An employment lawyer works in two ways. It represents both the employer and the employee. As the employee’s employment attorney, the attorney can review the employment contract and negotiate and propose additional terms or deletions to protect the employee’s interests. He also works to negotiate severance or retirement packages. If he believes that he has been discriminated against, treated unfairly or terminated unfairly, an employment lawyer can guide him about his rights as an employee and his options. Additionally, an employment lawyer represents you in a variety of situations, such as overtime pay claims, sexual harassment in the workplace, employment discrimination, and family leave law.
As an employer, you always need the services of a lawyer. Although as an employer you can be an expert in handling most employment matters, some matters are particularly complicated and difficult to handle without the help of an employment lawyer. An employment attorney keeps you up to date on rapidly changing laws, which can be difficult to interpret and understand on your own. An employment attorney can quickly review and resolve any employment-related issues you routinely use with your workers, such as employment contracts, severance agreements, or settlement releases, and can review an employee handbook or personnel policies to ensure legal compliance. . Additionally, the attorney protects you from violating any laws related to overtime pay, family leave, final paychecks, or occupational safety and health, to name a few. An employment attorney can also guide you through difficult decisions, such as whether it is legal to fire a worker and what steps you can take to minimize the risk of a lawsuit. In general, an employment lawyer specializes in representing the employee or the employer; he cannot represent both at once.
Employment laws vary from state to state, so it is always an advantage to hire an employment attorney who is well-versed and experienced in handling employment cases in a particular state. In a state like New Jersey, where there are strict codes of ethics for both employer and employee, the role of a business attorney becomes even more important. To find an employment attorney in New Jersey, contact your state bar association for a referral, check the online directory or yellow pages, or go to an attorney recommended by your friends and family.
