Navigating a sudden termination or a stressful workplace dispute is rarely straightforward, especially when your livelihood is on the line. I know firsthand how overwhelming it feels to confront complex provincial labor standards or federal regulations while trying to figure out your next steps. 

Finding the right legal representation can dramatically shift the balance of power in your favor. To help you protect your rights and financial interests, I have put together this guide to the best employment lawyers in Halifax. 

These dedicated professionals offer the strategic counsel needed to resolve your contract disputes and union grievances effectively. 

Moreover, if your case also involves white-collar crime or property crime, you might also want to check out these top criminal defence lawyers in the area.

1. Resolute Legal Disability Lawyers

Website: resolutelegal.ca

Address: 1969 Upper Water St Suite 201 Halifax, NS B3J 3R7

Contact: 902-800-8336

Hours: Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (By appointment only)

Dealing with a denied benefit claim alongside a wrongful dismissal requires highly focused legal intervention. Resolute Legal Disability Lawyers exclusively focuses on the intersection of Long-Term Disability (LTD) and employment law, strictly representing non-unionized workers. They’re particularly useful when you’ve been denied benefits or are transitioning to another workplace.

To alleviate immediate financial pressure, they operate on a “no win, no fee” basis where clients don’t pay legal fees unless a successful outcome is achieved. I recently spoke with a former client who praised their risk-free 45-day window, allowing new clients to walk away without charges if the partnership isn’t the right fit. 

Their founder’s background as a licensed occupational therapist gives the team a distinct advantage in interpreting complex medical evidence. Not to mention, they offer exceptional remote-first case management.

On the downside, their local office strictly operates by appointment only and doesn’t accept walk-in consultations.

Resolute Legal handled my disability denial with finesse and success. I was pleased with their professionalism and happy with their contingency fee. Hailey was my go to contact and she was always helpful and quick to respond to my queries. Overall, I would definitely recommend Resolute Legal.

• Anne Rowan | Google Reviews

The team at Resolute Legal are kind and professional. They truly care about their clients. Both David & Hayley were always available to answer any questions that came up during the process, and took their time in explaining all the options.

• Erin Marshall | Google Reviews

2. Teryl Scott Lawyers Inc.

Website: terylscott.ca

Address: 522 Bedford Hwy, Halifax, NS B3M 2L7, Canada

Contact: (902) 706-5030

Hours: Monday to Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Finding flexible legal assistance can be challenging when managing a tight budget after losing your job. Teryl Scott Lawyers Inc. provides a highly adaptable pay-as-you-go billing model and background legal coaching for individuals who prefer to represent themselves during negotiations. 

Their lead counsel brings a strategic perspective to workplace investigations, drawing directly from previous experience as senior legal counsel for the provincial human rights body.

They prioritize rapid intake procedures to schedule new clients within days, which is crucial for time-sensitive severance deadlines. Because they handle cases for both workers and management, they possess a well-rounded understanding of how opposing sides approach settlements. 

However, one downside to consider is that they require an upfront payment of several hundred dollars for the initial case review, unlike firms offering free initial meetings.

Tandiwe was amazing. I called with an issue concerning an independent contractor and she was able to get me in on a call very quickly. Our conversation what’s 30 minutes and the ground she was able to cover was amazing. Very time efficient and to the point. We arrived at a solution and action items. Her conversation put my mind at ease and I was able to move forward with a plan. I would recommend her to anybody looking for employment law advice!

• Dr. Clayton Roach | Google Reviews

Daniel Wilband helped me with a significant employment matter. I’m extremely grateful for his professionalism, guidance and support. I highly recommend Teryl Scott. Every interaction with this team was positive. Most importantly, Mr. Wilband’s advocacy resulted in an outcome that was better than I had hoped for. Thank you!

