when to seek an employment lawyer

by Mabelle Pagac 3 min read

When should you seek advice for a lawyer?

Some specific situations that may call for seeking legal advice, and soon, may include: Signing a contract – it never hurts to have an attorney review the terms and conditions of a contract to ensure you're not agreeing to unfair terms. Once you sign, it's often too late to make any meaningful changes.Oct 27, 2017

Why is it important to have an employment lawyer?

An employment attorney can help employers and employees work together to reach a resolution in the event of a problem, from wages and workplace safety to discrimination and wrongful termination.

Should I tell HR I have a lawyer?

In most situations, it will NOT help an employee to drop the L-bomb, and tell your employer that you're retaining a lawyer. In many situations, the employee's mere mention of the L-word makes the employer even more upset, makes the employer take more adverse actions, and makes the situation worse.Jan 6, 2010

What does employment law do?

Employment law regulates the relationship between employers and employees. It governs what employers can expect from employees, what employers can ask employees to do, and employees' rights at work.

What are Labour laws?

labour law. labour law, the varied body of law applied to such matters as employment, remuneration, conditions of work, trade unions, and industrial relations. In its most comprehensive sense, the term includes social security and disability insurance as well.

How can I scare HR?

5 Terrifying Things That Will Spook HRFINANCIALLY-CRIPPLING FORM I-9 FINES. Nothing strikes fear in an HR manager like the dreaded words “ICE Audit”, and for good reason. ... NEGLIGENT HIRING LAWSUITS. ... SKIMPING ON SEASONAL HIRING. ... HIRING THE WRONG CANDIDATE. ... CLASS ACTION LAWSUITS.Oct 26, 2015

What do you mean by employer?

: a person or business that pays others for their services. employer. noun.

What is an attorney called?

A lawyer (also called attorney, counsel, or counselor) is a licensed professional who advises and represents others in legal matters. Today's lawyer can be young or old, male or female.Sep 10, 2019

Why do employees seek employment attorneys?

So, an employee would want to seek out an employment attorney to determine what their rights are and whether their situation is worthy of pursuing an actual lawsuit. The reason, Levitt explains, is that the agency findings are not binding and many times not even admissible because agencies do not do exhaustive investigations.

What can an employment attorney do?

An employment attorney can help employers and employees work together to reach a resolution in the event of a problem, from wages and workplace safety to discrimination and wrongful termination. But when is it appropriate to reach out?

What should an employee keep in a record of incidents?

Employees who believe they are being discriminated against in some way or are not being paid correctly, etc., should keep accurate records of incidents, including dates and times. Note any witnesses. All of this information will be helpful for the agency or attorney should the employee decide to pursue action.

What is FLSA in employment law?

If the problem is on-time pay, overtime, or proper pay classification (non-exempt versus exempt status), the attorney can help the employee navigate the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) to determine if the possibility exists that rights have been violated and help the employee with next steps. There are a plethora of labor laws an employer could ...

What to do if your employer-employee relationship becomes strained?

If your employer-employee relationship becomes strained on account of a dispute involving wages, workplace safety, discrimination, or wrongful termination, it's helpful to know an employment attorney who can explain both sides' rights and duties.

Can an employer violate labor laws?

There are a plethora of labor laws an employer could easily violate unknowingly (or willfully), and since there are different employee count and tenure thresholds for different laws, it's helpful to get guidance from an attorney.

Can an employee file a lawsuit if there is no evidence?

Even if the agency finds insufficient evidence, the employee still has the right to file a lawsuit. The agency will either help the employee at that point or tell the employee that they should find an attorney. So, an employee would want to seek out an employment attorney to determine what their rights are and whether their situation is worthy ...

Why do you need a lawyer?

A lawyer can help you make difficult decisions about your employees. Firing. Particularly if you are worried that an employee might sue, you should consider getting legal advice before firing an employee for misconduct, performance problems, or other bad behavior.

What can a lawyer do for you?

A lawyer can quickly review and troubleshoot employment-related agreements you routinely use with your workers , such as employment contracts, severance agreements, or releases. A lawyer can check your contracts to make sure that they contain all the necessary legal terms and will be enforced by a court.

What to do if an employee sues you?

If a current or former employee sues you, speak to a lawyer right away. Employment lawsuits can be very complex. You have to take certain actions immediately to make sure that your rights are protected -- and to preserve evidence that might be used in court.

What is misclassification in employment?

Misclassification often comes with a hefty price tag, which can include years of unpaid overtime and penalties for multiple employees. Other decisions. You may also wish to have a lawyer review any employment decision that will affect a large number of employees.

How long does it take to file a lawsuit?

The time limits for taking action are very short -- many courts require you to file a formal, legal response to a lawsuit within just a few weeks. As soon as your receive notice of a lawsuit against you, begin looking for a lawyer. Claims and complaints.

Do lawyers come cheap?

After all, lawyers don't come cheap. If you run to a lawyer every time you have to make an employment-related decision, you will quickly go broke. The trick is to figure out which situations require some expert help and which you can handle on your own.

Can an employer handle employment matters on their own?

Even the most conscientious employer occasionally needs help from a lawyer. Although you can handle many employment matters on your own, some issues are particularly tricky and will require some legal expertise. Employment law can change rapidly.

What is employment law?

Employment law takes in account all the aspects of work, which consumes a person's time and energy to performing a task. Under employment law, an employer has to abide by the laws that govern the employer-employee relationship.

Where are employment laws found?

