Jon Pinkus
M.A., J.D.
Partner
Contact Information
Contact Jon
T: 1 (844) 661-9065 (Ext.144)
F: (416) 361-0993
E: jon.pinkus@stlawyers.ca
Contact Assistant Chantal MacLeod
T: 1 (844) 661-9065 (Ext. 219)
F: (416) 361-0993
E: chantal.macleod@stlawyers.ca
Practice Areas
Employment Law
Location
Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver
Your Resolute Advocate
Jon Pinkus, a Partner at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, stands out as a premier employment lawyer, celebrated for his relentless dedication and exceptional client service. Operating within the firm’s Labour and Employment Law practice group through the Toronto, Ottawa and Vancouver offices, Jon represents clients across Ontario and British Columbia with a resolute commitment to achieving justice and favorable outcomes.
Jon’s practice covers a comprehensive range of employment matters, including:
- Wrongful dismissals
- Constructive dismissals
- Severance negotiations
- Human rights issues
- Employment standards
- Employment contract negotiations
- Terminations without and for cause
- Discrimination and harassment at work
A Legacy of Success
Jon has earned a reputation for his tenacious approach and personalized legal strategies that consistently yield successful outcomes for his clients. His knack for delivering prompt resolutions without compromising on quality and professionalism is widely recognized. Clients appreciate Jon’s methodical and strategic assertiveness, combined with his empathetic communication, which provides reassurance during challenging times.
Jon boasts a remarkable track record of representing clients successfully before the Ontario Labour Relations Board, the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario, and all levels of court in Ontario, including the Court of Appeal.
Client-centric Approach
Clients praise Jon for his exceptional responsiveness, often noting his constant availability. They appreciate his ability to explain complex legal concepts clearly, making them feel empowered and confident in their decisions. Jon’s genuine empathy and dedication to his clients’ well-being set him apart, as he goes above and beyond to ensure their emotional and professional recovery. His ability to secure better-than-expected settlements has earned him a reputation for excellence and unwavering client advocacy.
Professional Journey and Personal Interests
Jon’s background at a boutique employment law firm in Toronto has refined his ability to develop personalized and pragmatic solutions for both employees and employers.
Outside of his legal practice, Jon enjoys skiing and playing music, balancing his professional achievements with personal passions that reflect his dynamic personality. He is a former ski instructor, a guitarist, and a classically trained pianist.
Don’t face your employment issues alone. Reach out to Jon Pinkus today for a consultation and let his expertise and dedication work for you. Your path to justice and peace of mind starts here.
Notable Cases
Jon has secured several court victories for both employees and employers. His representative work includes:
Dufault v. Ignace (Township)
Jon and the team at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP secured more than $150,000 for our client after successfully arguing at the Ontario Court of Appeal that the termination clause in her employment contract wasn’t legally enforceable — entitling her to the balance of the agreement.
Pham v. Qualified Metal Fabricators
Jon and National Practice Leader David Vaughan achieved a groundbreaking and precedent-setting victory. They successfully argued that their client’s silence during a temporary layoff — even after multiple extensions — did not equate to consent.
Papp v. Stokes
A landmark ruling that affirms that employers can and should provide honest job references without the looming fear of liability for defamation lawsuits. Jon’s adept handling of the case has fortified the integrity of professional references, benefiting both employers and employees across the industry.
Hoekstra v. Rehability Occupational Therapy
Jon for an employee whose disability tragically became permanent, leading to a “frustration of contract.” When the employer heartlessly refused to provide the rightfuld severance pay, Jon’s relentless dedication and legal prowess compelled the court to award the employee the full amounts, securing justice and financial stability for his client.
Nemirovski v. SoCast Inc.
Jon secured a remarkable 9 months’ pay for an employee with less than 2 years of service. Faced with the significant hurdles imposed by a restrictive non-competition agreement, Jon’s strategic acumen triumphed, ensuring his client received the compensation they deserved despite the challenging circumstances.
Radio Hosting
The Employment Law Show on Radio
Jon is often called upon to host the Employment Law Show on Global News Radio 640 Toronto and 980 CFPL in London, which airs Mondays and Wednesdays at 7 p.m. ET. He provides valuable insight to employees and employers, and answers caller questions about workplace rights on the employment law show heard across Canada.
