Receiving a severance package can feel like relief at first, followed quickly by doubt. Is this fair? Is this all I am entitled to? Why does it feel so rushed?
For many Kingston employees, severance offers are presented as “standard” or “non-negotiable.” In reality, most are legally inadequate and designed to protect the employer, not you. Before you sign away your rights, a proper legal review can make a substantial financial difference.
Randy Ai Law Office provides employees with strategic, high-level severance package legal reviews to ensure employers meet their full obligations under Ontario employment law. Our focus is simple: protect your rights, maximize your compensation, and prevent costly mistakes.
Kingston’s Trusted Severance Review Advocates
Randy Ai Law Office is an Ontario employment law firm with a dedicated focus on representing employees, professionals, and executives in termination-related matters. Kingston workers benefit from aggressive, detail-oriented legal representation delivered with a deep understanding of the Frontenac County employment landscape.
We routinely act for employees facing termination by large corporations, institutional employers, and healthcare organizations throughout the Limestone City. Employers know our firm does not accept lowball offers or pressure tactics. For Kingston employees, this means clarity, leverage, and confidence during one of the most vulnerable moments of their careers.
Deep Dive: Severance Package Legal Review Explained
A severance package legal review involves far more than checking a dollar amount. It is a comprehensive assessment of what you are actually owed under the law.
ESA Minimums vs. Common Law Notice
Most severance packages are calculated using the Employment Standards Act (ESA), which represents only the bare minimum legal obligations. However, many employees are entitled to Common Law Notice, which often results in significantly higher compensation. This can include:
- Salary continuation or lump-sum pay
- Benefits continuation
- Bonuses, commissions, and incentive pay
- Pension contributions and stock options
The Bardal Factors
Ontario courts rely on the Bardal Factors to determine reasonable notice. These include:
- Length of service
- Age at termination
- Nature and seniority of the position
- Availability of similar employment
At Randy Ai Law Office, we calculate severance based on how Ontario courts actually assess entitlement, not how employers prefer to frame it.
Severance Packages in the Kingston Market
Kingston’s employment market is unique, and local economic factors matter when assessing severance. Key sectors include:
- Public Sector & Education: Major employers like Queen’s University, St. Lawrence College, and RMC.
- Healthcare: Professionals at Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC) and Providence Care.
- Manufacturing & Logistics: Workers in the industrial parks along the Highway 401 corridor.
- Government: Federal and provincial employees within the region's various institutions.
In industries with specialized roles, courts recognize that terminated employees may face longer job searches. We use our knowledge of the Kingston economy to strengthen your negotiation leverage.
Our Results-Driven Process
- Contract Analysis: We review your employment contract for unenforceable termination clauses.
- Entitlement Calculation: We calculate your full entitlement using common law principles.
- Release Assessment: We explain exactly what rights you give up by signing a "Full and Final Release."
- Negotiation: We negotiate directly with your employer to secure a fair deal.
Severance Package Legal Review FAQ
1. Do I really need a lawyer to review my severance package?
Yes. Most offers are drafted to minimize employer liability. A review often results in significantly increased compensation.
2. What if my severance offer has a deadline?
Deadlines are common pressure tactics. In most cases, employers will extend deadlines once legal counsel is involved.
3. What if my contract says my severance is limited to ESA minimums?
Many termination clauses are legally unenforceable. A review is necessary to see if you can bypass those limits.
Speak With a Kingston Severance Lawyer Before You Sign
Once a severance agreement is signed, your legal rights are gone. Before you commit, ensure it reflects what you are truly entitled to. Randy Ai Law Office offers confidential consultations for employees in Downtown Kingston, West End, Greenwood, and throughout Eastern Ontario.
