Welcome to Leslie J. Smith Law Offices.
(905) 257 7714
leslie@lesliejsmithlaw.com
Leslie J. Smith
Employment Law Office
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Employment Law Expert
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Employment Law
Workplace Investigations
Mediation / Arbitration
If you are a non-union employee or employer in Canada, I look forward to assisting you with all your employment law needs. Whether at the beginning, in
the middle, at the end or after employment, a creative and effective resolution to your situation is a mere phone call away. Click below to learn more about my Employment Law services.
Human rights and occupational heath and safety legislation require workplace
investigations when there are allegations of workplace harassment, violence and/or harassment (sexual or otherwise). My judicial experience with writing decisions, is invaluable when interviewing witnesses, assessing credibility, weighing the evidence and then preparing a report with recommendations. Having a neutral third party conduct an investigation, is the right way to handle difficult workplace issues. Click below for more information on Workplace Investigations.
As a Mediator and Arbitrator, I can attest to the effectiveness of Neutral, third-party intervention where negotiation has failed. Mediation is a great alternative to protracted litigation. It can also help the parties avoid lawsuits. Interest-based Mediation assists the parties to craft a settlement that suits them and resolves their difficulties in a peaceful way and if desired, maintain relationships. Arbitration is a private court process that results in a final and binding order.
About Leslie J. Smith
With Canadian Employment Laws becoming more intrusive and complex, no employee or employer should attempt to manage their own situations. Early intervention before a situation is out of hand or before you make any decisions, is the best way to avoid expensive mistakes and damaged reputations.
In serving employees and employers since 1988, Leslie brings to every situation, wisdom, common sense and subject matter expertise. 30 years in practice including her work as a Lawyer, Mediator, Small Claims Court Deputy Judge and Legal Author, have afforded Leslie plenty of experience that translates into creating strategic, practical and peaceful solutions for her employee and employer clients.
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Leslie's Core Beliefs
I strive each day to live and work by one principle - treat others as I would want to be treated. In my practice, that translates into 4 key values:
Integrity
I do what I say I will do and I am honest and transparent at all times with clients, staff, opposing counsel, the court and anyone else. I provide my clients with an honest assessment of their case. If I make a commitment to a client, I keep it. Integrity also means that my clients know before they retain me what my fee structure is. Every client signs a retainer agreement that clearly sets out my fees etc. and I explain it to them so they understand it before they sign the agreement. If a client appears unsure of whether or not to retain me or what to do, I tell them to go home and think about it first. I never arm-twist any client to retain me because ultimately, that always backfires.
Compassion
Employees having difficulty at the workplace are often in considerable emotional distress when they arrive at my office. Employers can be as well. Employment issues involve human interactions, which necessarily involve emotions that sometimes need healing. I enjoy helping my employee clients think and feel differently about their situations. I also enjoy helping employers understand that their employees need to be treated with respect, dignity, kindness and fairness, no matter what is going on.
Excellence
I have been blessed with a very organized and logical mind that works like a trip hammer, especially in court. I am also blessed to be able to see the forest for the trees. In other words, I can very quickly sort out the relevant facts and issues in order to resolve my client's cases efficiently. Excellence also means to approach matters with a large measure of practicality, always thinking about what is best for my client and their family and/or business. Finally, excellence also means behaving with civility. In this business, acting like a bully or being ultra-aggressive with opposing parties or counsel, is totally counter-productive to getting a file settled. I have learned to be hard on the issues and soft on the people - a winning combination.
Wisdom
I have also been blessed with discernment and intuition that allows me to often "know" what is really going on with my clients. Equally, my own life journey has led me through difficulties in personal relationships so I understand how upsetting a broken employment relationship is. My own struggles married with discernment and intuition allows me to treat my client holistically, not just legally. This is the thing that sets me apart from most other lawyers, so say my clients.
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Rated 5/5 stars on Google Reviews.
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Contact Information
Oakville Employment Lawyer subject matter expert in HR consulting, workplace investigations, all employee concerns, mediation. Cost-effective, client-centred, practical legal advice, guidance and representation.
Employment Law
Mediations
Workplace Investigations
H.R. Consulting
#105-1540 Cornwall Rd
L6J 7W5
Oakville, Ontario, Canada
+1-(905)-257-7714
leslie@lesliejsmithlaw.com