Trusted by 1000+ clients
You’ve just left a termination meeting with a severance letter and a deadline — often 7 to 14 days — and quiet pressure to sign. Before you do: that deadline is almost always negotiable, and that first offer is almost never the legal maximum.
Most first severance offers fall short of what the law actually requires. There are two layers every package must satisfy: the minimum entitlements under Alberta’s Employment Standards Code, and the higher common-law standard known as reasonable notice. In practice, the gap between the two can be significant. In Calgary, where many roles in energy, engineering, and professional services are specialized and harder to replace, the reasonable notice period — and the severance owed — tends to be longer than most employees expect.
Initial offers routinely omit or undervalue key components. What’s commonly missing: bonus and commission payments through the full notice period, RSU and stock option treatment, pension and RRSP matching contributions, health and benefits continuation, and car allowance or other variable compensation. A professional severance package review identifies every gap before you sign anything.
Too often, employees accept severance offers without realizing they may be entitled to significantly more. Taking the time to understand your rights can make a meaningful difference in your financial future.
our services
Workplace issues can be overwhelming, but you don't have to face them alone. We help employees across Calgary, Alberta understand their legal rights and make informed decisions about the next steps.
We start by reviewing three things: the severance offer itself, your employment contract, and your full compensation history. We identify what’s missing from the package and what’s legally required.
Once we know what you’re owed, we draft the counter-proposal and negotiate directly with your employer or their counsel. Often, our fee is contingency-based: we only get paid if we increase your package. There is no cost to you if we don’t.
testimonials
Don't just take our word for it. Hear from the employees we've helped navigate wrongful dismissal, severance negotiations, and workplace disputes and the outcomes we secured for them.
Employment Law Advocates made a stressful situation so much easier to navigate. Their team was responsive, knowledgeable, and fought hard to secure the outcome I deserved.
After ten years with my employer, I was terminated without cause or proper notice. Lluc and his team explained my rights clearly and built a strong case from day one. They kept me informed at every stage and secured a settlement that recognized my years of service.
I endured months of harassment before I found the courage to seek help. The team treated my situation with real compassion and took my concerns seriously when others hadn't. They guided me through the process and helped me reach a resolution I could live with.
I'd worked as a "contractor" for years, missing out on pay and protections I was actually entitled to. The team recognized the misclassification immediately and fought to recover what I'd lost. Professional, responsive, and genuinely on my side throughout.
I was accused of misconduct and terminated for cause, and I didn't know where to turn. Employment Law Advocates challenged the allegations head-on and stood by me through a difficult process. Their experience and confidence made all the difference in the outcome.
We work with employees from all backgrounds who need trusted legal guidance during difficult workplace situations, including severance package reviews and wrongful dismissal claims.
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