Brian JonesAre you in need of an employment and labor lawyer in Edmonton? If you are, then you’ve come to the right place.
We did the research and compiled this list based on various lawyers’ reputations and years of experience. We chose law firms that specialize in employment law and even considered their other areas of expertise as a contributing factor.
With that said, let’s take a look at the best employment lawyers in Edmonton.
How Much Does an Employment Lawyer Cost in Edmonton?
Lawyers are famous for their exorbitant fees, and this holds even in the field of employment law. How much a lawyer will charge is completely at their discretion, and is for the most part, unregulated.
The most common rate lawyers will charge is an hourly arrangement, and more experienced lawyers will charge more. Below is the minimum average hourly rate that employment lawyers may charge.
| Title and Years of Experience | Hourly Rate |
| Senior Counsel more than 20 years since call to the bar | $350 |
| Senior Counsel 12-20 years since call to the bar | $325 |
| Counsel 11-12 years since call to the bar | $315 |
| Counsel 10-11 years since call to the bar | $300 |
| Counsel 9-10 years since call to the bar | $285 |
| Counsel 8-9 years since call to the bar | $270 |
| Counsel 7-8 years since call to the bar | $255 |
| Counsel 6-7 years since call to the bar | $240 |
| Counsel 5-6 years since call to the bar | $225 |
| Counsel 4-5 years since call to the bar | $215 |
| Counsel 3-4 years since call to the bar | $205 |
| Counsel 2-3 years since call to the bar | $195 |
| Counsel 1-2 years since call to the bar | $180 |
| Counsel less than 1 year since call to the bar | $165 |
| Law Clerks/Students | $90 |
Hourly rates are often best for task-based transactions such as proofreading contracts or negotiating your termination or severance package. However, it can be expensive if your case needs to go to court, as shown in the table below.
| Number of Days in Court | Estimated Average Cost |
| 2 | $25,517 |
| 5 | $56,963 |
| 7 | $78,737 |
These hourly rates are only part of the fees that lawyers may charge. Out-of-pocket expenses and penalties on late payments are other miscellaneous charges that may occur.
Other lawyers may arrange for a contingency or “no-win-no-fee” rate, which involves taking a commission from a settlement dispute if you win. This commission can range anywhere from 20-30 percent but is usually only offered in cases that have the potential for a large settlement.
Always remember that it’s the lawyer’s responsibility to explain their fees clearly and in writing before you agree to hire them. You should be comfortable discussing with them how payment will be made, whether it’s through a single payment or monthly installments.
The Best Employment Lawyers in Edmonton
Now that you know what to financially expect when hiring or consulting an employment lawyer, we can now take a look at our choices for the top law firms in Edmonton.
1. Tyler Lypkie of Lypkie & Henderson
| SERVICES | Termination and Disability, Workplace Rights, Breach of Employment Contract, Maternity Leave, Constructive and Wrongful Dismissal, Employment Standards Act of Alberta, Unfair or Forced Severance, Negotiating Severance Packages & Termination During Leave of Absence, Probate & Estate Administration, Wills & Estate Planning, Residential Real Estate, Business & Corporate Law, Notary Services, Adult Guardianship & Trusteeship, Estate & Will Disputes, |
| WEBSITE | http://www.lypkielaw.com |
| ADDRESS | 316 Windermere Road NorthWest, Suite 301, Edmonton, AB T6W 2Z8 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | For Employment Law Inquires: Phone: (780) 669-4542 Email: [email protected] Tyler Lypkie: Main Office: (780) 669-4544 Email: [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
Tyler Lypkie is the son of the founders of Lypkie & Henderson, which was first established in 1991. While the law firm’s roots may have begun in real estate law, Tyler Lypkie’s specialty is employment and corporate business law.
No matter what level you are as an employee in the hierarchical structure of your work, this law firm will take your case. Tyler Lypkie can review your contract, discuss your workplace rights, and also ensure you get the proper termination pay.
However, it’s important to note that the law firm doesn’t represent unionized employees. If you’re part of a union, they will refer you to another firm.
On the other hand, if you’re an employer, Tyler Lypkie can represent your business to resolve issues about pay or severance. He can help you iron out your employment contracts and create severance notices to ensure you’re within the bounds of the law.
Pros
- Small company with personalized service
- Specialized in employment law
- Multiple payment options
Cons
- Doesn’t represent unionized employees
Customer Reviews
Here’s a few customer reviews to help you decide:
“Mr Tyler Lypkie is an excellent lawyer and an expert in dealing with the employment law. He is very friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable. Throughout the whole process, he focused on the key matters, caught the key elements, selected the right direction, assured me to proceed with more confidence successfully. I appreciate the valuable contributions from Rebecca as well. The staff from the front desk is also very nice.”
