When Should I Consult an Employment Lawyer?

With recent revelations about sexual harassment in the workplace making headlines around the world, you may be seeking an employment lawyer to deal with issues of sexual harassment or assault. A lawyer who has experience with these types of claims can assess your case and let you know how to proceed. As we have seen, many harassers have been driven from their chosen fields due to bad behaviour on their part that has finally come to light. If you have suffered this type of treatment, the timing for filing a legal complaint is opportune.

There are many other reasons why you might want to consult an employment lawyer, including:

• Discrimination at work. If you believe that you are being discriminated against at work due to race, gender, age, or sexual orientation, you may have legal recourse. If you have previously made a discrimination allegation and feel that you are now being victimized for it, you may also want to find legal protection.
  
  
• Hiring discrimination. If you believe that a prospective employer has discriminated against you in the hiring process, an employment lawyer can help you decide whether or not to pursue action against the company.
  
  
• Questions about a new employment contract. If you’ve been offered a new job, but are unsure about some of the provisions in the contract you’ve been offered, an employment lawyer can review it and answer any questions you may have. Similarly, a lawyer can help if your current contract is ending and the new contract differs significantly from the previous one.
  
  
• Signing a confidentiality agreement. If you are required to sign a confidentiality agreement at work but are wondering how it will affect you if you choose to leave and start your own business, ask an employment lawyer to analyse the agreement’s provisions.
  
  
• Conditions of employment. A lawyer can help you raise questions with your employer about conditions of employment that you feel are not being met. He/she will advise you about your rights and responsibilities according to any agreements you’ve signed.
  
  
• Allegations or accusations. If your employer or another employee is alleging that you have behaved improperly, an employment lawyer can advise you of your legal rights. (If you have been charged with a crime, a criminal lawyer may be in order.)
  
  
• Unlawful dismissal. If you have been fired, consult with a lawyer to see if you have any rights to compensation or even reinstatement to the job.
  
  
• Paid time off. Disputes often arise regarding when you are eligible for paid time off or extended leave in the case of family illness or death. A lawyer can offer guidance.

Choosing an Employment Lawyer

Look for a law firm that will provide clear and knowledgeable advice in a timely fashion. Some law firms offer flexible, cost-effective billing options and a variety of ways to stay in touch.

Clarifying Unfair Dismissal

Unfair dismissal is a common legal complaint between an employee and a former employer. While the old adage in business is "it’s not personal,” an employee’s livelihood and lifestyle is often dependent on one’s career. Employment lawyers in the Gold Coast region can help determine if the termination of employment was considered unfair.

Dismissal may be ruled unfair if a former employee can prove the termination was harsh or unreasonable. A valid reason for dismissing an employee should be justifiable. An experienced employment lawyer will listen to all the facts and provide an honest and concise feedback about the dissolving of your employment relationship. It is important to recognized there are two sides to every story and the employment’s lawyer focus is to provide an objective perspective to each case.

Some examples of unfair dismissal include:

·         Employee has not been provided with a valid reason for termination.

·         There was no notice provided to the employee regarding their termination.

·         An employee was not provided the opportunity to explain their position and/or reasons for behaviour leading to termination.

·         The reason for dismissal is not a valid reason or the employee can prove it is untrue.

Communities along the gold coast can access a wealth of legal experience simply by accessing the Internet. Tech-savvy legal firms connect employment lawyers with potential clients via video chat, email and chat forums. The way we communicate continues to evolve as technology improves – online connectivity improves the accessibility of lawyers to unlawfully dismissed employees for advice and representation.

If you need answers, consult with an employment lawyer in the Gold Coast today!