Are you An Employee, Independent Contractor or Dependent Contractor?

In Ottawa, many workers believe themselves to be “independent contractors” either because they prefer this characterization or because their employers have described them in those terms. Unfortunately, both might be incorrect and being improperly considered an independent contractor when you are actually an employee can have weighty implications for your annual tax payments and also your legal entitlements if and when the employment relationship ends. What’s in a name? Like... Read More

Andrew Astritis speaks at Accommodation Law Conference

Andrew Astritis will be presenting at the 2015 Accommodation Law Conference, hosted by Labour Law Online – Centre for Labour-Management Development. The conference, which takes place on April 22 and 23, 2015 at the Chateau Laurier in Ottawa, will address recent development in human rights and accommodation law, including a summary of recent cases in the area. More information on the conference is available here.   Read More

Andrew Astritis speaks at University of Ottawa human rights seminar

On Friday, March 20, 2015, Andrew Astritis participated in an upper-year human rights seminar in the University of Ottawa’s common law program. The class addressed developments in family status accommodation, including the decision in Canada (Attorney General) v Johnstone. Andrew Raven and Andrew Astritis appeared as counsel on behalf of Ms Johnstone. Read More

RavenLaw Supports the 16th Annual Lawyer Play Fundraiser

RavenLaw was proud to sponsor the 16th Annual County of Carleton Law Association/ Great Canadian Theatre Company Lawyer Play. The annual fundraiser supports the operations of Great Canadian Theatre Company (GCTC) and benefits a charity partner, which this year was StreetSmarts. Over the last 15 years, the Lawyer Play fundraiser has raised over $1.2 million dollars for GCTC and designated charity partners. Each year, the play’s cast is composed entirely... Read More

Seeking punitive and mental distress damages in a Long-Term Disability (LTD) Claim

In addition to compensation for long-term disability benefits, it is possible to also claim damages for mental distress from the insurance company, as well as punitive damages to punish the company for its conduct. However, to successfully claim these amounts, the relevant legal tests must be satisfied. The Ontario Court of Appeal recently rendered a decision which clarifies the test to be applied in determining punitive and mental distress damages.... Read More

RavenLaw Helps “Break the Cycle” with the Ottawa Rape Crisis Centre

RavenLaw was proud to support the 4th annual Ottawa Rape Crisis Centre Spin-A-Thon on Saturday, April 25th. The firm provided a financial donation to support the participation of a Ravenlaw team. The ORCC is dedicated to eradication violence against women and providing support to survivors and the people who love them. All proceeds from the event will go towards ongoing short- and long-term counseling for survivors, the 24-hour Crisis Line... Read More

Office Closure

Please note that our office will be closed on Friday, April 3, 2015 and Monday, April 6, 2015. Read More

May Day: the Labour Movement’s Legacy

May 1st, also known as May Day or International Workers’ Day, has long stood as the date on which workers gather to celebrate the past victories of the labour movement and to advance ongoing concerns facing workers around the world. While May Day has its roots in the historical labour struggles in Canada and the United States, it has become a touchstone for worker’s rights and labour activism that remains... Read More

Limitation periods for long-term disability (LTD) claims

Applying for long-term disability (LTD) benefits can feel like a game of cat and mouse, in which the insurer repeatedly invites claimants to appeal the denial of benefits internally. Often these internal appeals are met with further denials. What many claimants may not realize is that, while these internal appeals and denials are occurring, the time limit to bring a court action continues to run. In Ontario, most long-term disability... Read More

RavenLaw Proud to Support the Ten Oaks Project Bowl-a-Thon

RavenLaw was proud to support this year’s Ten Oaks Project Camp Bowl-a-Thon. This annual event helps bring much-needed funds to the Ten Oaks Project organization and connects children and youth from LGBTQ+identities, families and communities with their supporters. This year’s event surpassed the $40,000 fundraising goal. The Ten Oaks Project engages and connects children and youth from LGBTQ+ communities through programs and activities rooted in play.   Read More