“I would highly recommend Lypkie Henderson for your legal needs. The lawyers are very professional and great to work with. They were very knowledgeable and trustworthy, I’m a Chartered Accountant and if any of my clients need legal advice I refer them to Lypkie Henderson”
“Very polite and professional staff. Made me feel welcome and comfortable, I never felt like just a number.”
2. Abougoush Law
| SERVICES | Wrongful Dismissal Constructive Dismissal Unjust Dismissal (Federal) Human Rights Complaints Employment Contract Review |
| WEBSITE | https://abougoushlaw.com/ |
| ADDRESS | 12907 97 St NW #202, Edmonton, AB T5E 4C2, Canada |
| CONTACT DETAILS | 780-964-7575 / [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Friday: 9 AM – 5 PM |
Abougoush Law is a distinguished law firm in Alberta, specializing in employment law with a strong focus on wrongful dismissal and employment contract reviews. Led by Managing Partner Omar Abougoush, the firm offers comprehensive legal services to individuals facing employment-related issues, including wrongful and constructive dismissal, harassment, and human rights violations.
Their compassionate and expert team ensures that clients’ rights are safeguarded, and they receive the compensation and justice they deserve.
Their lawyers have an in-depth understanding of both provincial and federal legislation, enabling them to craft tailored strategies for each client’s unique circumstances. This expertise is particularly beneficial for clients facing wrongful dismissal, as the firm almost always secures improved severance payouts and fair treatment.
Additionally, the firm’s comprehensive employment contract review service ensures that clients enter new employment agreements with confidence and clarity, avoiding potential pitfalls and securing favorable terms.
Furthermore, the firm’s lawyers are dedicated to providing unwavering support and advocacy, ensuring clients feel understood and respected throughout the legal process. Testimonials from satisfied clients highlight the team’s dedication, professionalism, and ability to deliver outstanding results.
The firm also offers versatile fee arrangements, including contingency, hourly, flat fee, and hybrid structures, making their services accessible to a broad range of clients.
In conclusion, Abougoush Law is a top-tier choice for individuals seeking expert legal representation in employment-related matters. Their deep expertise, client-centric approach, and commitment to justice make them a trusted partner for navigating complex employment disputes.
Pros
- Expertise in employment law
- Compassionate representation
- Versatile fee arrangements
Cons
- Do not represent unionized employees
Customer Reviews
Here are some reviews from their clients:
“Omar was recommended to me and I have to say that I’m grateful he was! He helped me navigate through a difficult situation at a former workplace and the outcome was positive. It’s a great feeling knowing that you have someone like Omar in your corner when times are tough. I would most definitely recommend Abougoush Law!”
“I was working for an employer that suddenly decided to lay me off even though my performance was never an issue. The stress was immense and I was left scrambling. Abougash law took my case and helped me get the settlement that I deserved. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help because this is an amazing organization that is ready to guide you.”
3. Taylor Janis Workplace Law
| SERVICES | Severance Pay, Termination and Resignation, Workers on Contract, Employment Agreement, Harassment, Bullying, Discrimination, Unionized Employees, Alberta Government Workers, Labor, Litigation, Workplace Policies, Third Party Insurance Claims, Employee Immigration, Executive Employees, Human Rights, Shareholder Disputes, Workplace Training |
| WEBSITE | http://www.tjworkplacelaw.com |
| ADDRESS | 10216 – 124th Street Northwest, Suite 400, Edmonton, AB T5N 4A3 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Phone (Call): (780) 428-7770 Phone (Text): 587-400-4549 Email: [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM |
Taylor Janis Workplace Law is composed of specialized labor and employment lawyers who have trial and litigation experience throughout Alberta and British Columbia. They offer free initial consultations that remain confidential even if you don’t retain their services.
This firm also offers its services to government workers in Alberta, providing a haven for those who are hesitant to file cases on workplace disputes.
For employers, one of their unique services is counseling on immigration laws for those seeking their labor force outside of Canada.
The firm will fully represent you even during investigations and administrative hearings at your workplace. Whether you’re a unionized employee or just seeking justice for violation of your rights as a worker, Taylor Janis Workplace Law has you covered.
Pros
- Focuses exclusively on labour and employment law
- Represents unionized employees and employers
- Assists employers in immigration laws
Cons
- Often fully booked; appointments may take awhile to schedule
Customer Reviews
Here’s what clients have to say:
“The experience I had with Eric Lam / Janis Taylor was very satisfying …he was thorough & meticulous. His guidance & advice was very much appreciated. I would not hesitate to retain Eric’s services again…well mannered & very easy to talk to. He takes the time to make sure you know whats going on!!! His support staff were always friendly & very helpful. Thanks Again.”
“Amazing firm!! Thanks to Taylor Janis Law, I was awarded a very fair settlement from my previous employer. It is nice to see there are firms out there with reasonable rates as well. I would highly recommend this firm for anyone looking for spectacular legal representation.”
