canada’s foremost employment lawyers. His passion for justice and his unwavering commitment to his clients set him apart in the legal landscape.

A Legacy of Advocacy and Success

Lior’s journey in law is defined by his dedication to resolving workplace conflicts and protecting the rights of employees and employers alike. His expertise spans all facets of employment law, including wrongful dismissal, severance pay, workplace harassment, and disability accommodations. Known for his “no-nonsense” approach, Lior consistently delivers practical and effective solutions for his clients, navigating the complexities of the legal system with skill and precision.

His impressive track record includes numerous successful mediations and court cases, and he regularly represents clients before the highest courts, including the Supreme Court of Canada. Lior’s legal prowess and strategic acumen have earned him widespread recognition, with peers and legal publications frequently naming him among the Best Employment Lawyers in Canada. Read reviews about Lior.

Serving Clients Across Provinces

Lior’s team has established a reputation as a leading employment law firm serving clients in Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia, through offices in Toronto, Ottawa, Calgary and Vancouver. Samfiru Tumarkin LLP’s understanding of the unique legal landscapes in these provinces ensures that clients receive expert representation tailored to their specific needs and circumstances.

A Commitment to Clients

Lior’s success is driven by his deep commitment to his clients. He and his team at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP prioritize accessibility and client satisfaction, ensuring that every individual receives personalized and effective legal representation. His straightforward and practical approach has earned him the trust and respect of clients and colleagues alike.

Areas of Expertise

Lior’s practice encompasses a wide range of employment and labour law, including but not limited to:

Innovator and Educator

Lior’s contributions to the field extend beyond the courtroom.

He is the creator of the Pocket Employment Lawyer and Severance Pay Calculator, innovative online tools that empowers Canadians to understand and enforce their employment rights. These resources reflect Lior’s commitment to accessibility and justice, providing individuals with the knowledge they need to seek fair treatment and compensation.

Public Engagement

Lior Samfiru is a leading legal voice, bringing crucial employment law issues to the forefront through several widely popular shows:

  • Employment Law Show on TV: Airing on Global Television and CTV, this show addresses the most pressing employment law issues, debunking common myths and empowering viewers with essential knowledge about their workplace rights. Each episode highlights topics that are often misunderstood, helping employees and employers navigate the complex legal landscape with confidence

Watch Episodes

  • Ask a Lawyer on CP24: Every Wednesday night, Lior visits CP24 to provide invaluable insights into employment rights and how to enforce them. This engaging show reaches millions of viewers across the GTA, offering practical advice and expert analysis on a wide range of employment issues.

WATCH CP24

  • Employment Law Show on Radio: Since its debut in 2013, this radio program has become a trusted source of information for listeners across Canada. Broadcast on major stations like Newstalk 1010 and 640 Toronto, the show has fielded thousands of listener questions, addressing real-life employment law challenges and providing clear, actionable solutions.

LISTEN: ONTARIO LISTEN: WESTERN CANADA

Strong Media Presence

Lior Samfiru is a prominent figure in the media, frequently sought after for his expertise in Canadian employment law. His insights and commentary have been featured in numerous high-profile outlets locally and internationally, making him a trusted voice on legal issues nationwide:

  • The Canadian Press
  • CBC News
  • Global News
  • CTV
  • CP24
  • CityNews
  • The Toronto Star
  • National Post
  • Globe and Mail
  • Huffington Post
  • Vice News
  • Law Times
  • Canadian HR Reporter
  • 680 News
  • Newstalk 1010
  • 640 Toronto
  • Q107
  • Boom 97.3
  • 980 CKNW
  • Newstalk 580 CFRA
  • 770 CHQR
  • 630 CHED
  • AM900 CHML
  • Newstalk 610 CKTB
  • 570 News
  • Zoomer Radio AM740
  • And more

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Articles & Insights

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Legal Publications

In addition to his legal practice, Lior is a co-author of “Termination of Employment,” a definitive guide on wrongful dismissal that serves as an essential resource for professionals navigating employment law. His writings and lectures on various labour law topics further establish him as a thought leader and educator.

Lior Samfiru has written extensively on employment and labour law, contributing columns to various publications across Canada. His expertise is showcased in his weekly articles for GlobalNews.ca, where he provides clear, actionable insights on critical legal issues. Lior’s lectures and writings are valuable resources for both legal professionals and the general public, helping to demystify complex employment law topics.

Education

Lior Samfiru has enhanced his expertise with a prestigious program in negotiation and leadership at Harvard Law School.

He has also imparted his knowledge to future legal professionals by teaching employment law courses at Loyalist College.

More from Lior Samfiru

The latest articles, episodes, news and contributions from one of Canada's top employment & labour lawyers.

The Employment Law Show

Employment Law Show - TV October 8th, 2021

5 Common Questions About Termination (And answers you need) | Employment Law Show TV – S6 E03

By Lior Samfiru

5 COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT TERMINATION, unpaid overtime pay, deadline to pursue severance and more on Season 6 Episode 03 of the Employment…

View Episode
View The Employment Law Show

Blog

Headshot of employment lawyer Lior Samfiru to the left of the Global News logo, which hovers above a dark blue band across the bottom of the image bearing the Samfiru Tumarkin LLP logo.
Employment Law September 24th, 2021

Work: What’s Next | What should employees look for in an employment contract?

By Lior Samfiru

Employment lawyer Lior Samfiru joins Global News in Work What's Next to discuss what to look for in an employment agreement.

Read Article
View Blog

The Employment Law Show

A headshot of Employment Lawyer Alex Lucifero, Partner at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, to the right of the Employment Law Show logo. He hosts the show on Newstalk 580 CFRA in Ottawa, Ontario.

Employment Hour 580 CFRA – S2 E15

By Alex C. Lucifero

Employment lawyer Alex Lucifero takes your phone calls on S2 E15 of the Employment Law Show on Newstalk 580 CFRA in Ottawa.

Listen Now
View The Employment Law Show

See What Lior's Clients Are Saying

I can honestly say that I was enormously appreciative of the guidance and professionalism they conduct themselves with it was really reassuring for someone who had never gone through this process before.
James Pearson VP of Sales at Telus Communications
  • 5 / 5
Review from
I highly recommend Lior Samfiru and his experienced team. It was my first time hiring an employment lawyer and I’m very thankful for my daughter’s recommendation. He went above and beyond in order to secure me the best possible outcome!
Shewana S.
  • 5 / 5
Review from
Lior Samfiru was hired to represent us after we heard of his expertise. He demonstrated exceptional knowledge, was timely and professional, and helped us make grounded decisions. I recommend Samfiru Tumarkin LLP with no reservations.
David Bastien VP Finance, University of Toronto Medical Society
  • 5 / 5
Review from
When I was let go from my job, I was at a loss. A call to Lior and his staff was a move in the right direction. While it is a difficult experience I know that there is a sympathetic and professional ear to listen and give advice.
Marc Roberts
  • 5 / 5
Review from
I had only positive experiences dealing with this law firm. They always give you thought-through advice. I recommend it to everyone who needs legal assistance on employment law and reviewing employment-related documents.
Vladimir M.
  • 5 / 5
Review from

Advice You Need. Compensation You Deserve.

Consult with Samfiru Tumarkin LLP. We are one of Canada's most experienced and trusted employment, labour and disability law firms. Take advantage of our years of experience and success in the courtroom and at the negotiating table.

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