Need an employment contract lawyer in Vancouver? Before signing a new job offer, accepting changes to your employment agreement or leaving your current position, make sure you understand your rights.
An employment contract can affect your salary, bonuses, severance pay and ability to work for another employer. The Vancouver employment lawyers at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP help non-unionized employees review agreements, identify unfair terms and protect their careers.
⚠️ Before you sign, always check first. A contract that looks standard could limit your severance pay or restrict your next job. Have it reviewed before agreeing to the terms.
On This Page
- Employment Contract Review
- What Should You Check?
- Already Signed a Contract?
- Asked to Sign a New Contract?
- Why Speak to a Lawyer?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Get Legal Help
Employment Contract Review in Vancouver
An employment contract sets out the terms of your job. Some clauses protect your interests, while others can significantly reduce your rights.
Our employment lawyers help Vancouver employees with:
- New job offers: Reviewing employment agreements before you sign.
- Severance clauses: Identifying terms that may limit your compensation if you’re fired.
- Bonuses and commissions: Understanding how your compensation is calculated and paid.
- Non-compete agreements: Determining whether your employer can restrict your next job.
- Contract changes: Reviewing new agreements, promotions and changes to your role.
- Contract disputes: Challenging terms your employer may not be legally entitled to enforce.
You don’t need to wait until there’s a problem. Having your contract reviewed before signing can help prevent expensive disputes later.
What Should You Check Before Signing an Employment Contract?
Pay close attention to clauses that could cost you money or limit your career.
| Contract Clause | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Termination | Could limit your severance pay if you’re fired. |
| Bonus and Commission | May affect compensation during employment and after termination. |
| Probation | May affect your rights if you’re dismissed shortly after starting. |
| Non-Compete | May attempt to restrict where you can work after leaving. |
| Job Duties and Changes | May give your employer the ability to change important working terms. |
Learn more about employment agreements in BC and whether non-compete clauses are enforceable in BC.
Already Signed an Employment Contract? You May Still Have Rights.
Signing a contract doesn’t automatically make every clause enforceable.
In British Columbia, employment agreements must comply with employment standards legislation. Certain terms may also be unenforceable because they’re unclear or unreasonable.
For example, a termination clause may attempt to limit your severance to a few weeks when you could otherwise be entitled to months of compensation.
If the clause is unenforceable, you may be entitled to significantly more BC severance pay — as much as 24 months.
Don’t assume your employer’s interpretation of the contract is correct.
Can Your Employer Make You Sign a New Employment Contract?
You don’t automatically have to agree to a new employment contract simply because your employer asks you to sign one.
Employers sometimes introduce new agreements during promotions, reorganizations or changes to compensation.
A new contract could reduce your severance rights, introduce a non-compete clause or give your employer more control over your job.
Whether the new terms are enforceable can depend on what you agreed to and whether you received something of value in return.
Before signing, speak with an employment lawyer to understand what you may be giving up.
Why Choose Samfiru Tumarkin LLP for Employment Contract Advice?
An employment agreement can affect your income and career long after you’ve accepted a job.
Our Vancouver employment lawyers focus on representing employees, helping them understand their contracts and challenging terms that may unfairly limit their rights.
We can help you identify risks before signing, understand your options when an employer proposes changes and determine whether contractual restrictions are enforceable.
We assist non-unionized employees throughout Vancouver and the Lower Mainland.
Our goal is simple: Help you understand what you’re signing and protect what you’re entitled to.
Employment Contract Lawyer Vancouver: Frequently Asked Questions
Should I have a lawyer review my employment contract before signing?
Yes. A lawyer can identify terms that limit severance, bonuses or future employment opportunities before you’re bound by the agreement.
Can an employment contract limit my severance pay in BC?
Yes, if the termination clause is legally enforceable. However, a clause that doesn’t meet BC employment standards or has other legal defects may not limit your full severance rights.
Are non-compete clauses enforceable in Vancouver?
Sometimes. A non-compete clause must be clear, reasonable and justified. Many restrictions are too broad to enforce.
Can I negotiate my employment contract?
Yes. Before signing, you can ask your employer to change terms involving compensation, severance, probation period or restrictions on future work.
Can my employer change my contract after I’ve started working?
An employer can’t automatically impose every proposed change. Your existing agreement, the nature of the change and whether you agreed to new terms all matter.
Speak With an Employment Contract Lawyer in Vancouver
Whether you’re starting a new job, being asked to sign a revised agreement or dealing with a contract dispute, get legal advice before making a decision that could affect your career.
The Vancouver employment lawyers at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP can review your agreement, explain your rights and help protect your compensation and future opportunities.
Before you sign, always check first.
➡️ Get a Consultation or call 1-855-821-5900.