Whenever disagreements arise in the workplace, it is worthwhile contacting a Pennsylvania employment lawyer. These legal professionals will help inform you of your rights within the workplace and offer advice on your next best steps. If you’re looking for a lawyer for employment in Pennsylvania, you’re in the right place. Keep reading to learn more about what they do, how to find one, and what costs you can expect to incur.
A lawyer for employment in Pennsylvania is a legal professional specializing in employment and/or labor law in your local area or city. They also have a comprehensive understanding of federal law on employment that governs the entire United States. They provide a variety of legal services both to employers and employees. Examples of some areas include litigation, mediation, and negotiation between their clients and third parties.
The role of a Pennsylvania employment lawyer can vary hugely, depending on whether they’re working for the employee or employer:
Any employee or employer who is dealing with a dispute involving workplace safety, discrimination, wrongful dismissal, or wages should seek legal counsel. If you appoint the right lawyer, a(n) Pennsylvania employment attorney will help resolve these disputes before they go to court. Lawyers will also help to explain your legal rights and inform you whether it is worth pursuing further action. Appointing an attorney sooner rather than later means you have the right legal advice from the outset.
There are several ways to find a lawyer for employment in Pennsylvania. Your first step should always be to contact the state bar association for a referral. Many states offer a search feature on their websites where you can browse all the employment lawyers near you. Others will offer public lists of lawyer referral organizations you can reach out to.
Another option is to speak to friends and family members who have hired legal professionals for employment matters before. Alternatively, if you have a lawyer you regularly use that specializes in another practice area, you can ask them for a referral. Attorneys know other attorneys, so they can point you in the right direction for labor lawyers.
Always speak to several Pennsylvania employment lawyers before signing any contracts. This will help you find the best employment lawyer in Pennsylvania. The better your attorney, the better informed you will be on your legal rights and the more favorable the case’s outcome. When speaking to different law firms, always consider:
The cost of a lawyer for employment in Pennsylvania varies substantially. Most will charge an hourly fee, which can range from $100 to $1,000 per hour, depending on experience. However, labor lawyers working for employees often work on a contingency fee basis. This means that the law firm won’t charge a specific amount. Instead, it will receive a percentage of the compensation paid at the end of the lawsuit. This generally ranges from 5 percent to 50 percent.
Pennsylvania employment lawyers working on a contingency fee basis typically won’t charge for consultations. However, you might still be liable for some costs upfront. This includes court filing fees, expert witness fees, and discovery costs. On the other hand, law firms working on an hourly fee will usually charge for consultations. You can expect this to be the same as their hourly rate.
Employees have several rights within the workplace, including the right to not be discriminated against or harassed; receive equal pay for equal work; receive reasonable accommodations for medical conditions or religious beliefs; a safe workplace free from hazards.
Employment law governs the relationship between employers and their employees, while labor law looks at the relationship between employers and labor unions. Both relate to fair workplace practices and the legal rights of employees and employers.
A disagreement between employers and their employees is a labor dispute, which covers discrimination, breach of employment agreements, overtime pay, personal injury at work, or wrongful termination.