Statutes for employment law are found in the federal to state government to city and county. Employment law determines the rights and obligations outlined in an employment contract. Employment law deals with the legal relationship between employers and employees. Statutes for employment law are found in the federal to state government to city ...

What is an employment lawyer?

An employment lawyer specializes in representing employers or employees in a wide array of employment related matters. There are a variety of state and federal laws governing the treatment of employees. These include anti-discrimination laws, sexual harassment laws, and laws governing employee benefits. Furthermore, there are laws that govern how ...

How to prepare for a lawyer meeting?

You should gather any necessary documents to take to the meeting, e.g., employment contract, termination letter, emails, and anything else that relates to your case. Also sit down and come up with a list of questions to ask the attorney. Common questions are:

What does it mean if an attorney is not certified?

Be aware that many states do not allow certification. Accordingly, the lack of certification may simply mean that your state doesn't allow it. Check to see if other employment lawyers in the state have certification.

Is an attorney a good source of referrals?

Attorneys are a good source of referrals. If you have used a lawyer for a non-employment matter (e.g., to write a will or to defend you in a criminal case), then you should ask the attorney for a recommendation of an employment lawyer .

What's it like to be an Employment Lawyer?

Employment law governs the rights of employees and employers in the employee-employer relationship. Working in employment law requires an understanding of the commercial, economic, policy and human factors involved in the employment relationship.

Latest Employment Lawyer jobs on SEEK

Be one of the first to discover these recently listed jobs, or browse all Employment Lawyer jobs on SEEK right now.

How to become an Employment Lawyer

To become an Employment Lawyer in Australia you will need to apply to the local Law Society for a Practising Certificate. You’ll then need to complete 18 to 24 months of supervised practice at a law firm. Pathways to becoming a practicing Employment Lawyer typically require a combined 5-6 years of education and training.

Junior Lawyer, 1 - 3 years PAE

An opportunity for a junior lawyer looking for growth and mentorship across a range of practice areas, with a firm established in 1955.

Solicitor

We have a vacancy for a dynamic and passionate Restricted or Unrestricted Solicitor to join our organisation in the Pilbara. About Us Pilbara

Junior Lawyer

Opportunity to work in busy position in small firm, with exposure to many areas of law and access to experienced lawyers.

Lawyer

Are you a legally qualified professional with experience working in a large corporate organisation?

Junior Lawyer

Keen to kick start your career as a lawyer? Looking for a small supportive team where you will be mentored and have the opportunity to progress ..?

Legal Practitioner (356401)

Represent clients of TLA as required in relation to matters in the Criminal jurisdiction.

Graduate Lawyer - General Practice

Legal Aid ACT is seeking suitably qualified persons to fill graduate lawyer vacancies in our General Practice.

Graduate (Litigation Team)

We are looking for a Graduate to join our Litigation team. Someone who prides themselves on delivering quality service to their clients.

Staff Solicitor

SOLICITORS: WOULD YOU LIKE FASCINATING WORK, MAKING A REAL DIFFERENCE TO CLIENTS, NO BILLABLE HOURS AND LIVING IN HAWKE'S BAY - IF SO APPLY NOW?

Analyst (L2) - Legal Services

Support Legal Services to improve how we work with and support our customers. Permanent, full-time position with flexible working!

Corporate Counsel

We're looking for an energetic 'big picture' solicitor to join our Risk, Governance and Legal team as a Corporate Counsel.

Criminal Law Legal Secretary

Do you have a passion for criminal law and hope to join one of Sydney’s leading specialist firms? Exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic secretary!

Criminal Defence Lawyer

Opportunity for a Criminal Defence Lawyer to join our highly collaborative and passionate team. 2+ years post-admission experience in criminal law.

CIVIL LAW SOLICITOR

An exciting opportunity exists for a Civil Law Solicitor to join our Alice Springs Civil Law team.

Criminal Lawyer

We have an opportunity for an experienced professional to join our well-respected, award-winning team as a criminal lawyer.

Criminal Lawyer

We have an opportunity for an experienced professional to join our well-respected, award-winning team as a criminal lawyer.

Solicitor

We have a vacancy for a dynamic and passionate Restricted or Unrestricted Solicitor to join our organisation in the Pilbara. About Us Pilbara

Criminal Lawyer

A new opportunity for a criminal lawyer to join our established team of specialist defence team in Melbourne.

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Advice on Employment Decisions

  • A lawyer can help you make difficult decisions about your employees. Firing.Particularly if you are worried that an employee might sue, you should consider getting legal advice before firing an employee for misconduct, performance problems, or other bad behavior. A lawyer can tell you not only whether terminating the worker will be legal, but also ...
See more on nolo.com

Representation in Legal Or Administrative Proceedings

  • Lawsuits.If a current or former employee sues you, speak to a lawyer right away. Employment lawsuits can be very complex. You have to take certain actions immediately to make sure that your rights are protected -- and to preserve evidence that might be used in court. The time limits for taking action are very short -- many courts require you to file a formal, legal response to a law…
See more on nolo.com

Reviewing Documents

  • Contracts and agreements.A lawyer can quickly review and troubleshoot employment-related agreements you routinely use with your workers, such as employment contracts, severance agreements, or releases. A lawyer can check your contracts to make sure that they contain all the necessary legal terms and will be enforced by a court. If you have included any language that mi…
See more on nolo.com

Next Steps

  • If you have decided that it might be wise to speak to a lawyer, your next step is to find a good one. For tips and information on finding an attorney, read Nolo's article How to Find an Excellent Lawyer.
See more on nolo.com