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When to Get an Employment Lawyer: Key Situations and Signs

when to get an employment lawyer

Dealing with the complex landscape of employment issues can be daunting. Whether you are facing discrimination, wrongful termination, harassment, or wage disputes, knowing when to seek legal help can make a significant difference in protecting your rights and securing a fair outcome.

At Levine & Blit, we are experts in New York employment law and federal regulations, dedicated to helping clients understand their legal options. Our team provides personalized attention and robust representation. Whether you’re under investigation or seeking advice on a claim, we will guide you every step of the way. Call us at 646-461-6838 today for a free case evaluation.

👉Also Read: Choosing the Best Employment Lawyers in New York: Your Legal Guide

What is an Employment Attorney?

Definition

An employment attorney is a legal professional specializing in employment law, focusing on matters related to the workplace. These attorneys represent employees in disputes with employers, providing legal advice and advocacy.

Roles and Responsibilities

Employment attorneys handle various tasks, including:

  • Advising Clients: Offering legal guidance on employment-related issues.
  • Negotiating Settlements: Working towards fair settlements between employees and employers.
  • Litigating Cases: Representing clients in court to resolve disputes.
  • Drafting Legal Documents: Preparing necessary legal documentation, such as complaints and contracts.

Importance

Having legal representation in employment disputes is crucial due to the complexity of employment laws and the potential for significant personal and financial impacts. An experienced employment attorney can help navigate these challenges, ensuring your rights are protected.

Key Situations to Seek an Employment Lawyer

Workplace Discrimination

Types of Discrimination

Workplace discrimination under New York labor law can take various forms, including:

  • Race: Unfair treatment based on race or ethnicity.
  • Gender: Discrimination based on gender or gender identity.
  • Age: Bias against employees because of their age.
  • Disability: Discrimination due to a physical or mental disability.

Legal Actions

It is important to know when to get an employment lawyer. An experienced employment attorney with thorough knowledge of federal and state labor laws can help initiate legal actions by filing complaints with relevant authorities, such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), or by representing you in court.

Wrongful Termination

Definition and Examples

Wrongful termination occurs when an employee is fired for illegal reasons, such as retaliation, discrimination, or breach of contract.

How an Employment Lawyer Can Assist

An employment lawyer can review the circumstances of your termination, gather evidence, and pursue legal claims to seek compensation or reinstatement.

Harassment Cases

Types of Workplace Harassment

Harassment in the workplace includes:

  • Sexual Harassment: Unwanted sexual advances or behavior.
  • Verbal Harassment: Insulting, degrading, or offensive comments.
  • Physical Harassment: Unwanted physical contact or threats.

Role of an Employment Attorney

An employment attorney can help document instances of harassment, file complaints, and represent you in seeking justice and compensation.

Wage and Hour Disputes

Common Issues

Wage and hour disputes may involve:

  • Overtime Pay: Failure to pay for overtime work.
  • Minimum Wage Violations: Paying less than the legally required minimum wage.
  • Misclassification: Incorrectly classifying employees to avoid paying benefits.

Legal Recourse

An employment attorney can help you file claims with labor authorities, negotiate settlements, or pursue litigation to recover owed wages and damages.

Contractual Disputes

Issues with Employment Contracts

Employment contracts can lead to disputes over:

  • Non-Compete Clauses: Restrictions on working with competitors post-employment.
  • Severance Agreements: Disputes over severance pay and terms.

Resolving Contract Disputes

An attorney can review and negotiate contracts, ensuring your rights are protected and resolving disputes effectively.

Signs You Need an Employment Attorney

Unfair Treatment

Identifying Patterns

Consistent unfair treatment, such as favoritism, unequal pay, or denial of promotions, can indicate a need for legal advice.

When to Seek Legal Advice

If internal complaints and HR interventions fail to address the issue, consulting an employment attorney is prudent.

Employer Retaliation

Recognizing Retaliation

Retaliation can include demotion, harassment, or termination after reporting discrimination or other issues.

Legal Protections

Employment attorneys can help enforce protections against retaliation, ensuring you are treated fairly as expected in a reasonable employer employee relationship.

Complex Legal Documents

Understanding Contracts

Difficulty understanding employment contracts and agreements is a sign you may need legal review and advice.

Internal Resolution Failures

Escalating Matters

When HR or internal procedures fail to resolve issues, it’s time to escalate the matter legally with the help of an attorney.

How to Choose the Right Employment Attorney

Qualifications and Experience

Key Qualifications

Look for attorneys with:

  • Relevant Education: A law degree with a focus on employment law.
  • Bar Admission: Licensed to practice in your state.

Importance of Experience

Experience in handling similar cases is vital for effective representation.

