Looking for an employment contract lawyer in Surrey? Before signing a job offer or agreeing to changes at work, make sure you understand what you’re giving up.

An employment contract can affect your severance pay, salary, bonuses and ability to work for another company. The employment lawyers at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP help non-unionized employees in Surrey review contracts, challenge unfair terms and protect their rights.

⚠️ Before you sign, always check first. An employment agreement that looks standard could limit your severance pay or restrict your next job. Have it reviewed before accepting the terms.

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Employment Contract Review in Surrey

Don’t assume the terms in your employment agreement are fair or legally enforceable.

Our employment lawyers help Surrey employees with:

  • New job offers: Reviewing contracts before you accept a position.
  • Severance clauses: Identifying terms that could reduce your compensation if you’re fired.
  • Bonuses and commissions: Understanding how and when you’re paid.
  • Non-compete clauses: Reviewing restrictions on where you can work next.
  • Contract changes: Assessing new agreements, promotions and changes to your job.
  • Contract disputes: Challenging terms your employer may not be entitled to enforce.

A contract review before signing can help you avoid losing important rights later.

What Should You Check Before Signing an Employment Contract?

Pay particular attention to these terms:

  • Termination: Does the contract limit your BC severance pay to the legal minimum?
  • Probation: Could you lose important protections if you’re fired shortly after starting?
  • Compensation: Are your salary, bonuses and commissions clearly explained?
  • Non-compete: Does the agreement try to stop you from working for a competitor?
  • Job changes: Does your employer have broad powers to change your duties, pay or location?

Some clauses may be unenforceable under BC law, even if you agree to them.

Learn more about employment agreements in BC and whether non-compete clauses are enforceable in BC.

Already Signed an Employment Contract?

Signing an employment contract doesn’t automatically make every clause enforceable.

For example, your employer may claim that you’re only entitled to a few weeks of severance because of a termination clause in your agreement.

If that clause is unenforceable, you could be owed significantly more compensation.

Before accepting your employer’s interpretation, have the contract reviewed by an employment lawyer.

Before You Sign, Know What You're Giving Up.

An employment contract could limit your severance pay or restrict your next job. Have it reviewed before agreeing to the terms.

Get a Consultation

Can Your Employer Make You Sign a New Contract?

You don’t automatically have to accept a new employment agreement simply because your employer asks you to sign one.

Employers sometimes introduce new contracts during promotions, reorganizations or changes to compensation.

These agreements may reduce your severance rights, change how bonuses are paid or introduce restrictions on future employment.

Whether the new terms are enforceable depends on the agreement and circumstances, including whether you received something of value in return.

If you’re being pressured to sign, get legal advice before agreeing or refusing. A significant unilateral change to your job could also amount to constructive dismissal.

Employment Contract Lawyer Surrey: Frequently Asked Questions

Should I have a lawyer review my job offer before signing?

Yes. A lawyer can identify terms that may limit your severance, compensation or future career opportunities before you agree to them.

Can an employment contract limit severance pay in BC?

Yes, if the termination clause is legally enforceable. However, an invalid clause may leave you entitled to much more than the minimum termination pay required by law.

Are non-compete agreements enforceable in Surrey?

Sometimes. BC courts closely examine non-compete restrictions. Clauses that are unclear, unreasonable or unnecessarily broad may be unenforceable.

Can I negotiate my employment contract?

Yes. Before signing, you can ask your employer to revise terms involving pay, severance, probation periods or restrictions on future work.

Can my employer change my contract after I’ve started working?

Not every change can be imposed without your agreement. Significant changes to pay, duties or working conditions may affect your legal rights.

Speak With an Employment Contract Lawyer Serving Surrey

Whether you’re accepting a new job, reviewing changes to your employment agreement or dealing with a contract dispute, know your rights before making a decision.

Samfiru Tumarkin LLP helps non-unionized employees in Surrey, South Surrey, Cloverdale, Fleetwood, Guildford and surrounding communities understand their contracts and protect their compensation.

Before you sign, always check first.

➡️ Get a Consultation or call 1-855-821-5900.

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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