Calgary Severance Package Review Lawyers

Laid Off? Unsure About Your Severance Offer? We’re Here to Help.

Litco Law’s Employment Lawyers have been recognized as Calgary’s Top Choice for their client-focused approach. Since 1976, they’ve helped thousands of people review their severance packages after being let go or terminated, ensuring clients understand their rights and what they’re entitled to.

You’ve just been let go. Terminated. Released. Made redundant. Whatever HR calls it, the bottom line is: you’re out of a job. You might have been offered a severance package, but you may be wondering if it’s fair and if you’re entitled to more.

After the initial shock, you may start researching Alberta’s minimum standards for termination pay. But here’s what many people don’t realize: those minimums don’t consider factors like your unique role, benefits, or how long it might take you to find a new job. At Litco Law, we’ve helped countless Albertans negotiate stronger severance packages or make claims for what they’re really owed.

Want answers now? Contact us for a free consultation or keep reading to learn more.

What Happens in Your Free Consultation?

At Litco Law, your first meeting with a lawyer is always free. We also never bill by the hour. There’s no pressure, no ticking clock, and no obligation to move forward. When you book a free consultation with our Calgary Severance Package Review Lawyers, you’ll get:

• A thorough review of your severance offer, termination letter, and related documents

• A clear explanation of your rights under Alberta law

• A personalized severance calculation that reflects your unique situation

• Practical advice on your best options, including negotiation or pursuing a claim

• Straightforward legal guidance in plain language

• A team dedicated to reducing your stress and fighting for fair compensation

Our Calgary Severance Package Review Lawyers will review your employment history and severance offer at no cost to you. If we think you can do better, we’ll tell you exactly how. And if your offer is fair, we’ll let you know that too.

How Does Severance Pay Work in Alberta?

Under Alberta’s Employment Standards Code, employers must give written notice of termination if you’ve worked for more than 90 days. Depending on your length of service, notice can range from 1 to 8 weeks. Instead of giving notice, employers can pay you what you would have earned during that period – this is called “termination pay.”

But that’s just the legal minimum. Many employees are entitled to additional compensation beyond termination pay, known as severance. Several factors can increase your severance entitlement, including:

• Length of employment

• Reason for termination

• How your dismissal was handled

• Your age

• Your title or role

• Whether your field is specialized

• Job market conditions

Your benefits also matter. Bonuses, commissions, incentive programs, profit sharing, and other perks should all be considered when calculating your severance.

Our Calgary severance lawyers will look at your unique circumstances to see if your severance offer reflects what you’re legally entitled to receive. If it falls short, we can help you negotiate a better deal or pursue a claim in court if needed.

What’s the difference between termination pay and severance?

Termination pay covers the wages you’d earn during your required notice period. Severance goes beyond this, compensating you for factors like your length of service, your age, and how long it might take to find a similar job.

“If you’re wondering how soon you should contact a lawyer after being let go, the answer is typically – as soon as possible. There are often deadlines that can apply in these situations, and signing documents without legal advice can limit your options.”

– Cole Lefebvre, Employment Lawyer, Litco Law 

When Are You Not Entitled to Severance Pay?

While many people are entitled to some form of severance, there are situations where you may not qualify. Here are the most common examples:

1. You Chose to Resign

If you voluntarily quit your job, you typically won’t receive severance pay. That said, there are exceptions, like:

• If you were essentially forced to resign because your employer made major negative changes to your job (this is called constructive dismissal).
• If you resigned under intense pressure or duress from your employer.

2. Termination for Just Cause

Employers can sometimes terminate someone without paying severance if they have “just cause.” This usually applies to serious misconduct, such as:

• Fraud, theft, or workplace violence
• Repeated absenteeism or outright refusal to follow instructions
• Major breaches of company policy

Even in these cases, “just cause” can be hard for employers to prove, and many employees are able to challenge these claims successfully.

How Much Does It Cost to Make a Claim?

We know the last thing you want to do after losing your job is pay hefty legal fees. That’s why we work on a contingency basis, which means you don’t pay us unless we successfully resolve your claim. We cover the legal costs while your case moves forward, and we only take on claims we believe are worth pursuing.

If you’ve been unfairly dismissed or believe your severance offer is too low, it could mean thousands of dollars more in your pocket.

How Long Does it Take to Resolve a Severance Claim?

Simple cases can resolve in a matter of weeks through negotiation. More complex disputes or those requiring court intervention can take several months or longer.

Have questions? Contact us today to speak with our legal team for free. We’re ready to help.

Do I Need to Go to Court if I Have an Unfair Severance Package?

Not always. In many cases, we can negotiate a fair severance package directly with your former employer without filing an employment claim. Our lawyers will assess what you’re entitled to, draft a demand letter if needed, and advocate on your behalf. If negotiations fail or your case has special circumstances, we may recommend filing a claim

Think You Might Be Entitled to More Severance Pay?

Our general recommendations:

• DON’t sign anything from your employer until you know your rights.

• DO get your severance offer reviewed by an employment lawyer.

• DO protect yourself by understanding what you’re really entitled to.

What if I Already Signed My Severance Agreement?

If you signed under pressure, without understanding your rights, or with misleading information, it may still be possible to challenge or renegotiate the agreement. Contact us to review your options.

DID YOU KNOW? Online severance calculators are often misleading and inaccurate because they use generic averages that don’t reflect your individual circumstances. A personalized review by an experienced employment lawyer will give you an accurate, reliable estimate tailored to Alberta’s laws and to your situation.

Calgary Severance Package Review Lawyers

Litco Law is a Calgary-based law firm that has been serving Albertans since 1976, helping thousands of people just like you. Our practice areas include Employment Law, Personal Injury, Long Term Disability, Medical Malpractice, and Class Actions. We have office locations in Calgary, Edmonton, Lethbridge, and Red Deer – and we provide services across Alberta.

If you have questions and you’re wondering if your employer was unfair, we’re just a phone call away. It won’t cost you anything to speak with our legal team. Consults are always free and we never bill by the hour. We’re here for you.

Get to know our lawyers here.

Frequently Asked Questions About Severance in Alberta

What is the difference between termination pay and severance pay?
Termination pay covers the pay you would receive during your notice period, while severance pay compensates you for factors like long service or the difficulty of finding new work.

How do I calculate what I’m owed for severance?
Every case is different. Factors like your length of employment, job role, age, and benefits all affect your entitlement. A personalized review from an Alberta employment lawyer is the most accurate way to know.

Can I negotiate a higher severance package myself?
You can try, but employers often take negotiations more seriously when you have legal representation. An employment lawyer can identify entitlements you may not be aware of and advocate effectively on your behalf.

What if my employer says their offer is final?
Many employers say this even if they’re willing to negotiate. An employment lawyer can assess the offer’s fairness and determine whether it’s worth challenging.

Can I claim severance if I was fired “for cause”?
It depends on whether your employer’s claim of “just cause” is legitimate. Many wrongful dismissal cases arise from disputing cause. An employment lawyer can help evaluate your case.

Do you offer services outside Calgary?
Yes! Our employment lawyers help clients across Alberta, including Edmonton, Red Deer, Lethbridge, and beyond.

Have questions about your severance pay, termination, or employment rights? Contact us today to book a free consultation with an employment lawyer.