Reputation and Reviews

Checking Reviews

Look for reviews and testimonials from previous clients to gauge the attorney’s reputation and theri commitment to attorney client relationship.

Consultation Process

What to Expect

During an initial consultation, expect to:

  • Discuss Your Case: Provide details about your situation.
  • Evaluate Legal Options: Receive preliminary advice on potential legal actions.

Questions to Ask

  • Experience with Similar Cases: Ask about their track record with similar employment issues.
  • Fees and Costs: Understand their fee structure and any associated costs.

👉Also Read: Navigating Big Company Policies: Why You Need a Lawyer for Employee Rights in New York

Why Choose Levine & Blit as Your Employment Lawyers

A Legacy of Service & Results

Levine & Blit is a renowned law firm specializing in employment law, known for its dedication to providing quality work and personalized service. With over 30 years of experience, our labor law attorneys in New York City and nationwide have built a reputation for helping clients obtain justice and secure compensation. Our consistent track record of success often leads media outlets to seek our expertise on legal matters.

Comprehensive Employment Law Practice Areas

Clients trust our employment lawyers to handle even the most complex cases, including:

  • Wage and Hour Violations: Ensuring fair compensation for all work performed.
  • Racial Discrimination: Fighting against bias based on race or ethnicity.
  • Disability Discrimination: Advocating for the rights of employees with disabilities.
  • Sexual Harassment: Addressing and preventing inappropriate workplace behavior.
  • Leave Violations: Protecting rights under family and medical leave laws.
  • Retaliation: Safeguarding employees from punitive actions by employers.
  • Wrongful Termination: Challenging unfair dismissal practices.

We also diligently review employment and severance agreements to protect your rights and interests.

Employer Retaliation

Levine & Blit is committed to protecting employees from all forms of unjust employer retaliation, ensuring they can exercise their rights without fear of retribution.

Federal Employment Law

Navigating federal employment matters can be complex, but our team is experienced in dealing with all federal agencies, providing comprehensive representation and guidance.

Discrimination

Our discrimination lawyers are skilled in handling cases where clients have been unfairly treated due to race, gender, religion, or other protected characteristics.

Hostile Work Environment

We provide legal support for those experiencing workplace misconduct related to any protected category, helping clients seek justice and create a safer work environment.

Race Discrimination

Levine & Blit has secured major victories and significant settlements in high-profile race discrimination cases, defending the rights of preeminent individuals against injustice.

Wrongful Termination

If you have been unfairly terminated, our aggressive representation will fight on your behalf to secure the justice and compensation you deserve.

What Makes Levine & Blit Different

Free Phone Evaluations

We offer free phone evaluations to provide you with trusted advice and a clear understanding of your legal options.

Team Approach

Our high-powered team collaborates on each case, leveraging collective expertise to achieve the best outcomes for our clients.

Proven Success

We have won multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts, demonstrating our effectiveness, and dedication to our clients.

Seasoned Professionals

With over 100 years of combined legal experience, our attorneys bring extensive knowledge and skill to every case.

Nationwide Law Firm

Regardless of your location, Levine & Blit is equipped to represent you, providing top-tier legal services across the nation.

Taking on Celebrity Cases

We have a strong presence in high-profile matters, effectively representing notable clients in complex legal situations.

Your Support System

Our attorneys maintain constant communication with clients, ensuring they are informed and supported throughout the legal process.

More Than Just a Client

At Levine & Blit, we treat our clients as individuals, not just case numbers, offering personalized attention and care.

👉Also Read: The Power of Expertise: How Employment Lawyers Leverage Employment Laws to Safeguard Your Professional Journey

Call Us Now for a Free Case Evaluation

Levine & Blit proudly serves clients in New York City and across the nation with top-tier legal representation and a wide range of services personalized to meet unique case needs. Our highly rated attorneys possess over 100 years of combined experience in employment law. We are committed to tirelessly fighting for our clients’ rights, taking on some of the largest corporations in the country on behalf of preeminent individuals.

Our exemplary track record includes large verdicts and settlements in cases against Fortune 500 companies, major insurance companies, and other prominent organizations. Our full-service law firm is recognized by leading publications, including the New York Post, Forbes, the New York Daily News, and the New York Times, for our tenacious client advocacy in high-profile cases.

Whether you are facing sexual harassment at work, retaliation from employers, or other employment law violations, our distinguished firm offers strong legal representation. Our prime objective is to defend your best interests throughout the legal process. We take the time to listen to your story, address your concerns, and devise a legal strategy to resolve your matter.

If you would like to set up a case evaluation with our dedicated legal team, call us today or fill out this online contact form.

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