4. David J. Ross, Q.C. (McLennan Ross LLP)
| SPECIALTY: | Aboriginal, Corporate Commercial Securities, Energy, Environment, Financial Services, Immigration, Litigation, Labor, Employment, Media, Occupational Health & Safety, Public Fatality, Tax, Wills & Estates, |
| WEBSITE | https://www.mross.com/law/ |
| ADDRESS | 600 McLennan Ross Building 12220 Stony Plain Road Edmonton, AB T5N 3Y4 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Tel: 780.482.9200 Fax: 780.482.9100 TOLL-FREE: 1.800.567.9200 |
Dave Ross is an established senior partner at McLennan Ross who specializes in management-level clients and business owners. Whether it’s a corporate-related concern or ensuring that all your contacts are in order, his law firm has the experience to back it up.
One of its unique characteristics is the creation of its own Corporate Commercial Securities advisors. This is ideal for consulting on the legal maze of growing and expanding your business, whether it’s acquiring a new company or facilitating a merger.
If you feel hesitant to hire a senior partner, the Edmonton office has over 60 lawyers who can assist you in your legal concerns, each with their specialization. The firm has handled cases in a wide array of industries such as broadcasting and health care, but Dave Ross’s specialization is in construction and education-related matters.
Pros
- Caters to high-level clients
- Experienced in construction and education
Cons
- Caters only to management and business owners
- Expensive
Customer Reviews
Here’s what their clients have to say:
“I have dealt with a few different lawyers here from the Edmonton office…I have found them to be knowledgeable, thorough and reliable. The response times…are actually very impressive when compared with other larger firms I’ve dealt with.”
“Great law firm! I have used them many times and I highly recommend them!”
“They set the gold standard for a legal team. I found them to be reliable, compassionate, professional and thorough. They gave clear and helpful advice and were very responsive (both by phone and e-mail). During a difficult time they patiently explained the legal process and the options available. Their efforts resulted in an excellent end result.”
5. Craig W. Neuman,Q.C. of Neuman Thompson
| SERVICES | Employment Law Counsel, Strategic Insight Dealing With Unions, Arbitration, Employee Litigation in Court, Occupational Health and Safety, Representation in Administrative Tribunals, Representation in Post-Secondary School Institutions, Workplace Organization, Discipline, Performance, Attendance, Termination, Pension, Restrictive Covenants, Human Rights Complaints, Benefit, Workers’ Compensation, Employment Standards Claims, Contract Drafting, Negotiation Support, Judicial Review, Wrongful Dismissal Lawsuits & Appeals |
| WEBSITE | http://www.neumanthompson.com |
| ADDRESS | 550 – 91 Street SouthWest, Suite 301, Edmonton, AB T6X 0V1 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Phone: (780) 482-7645 Fax: (780) 488-0026 Employee Directory |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Thursday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM Friday 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM |
If you’re a business owner looking for a firm to represent or advise you on labor and employment law, the attorneys at Neuman Thompson are an ideal choice. They specifically cater to employers and have been doing so since 1977.
Craig Neuman has represented several clients in a range of industries, which include manufacturing and communications. He also has extensive experience in both the private and public sectors, advising on matters such as termination and unionized disputes.
Unlike other companies, Neuman Thompson Aside offers specialized training for your human resource and management-level employees on labor law. They will be trained to know the intricacies of employment policies so as to ensure your business is always fully compliant.
It’s easy to get in touch with the lawyers of the firm since a directory is provided on their website. You can contact them directly or reach out to their assistants, but keep in mind that they don’t consider inquiries or initial communications covered by client-attorney privilege.
Pros
- Offers staff training on employment law
- Representation in unionized disputes
Cons
- For employers only
- Initial consultation is not confidential
Customer Reviews
Here’s what clients have to say:
“Great team. Very knowledgeable and professional.”
“Five stars!”
6. Blakely + Dushenski Legal Counsel
| SERVICES | Labour & Employment, Real Estate, Litigation |
| WEBSITE | https://bdcounsel.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | Suite 201, Oliver Building, 10225 – 100 Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 0A1 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Phone: (780) 425-7200 Fax: (780) 425-7202 |
Blakely + Dushenski’s practice focuses on all aspects and phases of labor and employment law of any occupation. Their expertise ranges from reviewing employment contracts to investigating wrongful dismissal.
Although they have experience representing clients from various industries, the firm’s particular niche is in the construction industry and dealing with unionized conflicts. Their strategy in negotiations is not just about the settlement fees, but to repair the employer-employee relationship as much as possible.
Apart from labor and employment, they also conveniently specialize in real estate policies. Their experience in the construction sector helps them navigate the tricky policies that come with purchasing a home or settling condominium grievances that you may encounter.
