Regardless of the relationship you share with your employer, remember that at the end of the day it is a business transaction. As such, it’s crucial to make sure you secure your rights. An employment attorney can be helpful in many tricky workplace situations.

Employment laws are state-specific and are subject to change, which is why an attorney is crucial in understanding what is legal and what is not.

State legislatures are constantly approving new laws and sometimes these new laws can entirely override prior laws. Attorneys help to protect the rights of both employees and employers as they settle certain legal conflicts that arise between them.

If you are facing a work-related issue like harassment, wrongful termination, or contract violation, contact an attorney right away. They have a better understanding of state employment laws, will work in your best interests, and walk you through the process.

According to New Jersey employment lawyer Ravi Sattiraju, reaching out to a lawyer sooner rather than later can be crucial in meeting legal deadlines. New Jersey laws vary in their “statute of limitations”, but there are almost always deadlines as to when wrongdoing needs to be reported.

Under what circumstances do employees require an employment lawyer?

Unlawful actions by employers can negatively impact an employee. If you aren’t part of a union, you especially need an attorney to help protect your rights. An attorney lawyer can help you if:

• You are facing discrimination or harassment of any kind at work
• You were illegally terminated from work
• You employer has violated employment laws that were meant to protect your rights
• Your employer failed to provide the benefits that were promised in your employment contract.
• Your employer forced you to sign an agreement that waives the privileges you are entitled to.

Under what circumstances do employers require an employment lawyer?

Employers can also find themselves in a tough spot. A former employee may have raised a lawsuit. Or, a new law may have been passed and an employer needs an employment attorney to educate them about the changes so that they can be in compliance with the laws. An attorney can help you:

• To negotiate on your behalf in case of collective bargaining
• Respond to to discrimination/ harassment charges
• Respond to employment lawsuits filed by a previous or current employee
• Plan a layoff of a large number of employees
• Eliminate certain employee benefits
• Make changes to a pension plan

How much does it cost to hire an employment lawyer?

The cost of an attorney varies depending on the size of the law firm, your case details, and the lawyers’ skills. The hourly rates could vary between 350$ and $650. Some charge contingency fees which require clients to pay them only if the legal proceeding is successful, while others charge a flat fee for less complicated cases.

Employment lawyers aren’t only about assisting with employer-employee conflicts. They help employers review and prepare employment contracts and ensure that the rights of employers aren’t violated.