March 30, 2022

When Should You Consult an Employment Attorney for Your Business?

Regardless of the industry or the size of your business, if you have workers (W-2 employees or 1099 contractors), there may come a time when you need the services of an employment attorney. That is why it is crucial to understand what an employment attorney does and how such an attorney can assist your business.

Employment attorneys deal with all aspects of employment law and issues stemming from various workplace relationships. They represent clients in cases concerning both state and federal employment law, including wrongful termination, wage and hour violations, workplace harassment, discrimination, and other related areas.

Aside from defending your company against a lawsuit, employment attorneys can provide various services to business owners, from day-to-day HR consulting, contract preparation, and negotiations to litigation. They help ensure your business is operating legally and that your employees are treated fairly. Employment laws are not only complex―they are constantly evolving. The right employment attorney can keep you up to date on legal changes and ensure you comply with all state and federal laws and regulations.

Consulting with an attorney at the start of your business will help build a solid legal foundation and ensure your business is protected from its inception. A trusted attorney who understands you and your business can offer services and guidance tailored to your specific and unique needs, which is essential to receive adequate legal protection. The goal is to be proactive and prevent problems rather than clean them up later. An employment attorney can benefit your business in many ways and save you time and money in the future.

Certainly, you may not think you need legal counsel for every issue that comes up in your business, but you’ll have confidence and peace of mind knowing you have a trusted and knowledgeable employment attorney by your side prepared to protect your interests if issues arise in the future.

You should consider consulting a qualified attorney if you find yourself in any of the following situations:

You employ workers (W-2 employees and/or 1099 contractors)
You are considering disciplining an employee.
You are considering laying off or terminating an employee.
You are creating or updating your employee handbook and/or company policies and procedures.
You are considering implementing company policies on COVID-19 vaccines or testing.
You are drafting contracts with employees, clients, or vendors.
You are acquiring another business that has employees.
You receive a demand letter regarding one of your current or former employees
You receive a Charge of Discrimination from a local, state, or federal agency
You are served with a workplace lawsuit
You receive an audit/investigation notice from a government agency.
You are unsure about any employment laws which pertain to your business.

This is not an exhaustive list, but if your business is in any of the situations described above, it is in your best interest to consult with an experienced employment attorney to ensure that you obtain the best possible result.

To learn more about how an employment attorney can help your business, contact the Labor & Employment Practice Group at Kelley Kronenberg. We are committed to providing client-centered and cost-effective strategies and solutions to business owners so you can spend more time running your business.

Angelo M. Filippi a Partner and Business Unit Leader at Kelley Kronenberg, focusing his practice on Labor & Employment Law.

Contact Angelo M. Filippi at:
Phone: (800) 431-0574
Email: afilippi@kklaw.com

DISCLAIMER: This article is provided as a courtesy and is intended for the general information of the matters discussed above and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Neither Kelley Kronenberg, nor its individual attorneys or staff, are responsible for errors, omissions and/or typographical errors – always seek competent legal counsel.