• Joyce Morouney | Google Reviews

3. Burchell Wickwire Bryson LLP

Website: bwbllp.ca

Address: 1801 Hollis St., Suite 1900, Halifax, NS, Canada, B3J 3N4

Contact: (902) 423-6361 | 902-420-9326 | [email protected]

Hours: Monday to Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Corporate entities require robust legal defense to navigate complex labor disputes and protect their institutional interests. Burchell Wickwire Bryson LLP focuses on employer-centric advocacy, offering targeted strategies for management facing workplace injury claims and subsequent appeals. 

Their employment group provides bilingual services across Atlantic Canada, ensuring effective communication for a wider demographic of businesses.

They stand out for their historical commitment to diverse legal fields, including pioneering Aboriginal law representation in the region. They also excel at providing comprehensive HR guidance to help companies establish non-discriminatory interview practices. 

However, their heavy lean toward protecting management means they’re not the ideal choice for an individual worker seeking straightforward severance representation.

We had an excellent experience working with Mr. James Boudreau. We reached out to him with a very urgent business matter, and he stepped in immediately when others couldn’t. James is highly professional, provides quick responses, and resolved our case much faster than we expected. His efficiency and expertise were exactly what we needed. We are very grateful for his help and highly recommend his services to anyone looking for top-tier legal representation in construction law.

• Suzanne Wong | Google Reviews

I have not had any past nor present experience in dealing with this particular Corporation but most likely will be in the near future. I have been notified of their professionalism and expertise and dedication to their clients.

• Andrea white | Google Reviews

4. Pressé Mason Barristers and Solicitors

Website: pressemason.com

Address: 1254 Bedford Highway, Bedford NS, B4A 1C6

Contact: 1-800-630-2254 | [email protected]

Hours: Monday to Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Being pushed out of a job through a hostile environment requires careful legal strategy. Glenn Jones and his team at Pressé Mason Barristers and Solicitors specialize in constructive dismissal cases, helping workers secure damages even when they haven’t been formally fired. 

They emphasize achieving out-of-court resolutions and actively advocate for human rights violations alongside standard severance negotiations. A colleague of mine used their comprehensive package assessment to evaluate a severance offer, gaining crucial leverage before officially resigning. 

Because the partners also advise employers, they bring sharp strategic insight into both sides of a dispute. 

However, their ongoing focus on personal injury claims might divert some internal resources. 

Customer Reviews

I dealt with Laura Neilan recently on an unexpected employment case and she was so professional and knowledgeable. She was able to cut through all the noise and get straight to the facts and to the law, to make me feel at ease during the entire process. I absolutely recommend her and I will be using her going forward for all my legal matters.

• Chelsea Taylor – Calgary | Google Reviews

I had the pleasure of working with Laura and Kim on an employment contract. They were both prompt and professional in their services and I highly recommend the firm for anyone looking for legal advice.

• Ashutosh Rao | Google Reviews

5. Brookshire Law Office

Website: brookshirelawoffice.com
Address: 522 Bedford Highway, Halifax, NS B3M 2L7
Contact: (902) 835-2726
Hours: Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Rather than managing employment cases in-house alongside their family practice, Brookshire Law Office formally refers human rights matters to a dedicated external firm. Through this associated network, they offer a two-tiered assistance model where clients choose between full representation in court or hands-off legal coaching.

They’re particularly experienced in pursuing severance pay for employees wrongfully terminated regarding COVID-19 vaccination mandates. 

The associated legal professionals provide excellent preventative audits of new contracts to ensure adequate severance terms are negotiated from the start. 

However, because they outsource this specific practice area, clients seeking to hire them directly for an employment dispute will be handed off to a completely different legal team.

Very friendly, fast and efficient staff. Can get an appointment the week you call. Hourly rate and the initial retainer are very reasonable. The lawyer I’m using has around 20 years experience and is doing an excellent job. I would definitely recommend this place if you’re looking around for a lawyer. My family has been using this office for years.

• Tara Dunnett | Google Reviews

Truly they deserve 5/5. I am overwhelmed by their service today and I strongly recommend others too to approach them. I have spoken to many other law offices but Heritage house law office charges are too less and affordable for a person like me, and the way they received me and the lawyer Blair MacKinnon was so welcoming and generous person.

• HimaTej MSD | Google Reviews