Hiring & Contracts
Employment Contract Lawyer & Hiring Legal Advice for Employers
Hiring employees without properly structured contracts can expose your business to significant legal and financial risk. At Glendinning Smith LLP, we help employers draft, review, and update employment agreements that are clear, enforceable, and aligned with their business goals.
From standard employment contracts to executive agreements and contractor arrangements, we ensure your hiring process is legally sound from the start.
Employment Agreements & Contract Drafting
Well-drafted employment agreements are essential for setting expectations and protecting your business.
We assist employers with:
- Drafting employment contracts
- Writing detailed workplace policies
- Conducting workplace investigations
- Litigating at all levels of court
Our employment agreement lawyers focus on clarity, enforceability, and reducing ambiguity that can lead to disputes later.
Independent Contractor Agreements
Misclassifying workers as independent contractors instead of employees is a common and costly mistake.
We help employers:
- Draft independent contractor agreements
- Assess proper classification (employee vs contractor)
- Reduce risk of misclassification claims
- Address tax and liability implications
Executive & Senior Employee Contracts
- Executive employment agreements
- Compensation structuring (bonuses, incentives, equity)
- Termination provisions for senior roles
- Protecting business interests at leadership level
Non-Competition & Non-Solicitation Clauses
Restrictive covenants are often challenged in court and must be carefully drafted to be enforceable.
We help employers:
- Draft reasonable and enforceable non-compete clauses
- Protect client relationships through non-solicitation clauses
- Avoid overly broad or invalid restrictions
- Align clauses with current legal standards
Improperly drafted restrictions may not be enforceable when you need them most.
Confidentiality & Business Protection
Protecting confidential information and business assets is a key part of any employment agreement.
We assist with:
- Draft reasonable and enforceable non-compete clauses
- Protect client relationships through non-solicitation clauses
- Avoid overly broad or invalid restrictions
- Align clauses with current legal standards
These provisions help safeguard your business during and after employment.
Hiring & Onboarding Processes
Legal risk often begins at the hiring stage, not after.
We advise employers on:
- Structuring compliant hiring processes
- Drafting offer letters and onboarding documents
- Ensuring proper documentation from the start
- Aligning hiring practices with employment laws
Compensation Structures & Incentive Plans
Employment contracts often include compensation elements that must be clearly defined.
We assist with:
- Draft reasonable and Salary and wage structuresnon-compete clauses
- Bonus and commission plans
- Short-term and long-term incentives
- Benefits, pensions, and equity arrangements
Unclear compensation terms are a frequent source of conflict. We ensure these are properly documented.
Termination Clauses & Legal Risk
Termination clauses are one of the most important—and most litigated—parts of employment contracts.
We help ensure:
- Compliance with employment standards legislation
- Reduced exposure to common law notice claims
- Clear and enforceable termination language
- Alignment with current legal developments
If a termination clause is invalid, employers may face significantly higher severance obligations.
Common Employer Mistakes in Hiring & Contracts
Many workplace disputes can be traced back to contract issues.
We regularly see employers:
- Relying on outdated or generic templates
- Including unenforceable contract terms
- Failing to update agreements as roles evolve
- Overlooking termination clause compliance
- Misclassifying workers
Addressing these issues early can prevent costly disputes later.
When to Review or Update Employment Contractss
Employment agreements should be reviewed regularly as your business evolves.
You should consider updating contracts when:
- Hiring new employees
- Promoting or restructuring roles
- Changing compensation structures
- Expanding operations
- Updating workplace policies
How Glendinning Smith LLP Supports Employers
We provide practical, business-focused legal advice tailored to your organization. We help employers:
Employment Agreements
Draft enforceable employment agreements
Reducing Risk
Protection
Compliance
Employer FAQs – Hiring & Contracts
Do I need a written employment contract for every employee?
While not always legally required, written contracts significantly reduce risk and provide clarity on key terms.
Can I use a standard employment contract template?
Are non-compete clauses enforceable in BC?
What happens if a termination clause is invalid?
How do I know if a worker is a contractor or employee?
When should I have my contracts reviewed?
Contracts should be reviewed regularly, especially when roles, compensation, or business operations change.
Backed by Experience. Proven by Clients.
Locations We Serve
Glendinning Smith LLP provides employment and human rights legal services to employers across British Columbia, with a strong presence in the Fraser Valley. Our service areas include: