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  1. Canada
  2. Best Employment Lawyers
  3. Employment Lawyers in Nova Scotia
  4. Halifax
  5. Severance Pay Calculator
1 · Where you work
2 · Your job
3 · Pay & contract
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Severance Pay Calculator Halifax, NS

Find out what your employer has to pay under Nova Scotia law — and what a court would likely award you. Free, instant, no sign-up.

Updated · lawyer rankings recalculated

1 · We work it outstatutory + common law› 2 · We match expertstop-rated Halifax employment lawyers› 3 · Pick your expertreview your package

General estimate only, not legal advice. No lawyer–client relationship is created.

Employment lawyerHalifax, NS

Top-rated employment lawyers in Halifax

Ranked by TrustAnalytica from verified reviews · see the full Top 10 list →

1

Heritage House Law Office

Heritage House Law Office has been serving clients since 1986, offering expertise in family law, real estate, and commercial matters. The team handles everything from wills and personal directives to complex real estate transactions, with many clients appreciating their professionalism and practical advice. Some note occasional delays during appointments, but overall the office maintains a… more...

Heritage House Law Office has been serving clients since 1986, offering expertise in family law, real estate, and commercial matters. The team handles everything from wills and personal directives to complex real estate transactions, with many clients appreciating their professionalism and practical advice. Some note occasional delays during appointments, but overall the office maintains a respectful and knowledgeable approach.

Services & Prices
Will Preparation $150 - $300
Enduring Power of Attorney $100 - $200
Personal Directive (Living Will) $100 - $200
Property Purchase $500 - $1000
View Profile
(902) 465-6669
Closed Now
92 Ochterloney St, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 1C5, Canada
General Services
Wills and Estates
2

Patterson Law

The employment team at Patterson Law specializes in representing employees in workplace disputes and advising on labour and employment matters from recruitment to termination. Their practical, results-focused approach helps clients manage human resources while minimizing liability. Clients appreciate the friendly, approachable team and clear communication throughout the process.

Services & Prices
Home Purchase $800 - $1200
Property Sale $800 - $1200
Land Purchase $600 - $1000
Will Preparation $300 - $500
View Profile
(902) 897-2000
Closed Now
10 Church St, Truro, NS B2N 3Z6, Canada
General Services
Real Estate Law
3

Taylor MacLellan Cochrane

Taylor MacLellan Cochrane Labour and Employment Group specializes in advising corporate and institutional clients on managing unionized and non-unionized workplace issues. The team offers risk analysis, dispute resolution, and litigation support tailored to varying levels of HR knowledge. Clients appreciate their clear communication and practical guidance, though some note a more advisory than… more...

Taylor MacLellan Cochrane Labour and Employment Group specializes in advising corporate and institutional clients on managing unionized and non-unionized workplace issues. The team offers risk analysis, dispute resolution, and litigation support tailored to varying levels of HR knowledge. Clients appreciate their clear communication and practical guidance, though some note a more advisory than combative approach in certain cases.

Services & Prices
Divorce Representation $1500 - $3000
Child Custody Consultation $200 - $400
Spousal Support Agreements $800 - $1500
Will Preparation $300 - $600
View Profile
(888) 486-2529
Closed Now
50 Cornwallis St, Kentville, NS B4N 2E4, Canada
General Services
Family Law
4

Pink Larkin

Pink Larkin specializes in arbitration, litigation, mediation, and strategic workplace dispute resolution for individuals, businesses, and organizations. Their services include negotiation, risk management, and handling complex employment and labor issues. Clients note the firm’s creative problem-solving and welcoming environment, though some have experienced delays in communication.

Services & Prices
Arbitration Representation $1000 - $2000
Union Negotiation $800 - $1500
Collective Agreement Consultation $500 - $1200
Disability Claim Assistance $600 - $1000
View Profile
(902) 423-7777
Closed Now
1463 South Park St, Halifax, NS B3J 3S9, Canada
General Services
Labour Law
5

Legal Information Society of NS

The Legal Information Society of NS offers accessible legal information and referral services, helping people understand employment law, human rights, and estate planning basics. While their team is knowledgeable and provides clear explanations, some callers find it difficult to reach them by phone. They also offer free legal info sessions at local libraries.

Services & Prices
Understanding Legal Systems $0
Navigating Legal Questions $0
Live Chat Assistance $0
View Profile
Closed Now
1741 Brunswick St, Halifax, NS B3J 3X8, Canada
General Services
Legal Information
Where they are 8 on the map Click a pin for the profile and directions
6

Burchell MacDougall LLP

With over 100 years of experience, Burchell MacDougall LLP offers legal support across a range of litigation matters, including employment law and complex court cases. Their team is known for clear communication and tailored strategies, though some clients have noted mixed experiences with specific property-related issues.

Services & Prices
Personal Injury $500 - $1500
Real Estate $1000 - $3000
Family Law $800 - $2500
Contract Review $200 - $400
View Profile
(902) 445-5511
Closed Now
255 Lacewood Dr, Halifax, NS B3M 4G2, Canada
General Services
Representation
7

Sheldon Nathanson Law

With over 30 years serving Cape Breton, Sheldon Nathanson Law offers a broad range of legal services backed by a team of experienced lawyers and support staff. Clients appreciate the friendly and supportive staff, especially for real estate matters, though some have noted challenges with continuity in more complex cases.

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(902) 562-1929
Closed Now
50 Stable Dr Unit 2, Sydney, NS B1P 0B9, Canada
8

Jeff Mitchell- Nova Scotia Injury Lawyer

Jeff founded NOVA Injury Legal. He created NOVA Injury Law in order to assist injured victims and workers. Jeff worked as an attorney for a regional firm of insurance before joining NOVA Injury Law. Then he moved on to a boutique personal injury firm that concentrates on plaintiffs. NOVA Injury law has received praise for its responsiveness and honesty, as well as commitment to clients. When you… more...

Jeff founded NOVA Injury Legal. He created NOVA Injury Law in order to assist injured victims and workers. Jeff worked as an attorney for a regional firm of insurance before joining NOVA Injury Law. Then he moved on to a boutique personal injury firm that concentrates on plaintiffs. NOVA Injury law has received praise for its responsiveness and honesty, as well as commitment to clients. When you or a loved one are seriously injured, it can be difficult to decide who to trust. When a loved one dies tragically from an injury, the pressures and despair may increase. NOVA Injury Law is a Halifax personal injury firm with lawyers that serve all of Nova Scotia. Our clients are victims and families of car accidents. We devote all of our resources and efforts to the investigation and pursuit of personal injuries and claims for wrongful deaths. While other firms may choose to specialize in a variety of different cases, we believe that specialization will help our clients receive the best compensation. We double-check all medical evidence because it is the most important factor in ensuring our clients' success. Laura Mitchell, our head physician in house, is Dr. Laura Mitchell. She has a background in supporting workplace injuries and is a practicing emergency physician. She works with each file closely as a physician who is also a member of the legal team. It is important that all parties involved understand the complexities of medical issues. This team can access a large network of doctors willing to assist the client. There are laws in Canada that regulate many of the aspects of employer-employee relationships. The laws are designed to protect workers and contribute to their wellbeing on the job.

View Profile
(902) 442-8853
Open 8:30 AM - 5:30 AM
Purdy's Wharf Tower 1, 1959 Upper Water St Suite 1301, Halifax, NS B3J 3N2, Canada

Latest reviews of Halifax Employment Lawyers

Written on TrustAnalytica by clients of the businesses in this list
  • C

    I was very optimistic with this firm for 2 years. Paid quite a bit of money over that time. Then the lawyer suddenly dropped me as a client 2 weeks before I was to go to court. I understand things do happen in people's personal life, but you think after paying thousands and thousands and thousands o…

