Workplaces can be toxic and cause duress to employees. Workers often face discrimination and harassment; resulting in loss of employment or reputation. Employers also face lawsuits from time to time – be it fair or not. Whatever situations you face at your workplace, an employment lawyer can help you out if it requires legal expertise.
How to Find an Employment Lawyer?
Before you hire an employment lawyer, you need to ask for referrals or conduct your own research. You can use location-based searches such as employment lawyer North Hollywood for leads.
Yes, always hire local lawyers as employment laws can differ from state to state. Do not seek online legal advice. Look for a reputed local firm with extensive experience in employment law and schedule a free consultation. You will know if the lawyer or the firm is the right fit for you after your in-person meeting.
When to Hire an Employment Lawyer?
If you are an employee –
Wrongful termination: Workers are unjustly fired from their jobs more often than usual. It can occur for many reasons. Perhaps the workers threatened to retaliate for unpaid wages, discrimination of any kind, or unethical practices at their workplaces. When faced with such situations, employees should hire an employment lawyer immediately.
Discrimination: Workers can face discrimination based on gender, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, ethnicity, disability, political views, etc. If you experience any discrimination at your workplace on these grounds or any other, contact an employment lawyer to know what legal actions you can take against your employer or manager; and even a co-worker.
Workplace bullying: Yes, bullying takes place even in offices. If you experience bullying by your employer or co-worker/s; you can take legal action. Bullying can cause mental, emotional, and psychological trauma. It can impact your work performance negatively. You can begin to have low self-esteem. Instead of falling prey to bullies at work, take legal action against them by hiring an employment lawyer.
Sexual harassment: Alas; sexual harassment is very common in workplaces. Employers or managers are known to seek sexual favors in lieu of promotions or offering other benefits. When employees deny such favors, they are often subjected to humiliation or fired from their jobs in retaliation. Before the issue gets out of hand, seek an employment lawyer to protect your reputation, job, and well-being.
Contract review: If you accept any high-profile job or any employment requiring one or many terms and conditions; hire a lawyer to review it. It is not wise to sign such contracts without consulting an employment lawyer. In any case; consult a lawyer if you have problems understanding any part of your employment contract – irrespective of the nature of your job.
If you are an employer –
Termination of employment: Like it or not; employers need to take tough decisions like firing non-performing workers. Misconduct or bad behavior at the workplace can also be reasons for an employer wanting to fire a worker. But before doing so, it is best to consult with an employment lawyer. Even if your actions are legally right; the employee can still sue you or cause problems. A lawyer can help you navigate these issues easily.
Lawsuits: Employers are sued all the time – be it for the right reasons or not. Disgruntled employees can file lawsuits or complaints against the employer. In such cases, seek legal counsel from an employment lawyer.
Formulating policies: Organizations need to formulate their own policies but in accordance with the law. These policies can be regarding safe work practices, wages, overtime, medical leave, and other matters. An employment lawyer should check them before you implement the policies. If certain aspects are missing from your policies, the lawyer can help you draft them before you land into any trouble.
In Nutshell
Before making any threats or resigning from their job, employees must seek guidance from an employment lawyer. Employers can also resolve issues related to workers’ grievances or lawsuits with greater ease if they hire an employment lawyer for help.
There can be any number of reasons for both employers and employees to hire an employment lawyer. Just ensure you hire a good local lawyer. Use good location-based searches like employment lawyer North Hollywood to your benefit.