Samantha Lucifora – Toronto Employment Lawyer

Toronto employment lawyer Samantha Lucifora is a Partner at Monkhouse Law and has represented clients at trial and the Court of Appeal, on wrongful dismissal cases ranging from senior managers who were falsely accused of fraud to employees who were terminated by their employer, but who were not paid all the monies owing to them. Equally important, Samantha working with other Toronto employment lawyers at Monkhouse Law, has been successful in obtaining a number of significant cost awards from the courts. On some employment law cases, Samantha has also had Final Summary Judgements, thereby resolving them economically and efficiently.

In her employment law practice, Samantha routinely deals with various workplace issues, including wrongful dismissals, constructive dismissal, human rights violations in the workplace, and disability claims for employees.

For Toronto employers, she helps with preventing, planning for, and successfully navigating various workplace issues. Having developed an interest in workplace investigations, Samantha has completed HRPA’s Workplace Investigations Training and Certificate Program.

Prior to joining Monkhouse Law, Samantha articled at a personal injury firm where she developed a passion for advocacy.

Samantha completed her JD at the University of Windsor, after obtaining an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree from Western University in psychology and political science. She is a member of the Law Society of Ontario.

When not working, Samantha volunteers with the non-profit Girls Incorporated, a leading advocacy organization for young girls. She also enjoys travelling, food (carbs!), and spending time with her family and friends.

 

Select Client Reviews of Samantha Lucifora

By Employees:

“Samantha is an excellent Toronto employment lawyer with in-depth knowledge of many areas of employment law. Furthermore, she is excellent in clearly explaining the “legalese” into layman’s terms that one can understand. She is also truly objective and provides you with all the information for you to make a decision, but she never pushes you one way or another, but rather explains clearly the pros and cons of every decision. Well organized and well prepared, she has all the qualities that one looks for in a great employment lawyer.” – AP from Toronto

“If you are looking for a Toronto employment lawyer who has a great balance of compassion, experience, knowledge and expertise, I would definitely recommend Samantha and Monkhouse Law. I was impressed by the ability that Samantha had to guide me through a process and make me comfortable and with minimal stress throughout.

I can’t thank Samantha enough for her dedicated and compassionate approach.”

– Braden S. from Brampton

By Companies:

“I have just started a Registered Massage Therapy and Health Company and hired Samantha from Monkhouse Law to create our contracts. This is my first time needing an employment lawyer and I was unsure what to expect. Samantha made the experience so easy and stress free that I actually enjoyed it! She even provided advice on incentives to include in the hiring contract that I hadn’t even considered. She is extremely intelligent and efficient in her work. The contracts were done quickly and the whole process from start to finish could not have been smoother. I definitely would recommend Monkhouse Law to anyone starting a new business.

Thank you Samantha!”

– Chloe T.  from Toronto

Recent Notable Employment Law Cases

Note: Each case is individual and past success does not guarantee future success.

Battiston v. Microsoft Canada Inc., 2020 ONSC 4286 (CanLII): Trial Decision: Samantha Lucifora was co-counsel in this trial about the bonus, merit increase and RSU (Restricted share units) for a middle manager at Microsoft.  She was successful in arguing that the notice plan Microsoft used to inform their employee about share plan limitations were invalid thus granting the employee the shares (RSU’s) in question. The employee also received 24 months notice and bonuses throughout his notice period.

Ruston v. Keddco: Court of Appeal Decision: Samantha represented the terminated employee at the Court of Appeal. The Court denied all appeal attempts and awarded an additional $35,000 to cover the employee’s legal fees. Samantha was quoted in the Toronto Star for her role in the case: Hefty Damages Award Upheld for Fired & Threatened Employee

Ruston v. Keddco: Trial Decision: Samantha was co-counsel in an 11-day trial representing an 11-year President of a company who was terminated on accusations of fraud, breach of fiduciary duty and unjust enrichment. The Court unequivocally found these claims to be without merit and dismissed the $1.7 million claim against the President, instead awarding him an elongated 19 month notice period, his full cash bonus entitlements, as well as $125,000 in extraordinary damages for the behaviour and tactics of the Defendant.

Paquette v TeraGo Networks Inc.: Ontario Court of Appeal Decision: Samantha was co-counsel on an appeal which provides that employees generally get their bonuses during any notice period, unless there is specific wording to the contrary. This case also unequivocally held that the “active employment” requirement to be eligible for a bonus is not sufficiently clear to oust an employee’s entitlement to a bonus during the notice period.

Johar v Best Buy Canada: Final Summary Judgment Decision: Samantha was primary carriage lawyer over this matter which was resolved economically and efficiently through summary judgment.

Johar v Best Buy Canada: Costs Decision:  $27,500 was awarded by the Court to assist Samantha’s client with the cost of his legal fees. This award was 50% the amount of the total severance and is one of the highest cost awards as a percentage of total awards given out.

 

Employment Law Videos

Why I like to practice employment law

For companies: What to do when you receive a demand letter from a past employee

When terminated employees are owed bonuses

For Employees: What to consider when reviewing a contract

Samantha Lucifora: How to analyze an employment letter for a terminated employee