There are specific provisions in the employment laws in California to safeguard employee workplace rights, but all employers may not necessarily implement them. As an employee, it is your responsibility to understand your legal rights and take appropriate steps to protect them. If a civil discussion with your employer does not resolve the matter and they keep violating your rights in the workplace, you may have to resort to taking legal action. You can search online for a reputable labor lawyer in Los Angeles and get competent legal counsel about pursuing your case.
Reasons why you should hire a professional attorney for labor laws
You should consider hiring a professional labor lawyer in Los Angeles for the following reasons:
A labor lawyer has specialized knowledge
A labor lawyer is an attorney who has studied employment law in law school and has specialized knowledge of labor matters. Working independently, for labor law firms, or organizations across different industries, labor lawyers can represent employers as well as employees. They can handle a range of labor-related legal cases, such as violation of labor laws, employment discrimination, workplace retaliation, and wrongful job termination.
A labor lawyer can provide practical advise
Many labor lawyers offer a free initial consultation during which they will review your case and determine if it has a legal basis. They will let you know if it will be better to resolve the matter through negotiation or pursue it through the court system. The lawyers will inform you of the legal options you have if your employer fails to pay you the minimum stipulated wage, withholds bonuses, passes you over for a promotion you deserve, demotes you for no valid reason, and does not allow legally mandated work breaks, leaves, and holidays. You can also get legal advice if you are being subjected to insults, threats, and sexual harassment.
The labor lawyer can detail the exact steps you can take legally against such unfavorable treatment in your workplace. Additionally, they will inform you of the possible legal outcomes if the matter goes to trial and the type of settlement you are likely to win if you have a solid case. They will also let you know what to expect if the court does not rule in your favor and what other options you have in that event.
A labor lawyer can handle negotiations on your behalf
After understanding your case, the labor lawyer may attempt to resolve the situation by meeting with your employer and trying to come to a mutually acceptable understanding. If your employer is in clear violation of the employment law, the lawyer will bring this to their attention and inform them of the legal consequences of disregarding your rights. In many cases, the employer may agree to negotiate and resolve the matter amicably.
A labor lawyer can represent you in court
In case mediation and negotiation do not work, you may have to file a legal case against your employer. The lawyer will handle this aspect for you, check that the paperwork is correct, and ensure that the filing is done within the stipulated time. They will inform you of what to expect at court, how to present yourself, and how to respond to questions. They will represent you during the trial and make every effort to get you justice.
Where can you find a labor lawyer?
Many people find lawyers through recommendations from their family members, friends, neighbors, colleagues, and acquaintances. You can also search online for a “labor lawyer in Los Angeles” and find a reputable and experienced attorney. Visit their website, check their legal credentials, and read the legal information they provide and also testimonials by current and past clients. Find out if the lawyer offers a free consultation and call or email them to arrange a meeting.
The meeting will allow you to assess if you can get along well with the lawyer, which is an important consideration since lawsuits can take time to resolve. Additionally, before you hire them, it is advisable to ask the lawyer about their legal fees, their preferred payment mode and schedule, and any additional expenses that might arise if you decide to pursue the case in court.