Worked for a Long Time and Just been Terminated?
June 23, 2022
Zoe Arghandewal is partner at Zargarian Litigation. The law firm focuses on providing its client’s criminal defence and employment/workplace advice.
Zoe Arghandewal is a trusted employment and human rights lawyer based in British Columbia, with over 7 years of experience advising and representing workers and employers. She is also an experienced criminal defence lawyer, offering strategic representation in select provincial and Supreme Court matters.
Zoe’s employment practice is known for centering her client’s experience and accomplishing results that are in line with her client’s legal position. This client-centric and results-oriented approach to employment law, workplace discrimination, and human rights violations is the foundation of the practice.
Zoe helps clients throughout BC with:
Wrongful dismissal and severance negotiations
Discrimination and harassment claims under the BC Human Rights Code
Workplace investigations and employment contract reviews
Human rights tribunal advocacy
Criminal charges, including assault, theft, fraud, and impaired driving
Most of Zoe’s workplace and employment practice focuses on workers but she has worked with some non-profit employer clients as well. Zoe understands the full landscape of workplace disputes and uses that insight to secure fair, cost-effective resolutions for her clients. Known for her strategic negotiation skills, she frequently secures fair and efficient outcomes without resorting to full trial—though she’s equally prepared to litigate when necessary .
Clients appreciate her clarity, integrity, and commitment to justice:
“Zoe is extremely knowledgeable, communicative, and transparent. With her expert insight, I was able to advocate for myself in a spirit of collaboration.”
Whether you’re facing a wrongful termination, navigating a toxic workplace, or defending against a criminal charge, Zoe provides legal support that is direct, strategic, and grounded in real-world experience.
📍 Serving clients across Vancouver, Victoria, Nanaimo, Gabriola Island, Courtenay, Campbell River and the rest of British Columbia.
Zoe Arghandewal earned her Juris Doctor (JD) from the University of British Columbia in 2016. She has been practicing law in British Columbia since 2017
Known for effectively resolving disputes, often securing favorable outcomes without the need for lengthy litigation.
Employment law in British Columbia governs the rights and responsibilities of employers and employees in non-unionized workplaces. It covers key areas such as employment contracts, termination and severance, workplace discrimination and harassment, employee leaves, and minimum standards for wages, hours, and working conditions under the BC Employment Standards Act. In addition to this provincial legislation, employees are also protected by common law principles (such as the right to reasonable notice) and by human rights laws, which prohibit discrimination based on characteristics like sex, race, disability, and age. Employment law in BC is designed to ensure fair treatment, promote safe workplaces, and provide remedies when employment relationships break down.
Severance negotiations in British Columbia involve determining how much compensation an employee is entitled to when their employment is terminated without just cause. While the Employment Standards Act sets out minimum notice or pay-in-lieu requirements, many employees are entitled to significantly more under common law, depending on factors like their age, length of service, position, and chances of finding new work. Employers often present severance offers quickly after termination, but these are usually negotiable—and accepting too soon can mean leaving money on the table. A lawyer experienced in employment law can help assess whether an offer is fair, negotiate stronger terms, and protect the employee’s legal rights during the transition.
Wrongful dismissal in British Columbia occurs when an employee is terminated without just cause and without receiving proper notice or severance pay as required by law. While the BC Employment Standards Act outlines minimum entitlements, most employees are also protected by common law, which may entitle them to much more—often several months of severance based on factors like age, tenure, position, and job market conditions. If you’ve been let go and suspect your severance package is inadequate, or if you were fired for questionable reasons, you may have a wrongful dismissal claim. An experienced employment lawyer can review your situation, negotiate a fair settlement, and help you assert your legal rights.
Workplace investigations in British Columbia are formal processes used by employers to respond to complaints of misconduct, such as harassment, discrimination, violence, sexual harassment, or bullying in the workplace. Employers have a legal duty under the Workers Compensation Act and BC Human Rights Code to maintain a safe and respectful environment—and in many cases, they are required to investigate allegations promptly and fairly. Investigations may be conducted internally or by a neutral third party and should follow principles of procedural fairness. For both employers and employees, the stakes are high: poorly handled investigations can lead to legal liability or reputational harm. A workplace lawyer can help ensure the investigation process is fair, lawful, and defensible.
You are terminated for cause but you don’t think it is fair or right. I can help you assess whether the facts of your case merit a for cause termination. In most cases, just cause terminations are not legal. In the first case Zoe took on she obtained a $40,000 settlement for a client who had been fired for cause because their boss was upset about some jokes made on a whatsapp group thread.
You have been offered a position and received an employment contract. You don’t understand everything in the contract or which parts are especially important. Zoe regularly assists workers understand their employment contracts and negotiate entitlements and benefits.
You are still working but experiencing discrimination or bullying in the workplace. You want to know your rights and how best to handle the situation. Zoe can help explain your rights and craft a solution that allows you to prioritize your mental health and get the help you
“I spend time understanding your dispute and goals before advising if and how the law can assist. I enjoy creatively resolving your conflicts before they reach formal litigation. Once your conflicts reach formal litigation, I will relentlessly advocate for you.” – Zoe Arghandewal
Discover essential information on common workplace conflicts, employee rights, and employer responsibilities, providing valuable insights for both parties.
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