Whether you’re an employee or employer, it pays to get Employment Law advice. It’s a complex area of law, and the stakes are often high. There are many different federal, state and local laws that govern workplace issues, from minimum wage and hour requirements to wrongful termination protections.

Legal issues and disputes can arise at any stage of the employment process. In some cases, current and former employees will file a complaint with an agency such as the EEOC or the NLRB and request a hearing to resolve the matter. Those types of administrative matters can be resolved without hiring an attorney, but most employers would benefit from having legal counsel to help them prepare a response and handle the agency’s investigation or hearing.

Some states also have their own employment laws, and some of those laws are more stringent than the federal ones. For example, some states have higher minimum wage rates than the federal rate, and they may have more stringent rules regarding worker drug testing. Companies should understand the labor laws of their specific state to protect themselves against litigation.

When hiring an employment lawyer, find out how much they charge and whether they have experience handling your type of case. Ask for referrals from friends and family who have had similar employment-related issues, and be sure to read online reviews. But keep in mind that online reviews are often one-sided, and they can be misleading. Employment Law advice