Interviews & Media
Jon is regularly called upon by professional associations and media outlets, including CTV Toronto and Global News, to share his insights about current developments in the law. Jon’s publications and feature interviews include:
2023
- Toronto employment lawyer on York U employee insurance fraud – CityNews
- John Tory Resignation and Employment Law – CP24
- John Tory and Consent in the Workplace – Toronto Star
- Dating Coworkers and John Tory Resignation – CTV News
- Job Postings and Salary Transparency – Newstalk 1010
- Employees Forced to Work When Sick – 770 CHQR
- $100K Cap and Salary Disclosure Legislation – 640 Toronto
- Impact of Ontario Salary Disclosure Legislation – Global News
- HHS Worker Fired Over Performance – Canadian HR Reporter
- Salary Disclosure and AI in Ontario Job Postings – CTV News
- Mass Layoffs and Remote Employee Rights – Canadian HR Reporter
- Working With Sick Colleagues & COVID Policies – Global News
- Tide Turning on Vaccine Mandates & Terminations – National Post
- EI Denials and Vaccine Refusals – Newstalk 1010
- Tech Layoffs and Rights for Employees – Global News
2022
- Jon Pinkus with CTV talks CUPE strike, removing Bill 28, and what comes next – CTV News
- Paying back CERB, 1 in 3 dating coworkers – 640 Toronto
- Employment lawyer on CTV discussing legalities of Freshii outsourcing – CTV News
- Freshii job outsourcing and employer obligations – Toronto Star
- Employment lawyer on asking customers to mask at businesses – Toronto Star
- An employment lawyer breaks down abandoning employment and working from home – CityNews Toronto
- Employment lawyer on bosses forcing staff back to the office – 640 Toronto
- ‘Illegal’: Employment lawyer reacts to firing of 500 GoodLife Fitness trainers – Global News
- Severance denied to GoodLife Fitness employees due to refusal to respond to email – CTV News
- Jon Pinkus, Global News Radio, vaccine mandate updates – Global News
- Emerging wrongful dismissal cases and rights for unvaccinated workers – CTV News
- Employee rights as the summer job season approaches – 640 Toronto
2021
- Kellog’s offers support for employees regarding pregnancy – Global News
- Jon Pinkus, Global News Radio, gig workers rights and more – Global News
- “Right to disconnect law is toothless and vague”: Employment lawyer on Bill 27 – Toronto Star
- Employment lawyer on pay reductions, relocating, and working from home – 640 Toronto
- Employment lawyer on vaccine deadline for Ottawa city employees – CTV News
- Jon Pinkus, Toronto Star, on firing unvaccinated employees – Toronto Star
- Employment lawyer on large-scale firings over vaccination – CTV News
- Employment lawyer on airline staffing shortages and employee rights – 640 Toronto
- Lawyer Jon Pinkus on enforcing vaccines in the workplace in BC – CFAX 1070
- Jon Pinkus on company vaccine mandates – CTV News
- Jon Pinkus on mandatory vaccines for TTC workers and more – 570 News
- Employment lawyer on possibility of vaccine passports – CBC News
- Jon Pinkus on federal vaccine policy – CBC News
- Jon Pinkus on mandatory vaccines in Canada – Global News
- Employment lawyer on CityNews discussing privileges for the fully vaccinated – CityNews Toronto
- Jon Pinkus on employees breaking COVID-19 regulations – Global News
- Google employees and unionization in Canada – 640 Toronto
2020
- Hamilton residents forced to pay for sewage leak – Hamilton Spectator
- COVID-19: Refusing to work if you feel your workplace is unsafe – 640 Toronto
- COVID-19: Returning to work and job abandonment – 580 CFRA
- Amazon workers privacy rights violated – 640 Toronto
- Returning to work during COVID-19: What do employment laws permit? – Corus Radio
- Will September mean a return to school and work in Ontario? – 980 CFPL
- Do parents have an alternative choice for childcare in the fall? – 640 Toronto
- Who will benefit from an extension to the CEWS Program? – 570 News
- COVID-19: Employee Vacation Requests in Ontario – 570 News
- Can my employer ask me about my personal life outside work during the pandemic? – 580 CFRA
- Ontario makes temporary change to layoff regulations in attempt to help business – Canadian Press
- If I contract COVID-19 at work, am I covered by WSIB? – CBC News
- Jon Pinkus on Severance Pay and COVID-19 – Corus Radio
- Wrongful dismissal claims coming from COVID-19 – 580 CFRA
- Jon Pinkus on forced self-isolation for employees – Global News
- Will employees be paid during temporary coronavirus closures? – 640 Toronto
- Employment lawyer on EI benefits and COVID-19 – CTV News
- Your rights if you’re told to stay away from work because of COVID-19 – Toronto Star
- Foodora Couriers, Right to Unionize and Employment Rights – CBC News
- Temporary Layoffs, CN Rail Blockades & Employment Law – Global News
- Former Cineplex host claims he was paid in Scene points – 640 Toronto
- Taking kids to work during teachers strike – CP24
- Company gives non-smokers more vacation days – 980 CKNW
- U-Haul is refusing to hire smokers. What are the rules for Canadian companies? – 900 CHML
2019
- 150 workers leave Baycrest Hospital after $5M insurance scam – CTV News
- Hamilton mayor’s office dog sparks human rights complaint – 980 CKNW
- Brad Blair Suing Doug Ford for $15M over Termination – 640 Toronto
- Hundreds of Toronto Uber drivers join union – 640 Toronto
- Does Employer’s Failure to Provide Vegan Food Violate Human Rights? – 570 News
- Metrolinx to ban workers from using pot on their own time – 640 Toronto
- Care home ordered to re-hire nurse who stole drugs, falsified records – 900 CHML
- Employer Rights When Employee No Longer Performing – 900 CHML
- Severance Packages for Political Staff in Ontario – 640 Toronto
2018
- LCBO Employees and Norman Hardie Wine – 640 Toronto
- Why Canada’s new stat holiday may not mean a day off for everyone – Global News
- NFL Will Fine Teams if Players Don’t Stand for National Anthem – 640 Toronto
- Woman Ordered to Pay $41K in Damages to Live-in Nanny – 640 Toronto
- Investigation clears Green Party Leader Elizabeth May of workplace harassment – 900 CHML
- Pay Transparency Bill: The Impact on Ontario – 900 CHML
- Remembrance Day as a Statutory Holiday? – Employment Law Today
2017
- Human Rights Hearing For Woman Docked Pay for Washroom Breaks – 640 Toronto
- Broadcaster Gregg Zaun Fired for “Inappropriate Behaviour” – Global News
- Can the Middle Finger Get You Fired for Cause? – 610 CKTB
- Does Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act Go Far Enough? – 640 Toronto
- Radio interview: Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs, Little Impact – 980 CFPL
- Laid off Sears Canada workers include Mike Myers’ brother – Toronto Star
- Bad News for Sears Employees – Global News
- UK lawmakers to companies: End sexist high heel dress codes – CityNews Toronto
Publications
2022
- Does a deceased employee have a right to severance?
- TTC workers file $3M in wrongful dismissal lawsuits over vaccine policy
- Can my employer reduce my wages in Ontario?
2021
- How to respond if your boss pressures you to get the COVID-19 vaccine
- COVID-19: Ministry of Labour confirms that layoffs are still constructive dismissals
- What you need to know about new right-to-disconnect laws in Ontario – Global News
2020
2019
- Human Rights Tribunal orders employer to pay $120K to worker it didn’t hire – National Post
- Expanding small claims court will not increase access to justice – Toronto Star
- Leave the Small Claims Court Limit at $25,000 – Canadian Lawyer Magazine
2018
2017
Education
Before embarking on his distinguished legal career, Jon Pinkus pursued his passions for music and business at the University of Western Ontario, where he excelled academically. He then honed his professional skills working for a prestigious national entertainment talent agency, where he developed a keen eye for talent and negotiation.
This unique background enriches Jon’s approach to law, allowing him to blend creativity with strategic thinking in his practice.
More from Jon Pinkus
Discover more about your employment rights with additional resources from Jon.Blog
Temporary Layoffs, CN Rail Blockades & Employment Law – Global News
Discover the general rights of employees when they are placed on a Temporary Layoff. Partner Jon Pinkus discussed on Global News.
The Employment Law Show
Employment Law Show 640 Toronto – S8 E67
Employment lawyer Jon Pinkus takes your phone calls on S8 E67 of the Employment Law Show on Global News Radio 640 Toronto.
Fast Facts
Forced to accept a pay cut in Ontario? Next steps
Understand your rights in Ontario if your employer has reduced your salary or commission without your approval.
See What Jon's Clients Are Saying
