In the event of a disagreement, an attorney who specializes in employment law can help the employer and employee talk to each other. If you and your employer ever disagree on payment, workplace safety, discrimination, or termination, having access to an employment attorney who can explain your rights and the employer’s responsibilities can help ease the tension.
To know more about the protection of employment rights, click here. If you want to know in detail why you should hire an employment lawyer, read on.
How Do You Define An Employment Lawyer?
An employee can choose between two distinct sorts of lawyers specializing in labor law. Lawyers that represent employers are called management attorneys, whereas those who represent employees are called employment discrimination attorneys, employment rights attorneys, or federal employment attorneys.
Some employment lawyers will take cases from either the employer or the employee, although this is the exception rather than the rule.
Why Is It A Good Idea To Work With A Lawyer Specializing In Employment Law?
A labor law attorney may be needed by an employee and an employer in a number of different contexts. A person should consider getting an attorney specializing in employment law if any of the following ever occurs to them:
If You Are An Employer, You Will Need An Employment Lawyer For:
- Interpretation And Adherence
There are probably many labor laws you aren’t aware of. There may be a nuance to the application of each rule that you miss. A lawyer specializing in employment law can ensure that your business follows all applicable regulations. An employment lawyer can help you understand your legal obligations and the repercussions of your actions.
- Assuring The Safety Of Company Assets
You will discover several innovations as a company. Software and other forms of intellectual property need to be safeguarded. The same goes for the company’s name and logo. In order to protect your business’s intellectual property, you may want to consider hiring a lawyer to aid you with trademarks and copyrights.
- Giving An Overview of Employment Agreements And Contracts
Both parties need to have an agreement in place. As an employer, you’re responsible for safeguarding yourself from the employees you bring on board. Before hiring someone, you must lay out the terms of their employment. If you want to ensure your employee doesn’t go and sell your trade secrets to competitors, you may put a non-compete and non-disclosure clause in your contract. Your lawyer can advise you on how to go about it.
- Threats and Defenses in Lawsuits
There are two potential sources of conflict in business: suppliers and employees. If a customer, partner, or employee sues you, you need a solid litigation strategy to defend yourself. A good lawyer’s job is to prevent you from ever having to go to court.
If You Are An Employee, You Will Need An Employment Lawyer For:
- Sorting Out Harassment And Discrimination
If you are discriminated against or harassed at work, talking to an employment lawyer can help make sure that your company is following the laws about fairness. Take the case of a female worker who tells her boss that she is being sexually harassed repeatedly. She can take the matter to court if her employer does not comply.
Another potential case is someone overlooked for promotion despite their obvious qualifications. One could argue that this constitutes discrimination in some form.
- If You Have Been A Victim Of Wrongful Termination
If an employer fires an employee for an unjustified cause, such as discrimination, pregnancy, or harassment based on a protected class, that employer may have committed wrongful termination. In this case, your lawyer can help you with your mistreatment and offer a course of action that benefits you. - Uncompensated Overtime Work And Wage Theft
Employment litigation may be pursued if an employer is found to have violated minimum wage or overtime payment regulations at the federal or state level. An employment lawyer can keep you up to date with the regulations and prevent exploitation. - Retaliation
The employment lawyer can help with retaliation against workers who report discrimination or unsafe working conditions to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Forms of retaliation include, but are not limited to, pay cuts, on-hold promotions, and terminations without just cause. Your lawyer can help you navigate such situations by offering informed advice.
The Wrap-Up
Because there are so many rules regarding workplace safety and hiring, employers should consult with an employment law specialist. Lawyers specializing in employment law are in a prime position to advise firms on the laws, company asset protection, employment contracts, and defense in lawsuits, given their firsthand familiarity with the aforementioned rules and laws.
On the other hand, if you’re an employee and your employer has violated your legal rights against sexual harassment, unlawful discrimination, illegal termination, or unpaid overtime, as an employee, you may be able to seek redress through legal channels at the federal or state level. Damages such as those to your professional reputation may also be compensable.