Pros
- Specializes in labour and employment law
- Experienced in dealing with unionized disputes
Cons
- Focused on construction industry clients, so those from other industries may prefer to look elsewhere
Customer Reviews
Not yet convinced? Here’s what Blakely + Dushenski’s clients have to say:
“Amazing staff, extremely knowledgeable and helpful, talented people doing great work”
“I just called and the law professional is willing to offer professional and honest legal advice over the phone. Excellent people!!!”
“Excellent service”
7. Edmonton Community Legal Centre
| PRACTICE AREAS | Employment, Wrongful Dismissal, Family Law, Separation and Divorce, Child Custody, Child Support, Landlord and Tenant, Human Rights, Debt, Small Claims, Immigration, Income Supports, Appeals for AISH, Employment Insurance, CPP, etc. |
| WEBSITE | https://www.eclc.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | Telus House, South Tower, Second floor 10020 – 100 Street, Edmonton, AB T5J 0N3 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Phone: (780) 702-1725 Fax: (780) 702-1726 E-mail: [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday-Friday 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
If you have legal troubles and can’t afford a lawyer, Edmonton Community Legal Centre can help you out. This pro-bono firm caters specifically to low and moderate-income residents.
Established in 1998, Edmonton Community Legal Centre was founded to assist residents who couldn’t afford legal aid, and is mostly run by new lawyers and students.
However, potential clients still need to undergo a vetting process to prove their financial status. For those who don’t qualify, a free legal clinic is offered that provides advice and referrals to other law firms.
What makes Edmonton Community Legal Centre unique is that they will accept even immigrant cases regardless of their residency status. Whether it’s consultation or legal aid, those with red flags on their visas don’t have to fear deportation when walking through this firm’s doors.
Pros
- Pro-bono
- Immigrants are welcome
- Free legal clinic
Cons
- Does not accept criminal cases
- No walk-ins
Customer Reviews
Let’s take a look at what some of their clients have to say:
“Very helpful,responsive and understanding. They do exactly as they should and know what they are doing.”
“Always a great place to get help if u are lower income and have legal questions. The ECLC provides a great service to the Edmonton community and they do a great job. Keep up the great work at the ECLC!!!”
“They are professional, to the point. Very pleased with the service. Thank you.”
8. Shirish P. Chotalia Q.C.
| PRACTICE AREAS | Immigration and employment lawyer |
| WEBSITE | https://www.shirishchotalia.com/ |
| ADDRESS | Edmonton, AB |
| CONTACT DETAILS | 780-421-0861 | [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | Contact for more details |
Ms.Chotalia has litigated complex employment & human rights cases. She has more than 30 years of experience in human rights and employment law. She represented Ms. Walsh in suing Mobil Oil for gender discrimination. Alberta’s first female “landman” found to be victim of gender discrimination and retaliation by Mobil Oil.
She acted for the Alberta Civil Liberties Association and won the Sikh Turban case, Grant v. Canada A.G: “The defendants and the intervenors, particularly the able argument of Ms. Chotalia for the Alberta Civil Liberties Association, turn the plaintiffs’ argument respecting discrimination on its head. They argue that the Commissioner’s decision was designed to prevent discrimination occurring to Khalsa Sikhs. As such they argue that that decision offends none of the provisions of the Charter, indeed that it is required by section 15 of the Charter.” para 103 Judge Reid
Shirish was an intervenor lawyer in the gay rights case of Vriend at the Supreme Court of Canada and the Court of Appeal of Alberta. She has a broad civil litigation background. She also handles Disciplinary Defence cases. She recently defended an accountant against charges of misconduct based on misrepresentation and successfully opposed a heft costs award: L v. ICCA 2014.
Pros
- Elected Bencher, Law Society of Alberta, 2008 to 2009
- Chairperson, Canadian Human Rights Tribunal of Canada, 2009 -2013
- Has a long history as a Member and Executive Committee Member of various committees of the Canadian Bar Association
Cons
- Does not accept criminal cases
- No walk-ins
Customer Reviews
Let’s take a look at what some of their clients have to say:
“Shirish Chotalia has been simply exemplary . She is dedicated to serve her clients like myself for every way she can by giving her genuine advise all the options that will be available for my case according to the law. Shirish is a very through and competent professional who always had my best interests in mind. I was always felt very comfortable having her as my lawyer. Shirish is one of the dream lawyer anybody would like to have. I am very grateful for her service. Thank you Shirish“
“Shirish has been a beacon of hope to me at a time when I saw all doors closed and the likelihood of a satisfactory resolution seemed close to impossible. She has represented me and offered her legal services on a short notice. She has given me time even during the busy holiday schedule and work commitments. I really appreciate all the work done by her and her team.“
“I know Shirish personally and professionally, and she is an amazing person and lawyer. She has such a kind heart and genuinely cares about people. Shirish gives her all for each and every client. If you ever have the chance to work with her, you will be in good hands!“
