About Nextstep Law

Nextstep Law is a Toronto employment law firm founded by lawyer Sentil Thomson, who is licensed to practice in Ontario and was called to the bar in Manitoba as an inactive member. The firm works out of an office in the Simpson Tower at Bay and Queen streets in the downtown core, and it practices employment law only, acting for both workers and employers rather than covering a wide range of legal areas. Before starting the firm, the founder worked at another downtown Toronto employment law firm, building experience in workplace disputes, mental health related claims, and severance strategy.

On the employee side, the firm reviews and negotiates severance packages, handles wrongful and constructive dismissal claims, and advises on workplace harassment, discrimination, and accommodation issues that can arise under Ontario's Human Rights Code and Occupational Health and Safety Act. It also reviews employment contracts and job offers before clients sign them, and it works through layoff questions under the Employment Standards Act. On the employer side, the firm drafts and reviews employment contracts and workplace policies, advises on termination strategy and progressive discipline, conducts workplace investigations, and helps plan layoffs and restructuring in a way meant to meet ESA notice obligations. Employee matters are generally handled on a contingency basis, so clients don't pay a fee until there's a settlement.

Milestones & recognition

  • The firm's founder, Sentil Thomson, is licensed to practice law in Ontario and was called to the bar in Manitoba, where they hold inactive membership status.
  • Before founding Nextstep Law, Thomson practiced at another downtown Toronto employment law firm, working on workplace disputes, mental health related claims, and severance strategy.

Fees & payment

A shield with gold coins, a dollar sign and a checkmark sealContingencyA clipboard with a speech bubble and a no-charge dollar coinFree consultation

The neighbourhood

Nextstep Law's office is in the Simpson Tower, a 33 storey office building at Bay and Queen streets that has anchored that intersection since it was built in 1968. The address sits a short walk from Osgoode Hall at 130 Queen Street West, which houses the Ontario Court of Appeal, the Divisional Court of the Superior Court of Justice, and the headquarters of the Law Society of Ontario, putting the firm within easy reach of the courts and regulator that its employment law practice deals with.

Frequently asked questions

I was let go from my job. Can Nextstep Law tell me if it was a wrongful dismissal?
Yes. The firm reviews terminations to see whether proper notice or severance was given under Ontario law, and helps clients understand what they're actually entitled to.
Should I sign the severance package my employer gave me?
The firm generally advises against signing right away. Severance offers are often drafted to protect the employer, and it says a package should be reviewed before you sign anything or let a deadline pass.
I haven't been fired, but things feel wrong at work. Can that still be a legal issue?
It might be a constructive dismissal, where changes to your job amount to an effective termination. Nextstep Law offers to help assess situations like this.
Does Nextstep Law handle workplace harassment or discrimination complaints?
Yes. The firm advises employees dealing with harassment or treatment tied to identity, disability, or other personal circumstances, including claims that may fall under the Human Rights Code or the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
How does Nextstep Law charge for employee cases?
The firm offers contingency fee arrangements for employees, meaning payment is tied to a successful outcome rather than being owed up front.
I run a business in Toronto. Can Nextstep Law help with employment contracts and workplace policies?
Yes. On the employer side, the firm drafts and reviews employment contracts and offer letters, advises on workplace policies and progressive discipline, and helps with termination strategy and workplace investigations.

Where to find them

401 Bay St., 16th Floor, Toronto, ON M5H 2Y4 · 416-764-9037

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Listing compiled from the firm’s public website in August 2026. Verify licence status in the Law Society of Ontario directory ↗