108. Figuring out your legal rights at work (before you need them) with Erin Brandt

Sometimes you get a sinking feeling when you’re handed a new job offer because you might have no idea what you’re actually signing. Or you’ve found yourself wondering what you can and can't negotiate when you’re going on mat leave.

This episode is the legal safety net you didn't know you needed.

Employment lawyer Erin Brandt breaks down everything working parents need to know about their rights—from signing contracts to navigating mat leaves, getting fired, and everything in between. And she does it in a way that actually makes sense (no legal jargon, promise).

Whether you're accepting a new role, planning a leave, or dealing with a tricky work situation, this is the legal information you wish you'd had years ago.

In this episode, we cover:

Mat Leave & Parental Leave:

• (00:11:58) The 12 vs. 18-month EI trap (and why you should almost always choose 12 months)
• (00:13:24) How to communicate changing needs without jeopardizing your job
• (00:17:36) What employers can and can't do while you're on leave
• (00:24:50) Why short-term disability benefits matter more than you think
• (00:29:27) Feeling pressure to return from leave early
• (00:34:28) What happens if you don't accrue enough EI hours between babies

Before You Sign:

• (00:39:21) What to look for in an employment contract
• (00:40:38) How to negotiate termination clauses without losing the offer
• (00:45:34) Why that "standard" contract might not be so standard
• (00:49:44) The truth about non-competes—and when they're actually enforceable
• (00:50:35) Will pushing back on an offer get it rescinded?
• (00:57:48) Non-compete clauses when you want to quit
• (00:36:30) What "salary continuance" means and why it matters for EI eligibility

When Things Go Wrong:

• (01:03:00) How to know if you're experiencing discrimination vs. just a bad situation
• (01:05:19) The BC Human Rights Tribunal reality check
• (01:06:10) The real cost of not getting legal advice on a severance package
• (01:06:53) Why some people choose to fight—and others choose to walk away
• (01:08:11) What you're actually signing away in a settlement

KEY TAKEAWAY:

Communication is everything. Whether you're negotiating a contract, planning a leave, or navigating a termination—clarity, boundaries, and understanding your rights will always serve you better than staying silent.

RELATED EPISODES:

• Ep. 95: The emotional journey of surrogacy and parenting with Stephanie Bosello  – Spotify or Apple
• Ep. 94: How to co-regulate without losing yourself as a parent with Tracy Adams – Spotify or Apple

ABOUT ERIN BRANDT:

Erin (she/her) is an employment and human rights lawyer and is passionate about helping people create meaningful employment relationships and assisting to resolve conflict where those relationships break down. Erin is excited by new ideas that increase the value clients receive from legal services and enthusiastic about new technologies that make accessing legal services more convenient. She channels this passion and enthusiasm into solving workplace problems for both employers and employees

Website: portalaw.ca
LinkedIn: Erin Brandt

Instagram: @portalawbc

ABOUT ANDREA BARR, HOST OF ALL FIGURED OUT:

Andrea Barr is a certified career and life coach for ambitious parents and the host of the All Figured Out podcast. She helps parents find clarity, confidence, and career-family alignment without burnout.

Through her coaching, workshops, and podcast, Andrea shares the strategies and mindset shifts parents need to design careers that fit their lives—so they can thrive at work and at home.

Connect with Andrea:

Website: https://www.andreabarr.com/ 

Instagram: @allfiguredoutandrea

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LEGAL DISCLAIMER:

This episode is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, please consult with an employment lawyer in your province.