Halifax Employment Lawyers stats: 8 businesses compared side by side · updated
# Business Rating Reviews Starting price Phone Website
1 Heritage House Law Office 4.5 118 $15 (902) 465-6669 Visit
2 Patterson Law 4.4 43 $150 (902) 897-2000 Visit
3 Taylor MacLellan Cochrane 4.8 27 $150 (888) 486-2529 Visit
4 Pink Larkin 3.8 22 $400 (902) 423-7777 Visit
5 Legal Information Society of NS 3.8 22 — — Visit
6 Burchell MacDougall LLP 4.6 11 $150 (902) 445-5511 Visit
7 Sheldon Nathanson Law 3.9 11 — (902) 562-1929 Visit
8 Jeff Mitchell- Nova Scotia Injury Lawyer 4.3 3 — (902) 442-8853 Visit

About this Severance Pay Calculator

Severance in Canada has two layers, and this calculator shows both. The first is the statutory minimum under the Nova Scotia Labour Standards Code: a fixed number of weeks of notice or pay in lieu, set by your length of service. It is the least your employer can legally give you, and it is often what the first offer is based on. The second is common-law reasonable notice, which is what a court would usually award a non-unionized employee without a valid termination clause. Courts set it from the Bardal factors: the character of your job, your length of service, your age, and how hard it will be to find similar work. The common-law figure includes the statutory amount rather than adding to it, and it rarely goes above 24 months.

Nova Scotia rules this calculator applies

Statutory notice
1 week after 3 months, 2 weeks after 2 years, 4 weeks after 5 years and 8 weeks after 10 years.
Also note
After 10 years of service, Nova Scotia employees can generally only be dismissed for good reason or just cause, and may be reinstated with back pay.
Common-law notice
Usually longer for older employees, senior or specialized roles, and people recruited away from secure jobs. Short-service employees often receive proportionally more than the "one month per year" rule of thumb suggests; long-serving senior employees usually top out around 24 months.
Termination clauses
A valid termination clause in your employment contract can limit you to the statutory minimum. Whether a clause is enforceable depends on its exact wording and on provincial case law, which is why it is the first thing an employment lawyer checks.
Federally regulated work
Applies to federally regulated employers: banks, telecoms, airlines, interprovincial trucking and rail, and federal Crown corporations. These employees fall under the Canada Labour Code instead: 2 weeks of notice after 3 months, then 1 week per year of service from 3 years to a maximum of 8 weeks, plus severance pay of 2 days' wages per year of service (at least 5 days) after 12 months.
Duty to mitigate
You are expected to look for comparable work. Income earned from a new job during the notice period can be deducted from what a court awards.

General information about Nova Scotia employment law, not legal advice, and the estimate is not a guarantee of any outcome. Unionized employees, dismissals for just cause, fixed-term contracts and valid termination clauses can change the answer. An employment lawyer can tell you how these rules apply to you.

Frequently asked questions

9 questions
How does the severance pay calculator for Halifax work?
The calculator estimates severance using Nova Scotia's statutory notice and common-law reasonable notice based on age, job type, and service length.
What is the difference between statutory and common-law notice in Nova Scotia?
Statutory notice is the minimum required by law. Common-law notice is typically longer, based on factors like age and job type, and includes statutory notice.
What increases my severance pay in Nova Scotia?
Factors like age, length of service, and job type can increase common-law severance. Being recruited away may also lead to higher severance.
Should I sign the first severance offer in Halifax?
Signing a severance offer usually includes a release of further claims. Consider seeking advice before signing to understand your rights fully.
What happens if I'm fired for cause in Nova Scotia?
If dismissed for cause, you may not be entitled to notice or severance. Just cause must be proven by the employer.
Do termination clauses affect severance in Nova Scotia?
Yes, a valid termination clause can limit severance to the statutory minimum. Its enforceability depends on the contract's wording.
How does being federally regulated affect severance in Halifax?
Federally regulated employees follow the Canada Labour Code, which includes notice and severance pay provisions different from Nova Scotia's laws.
What is the duty to mitigate in severance cases?
Dismissed employees must try to find comparable work. Income from a new job during the notice period can reduce severance owed.
Do unionized employees in Halifax get common-law notice?
No, unionized employees' rights come from their collective agreement, not common-law notice.

General information, not legal advice — consult a licensed Nova Scotia lawyer.