A dedicated employer attorney can help make sure that a business adheres to employment regulations while managing and hiring its workforce. At Nakase Wade, our team of employer law attorneys specializes in representing and defending employers in legal disputes initiated by employees in court, US Department of Labor, EEOC, and DLSE.
Please note that we exclusively advocate for employers and do not represent employees. It is essential to understand that employers possess certain rights, including the ability to terminate an employee’s position at their discretion, define job responsibilities, establish company policies and procedures, and mandate overtime if necessary. Our experienced California-based employer attorneys are well-versed in providing expert representation and guidance in matters related to labor and employment law. Feel free to reach out to our employer law attorneys for a complimentary consultation.
We strongly advise employers to take proactive measures in order to prevent potential violations of employment law. In California, businesses often find themselves unintentionally breaching employment regulations. Our employer law attorney offers invaluable advice and legal defense to businesses grappling with employee-related legal issues in prominent areas such as Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, San Francisco, and San Jose.
Role of an Employer Law Attorney
An essential function of an employer attorney is to make sure that companies (employers) operate in accordance with local, state, and federal employment regulations and laws. Employer law attorneys assist employers in comprehending and adhering to wage and hour regulations, labor laws, workplace safety standards, anti-discrimination provisions, and more.
Our employer attorney actively defends employers against employee lawsuits and works to mitigate liability. Additionally, we provide assistance to HR departments in handling various legal matters related to the workplace. Our legal team represents employers and offers guidance on the proper implementation of all regulations and rules mandated by laws related to the workplace, including local, state, and federal regulations, as well as addressing employee complaints to the California labor commission and the EEOC. Both state and federal policies govern the conduct of employees and employers in the workplace. Douglas Wade is an employer attorney in Los Angeles whom businesses rely on to safeguard their interests.
Employer law attorneys serve a dual role in supporting employers. They not only offer legal representation in court but also provide invaluable advice to assist employers proactively avoid legal complaints. In California, a multitude of employment lawyers have the expertise to advise employers on policy development, corporate training, compliance strategies, and counseling, all targeted at preventing problems with their employees.
Employer attorneys extend their counselling services to CEOs, employers, and HR professionals across various industries. Their assistance materializes in the form of effective training programs for staff and employees. Moreover, they provide guidance through communication of policies and compliance protocols that employers may implement. Experienced employer law attorneys carefully identify vulnerable areas within an employer’s practices, spotlighting inconsistencies in management and lapses in compliance with state and federal regulations. Such vulnerabilities may result in costly litigation and legal liabilities in the future. By following the advice of employer attorneys, employers can protect themselves from such problems.
At the same time, the help of employer law attorneys contributes to fostering a workplace characterized by mutual respect and productivity, improving employee happiness and ultimately bolstering profits. Their advising always strives to fortify and streamline policies, fit within the vision of the employer, and strengthen the business’ core values.
An employer attorney offers legal services to various industries, covering matters related to compliance and more. It is crucial for employers to navigate the complex web of California and federal laws, which can be overwhelming to handle independently. This is where the help of an employer attorney not only saves time but also plays a pivotal role in preventing costly legal conflicts. An employer lawyer’s expertise encompasses the following areas of compliance:
- Providing advice on compliance with FLSA.
- Offering guidance on meeting to FEHA and Title VII regulations.
- Recommending strategies for addressing lawsuits from employees.
- Providing insights into audits concerning exemption classification.
- Offering counsel on issues concerning wrongful termination.
- Demonstrating expertise in audits involving independent contractor classification.
- Offering support in the course of sexual harassment inquiries.
- Assisting with wage and hour problems.
- Providing advice on writing a practical employee handbook.
- Offering advice on meeting the provisions of the California Labor Code.
In addition, our employer law attorney conducts training sessions in tandem with our advisory services, benefiting both employees and employers. These sessions promote mutual understanding and clarity in employment-related matters.
Our employer attorney offers a comprehensive range of services:
- Employment Agreements and Contracts: Our employer law attorneys specialize in tailoring employment agreements to specific situations. They also assist companies in explaining contractual provisions and reviewing existing employment contracts for legality and fairness. Negotiating terms such as hours, wages, vacation time, severance packages, benefits, and overtime is also within their expertise.
- Employment Practices Liability Defense: If you are an employer facing claims or lawsuits related to wrongful termination, discrimination, retaliation, or sexual harassment, our employer law attorney can provide robust defense. They can also advise and protect employers in cases brought before the California Labor Board and the EEOC.
- Human Resources Training and Counseling: Our employer attorney offers training sessions for supervisors and managers to enforce a zero-tolerance policy for unprofessional behavior in the workplace. They provide guidance on handling employee complaints, appropriate discipline structures, and lawful termination. Additionally, our employer attorney assists HR departments in formulating and implementing employment policies to shield companies from liability.
- Management-Labor Matters: Our employer law attorney can manage labor relations on behalf of your management team. They can negotiate contracts, liaise with unions, and defend your company against labor law claims.
- Employment Agreements, Personnel Policies: Prevention is key. Our employer attorney helps in crafting legally sound and clear workplace contracts, policies, handbooks, and agreements. This positions your company strongly against any potential lawsuits or claims.
- Wage and Hour Lawsuit Defense and Compliance: Our employer law attorney can represent you in case of investigations by government entities like the Department of Labor. They assist in preparing your company for audits, keeping you informed about the course of the investigation, and, if needed, defending you in court.
- Whistle-blower Claims: Proactive response to employee complaints can prevent them from escalating into litigation and damaging your company’s reputation. Our employer attorney also offers mediation services and procedures and policy counsel to lower the number of complaints. In case a claim arises, they will prepare a defense plan and initiate damage control.
- Employee Claims Concerning Harassment: Our employer law attorney deals with cases involving harassment or intimidation in the workplace, whether verbal or physical, that contributes to a hostile work environment. This includes harassment based on protected categories like race, gender, religion, or sexual orientation.
- Benefits and Leave Disputes: Employers and employees may have disagreements over entitlements to benefits like sick leave, parental leave, stock options, pension plans, and severance packages. An employer attorney helps interpret provisions in employment agreements and drafts new agreements as needed.
- Reprisals and Retaliations: It is unlawful for employers to retaliate against an employee for asserting their legal rights. Our employer attorney offers counsel to ensure compliance with these laws.
- Recruitment and Termination: While employment laws support at-will employment, certain exceptions apply. Employers can be sued if an employee believes they were terminated due to factors like race, gender, age, etc. Our employer law attorney can defend your company’s rights in such cases.
- Collective Action and Class Action Defense: Our employment attorneys excel in managing cases involving multiple employees, especially in wage and hour disputes. They work to control exposure and achieve quick and favorable resolutions.
Discrimination and discriminatory practices are recurrent issues in employment law. Our employer lawyer is experienced in litigating under the Federal Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on protected categories. The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 also forbids discrimination based on physical differences unrelated to job performance. Companies facing allegations of unfair treatment can engage an employer law attorney to defend against damages or reinstatement claims.