Most people understand that they would need an employment lawyer if they believe they have been wrongfully discharged or have a legal claim against an employer. However, there are many other reasons that you might want to speak with an employment lawyer also.

To Review a Job Offer

It is really important to understand your legal rights before you accept a job offer. This is especially true if you have been offered a written employment contract. It may be a good idea for an employment lawyer to review the employment contract before you accept the job. They can help you understand the potential ramifications of signing a non-compete or non-disclosure contract that contains a non-solicitation clause. They can also help you understand pre-employment promises which may be enforceable and those that would be difficult to enforce.

During the Course of Employment

While you are currently employed, you may also have a need for an employment lawyer. They can help you determine whether harassment you experience is legally actionable. They can provide ways to deal with a supervisor or co-worker that might be harassing you and also help you understand what your rights are under the Family & Medical Leave Act including when you are entitled to take family or medical leave. If you have a disability, they can advise you of the responsibilities that your employer has at making any accommodations for your disability and also review your hours to make sure you are being compensated properly for any overtime work that you are performing.

At Termination of Employment

Employment lawyers can also help you if you have been fired, laid off, or if you were forced to resign. A lawyer can advise you if you may of been fired for a discriminatory reason, such as age, race, colour or national origin, nationality, ancestry, pregnancy, mental or physical disability, marital status, domestic partnership status, creed, sexual orientation, a typical hereditary cellular or blood trait, genetic information or military service. They can also review any proposed severance agreement.

These are just a few of the many ways in which an employment lawyer may benefit you. Most lawyers will offer a free consultation, so if you are in doubt, it won’t cost you anything to find out if you have a legitimate need.