Time to Call in the Pros: When Do You Need an Employment Lawyer?

Written by Emily Siu

When it comes to employment law, there’s no shortage of information out there. From blogs to TikToks to YouTube videos, there’s a wealth of knowledge available at your fingertips. And let’s not forget about the government guides – they’re a great resource for staying up-to-date on the latest employment laws and regulations. While there’s a ton of information that can help employers navigate employment issues DIY, there are still situations where you really need an employment lawyer. 

Let’s be real – running a business can be a real headache sometimes, especially when you throw in all the legal mumbo jumbo. That’s where employment lawyers come in – we’re the legal experts who can help you navigate the murky waters of employment law and protect your business.

So When Do You Need an Employment Lawyer?

Got some serious work drama going on at your workplace? Is Tate from HR sending inappropriate texts to their colleagues after work hours or ex-employee Sabrina who was fired for stealing now saying she should be reinstated? Or do you want to prevent these workplace problems from cropping up in the first place? Unless you enjoy spending your weekends reading through employment/labour laws and legal precedents, you need a lawyer on speed dial. 

Now, you might be thinking, “Lawyers are expensive!” And yes, they can be but think of it as an investment in your business. By hiring an employment lawyer, you can ensure that you’re following all the proper legal procedures and avoiding any costly mistakes. Plus, if you end up in court, you’ll have a legal expert on your side to help you navigate the system. 

Below are some situations where you might seriously consider hiring an employment lawyer.

Wrongful Dismissal

Is your employee claiming that they were wrongfully dismissed? This can be a sticky situation, but an employment lawyer can help you navigate the legal system and make sure you’re following all the proper procedures. They can also help you defend your decision to terminate the employee if it was done for legitimate reasons.

Discrimination/Harassment

If an employee is accusing you of discrimination or harassment, it’s time to call in the legal cavalry. This is serious stuff that you don’t want to mess around with it. An employment lawyer can help you investigate the situation, provide legal advice, and represent you in court if necessary.

Workplace Safety

And let’s not forget about health and safety! If you have workplace safety concerns, you could be in big trouble. An employer could be on the receiving end of a call or email from a government agency, such as the Ministry of Labour, if they place employees in unsafe working conditions, expose them to hazardous materials or don’t provide employees with adequate training. An employment lawyer can help you make sure you’re in compliance with all the occupational health and safety laws and regulations, and they can also represent you if an employee decides to sue or make a government complaint. 

Compliance

Finally, if you’re just starting out as an employer, it’s always a good idea to consult with an employment lawyer to make sure you’re doing everything right from the get-go. They can help you draft enforceable contracts, policies, and employee handbooks to protect your business and prevent any legal issues down the line. 

Call Us!

If you’re an employer dealing with employee drama or looking to protect your business, it’s time to call in the legal experts. An employment lawyer will have your back and make sure you’re not getting caught up in any legal messes! At SpringLaw, we represent both employers and employees in both non-unionized and unionized workplaces and have a great intake team that can have a discovery call with you to decide whether our legal services are worth your while.