Employment and Labor Law Attorney
Expert employment and labor law representation in North Georgia. We provide comprehensive legal guidance for workplace rights, discrimination, and employment disputes throughout Georgia.
Understanding Employment and Labor Laws in Georgia
The relationship between employers and employees in Georgia is governed by employment and labor laws at both the federal and state levels. These laws provide a framework of obligations and rights.
At Johnson Law Firm, we are committed to each of our clients, whether you are the employer or employee. Our employment and labor law attorney in North Georgia helps employers and employees understand their legal obligations and rights, and we take appropriate action given the unique circumstances of each case. If you believe you have an employment law issue or want to act proactively to avoid problems in the workplace, contact us today at (706) 230-5944 to schedule a consultation.
Disputes often arise from a failure to uphold and undertake these obligations and rights, which can lead to serious disruptions in the workplace and problems for the employer.
The workplace should be a place where work gets done. If the company is managed according to relevant laws, then that shouldn't be a problem. Being proactive and putting policies and procedures in place that adhere to federal and state employment laws can help businesses run smoothly.
Employment Law Coverage Areas
Understanding the scope of employment law
Employment law oversees and addresses different aspects of the employer-employee relationship, including:
- Wages (e.g., minimum wage, overtime pay, hours of work)
- Health and safety
- Workplace policies and procedures
- Workplace discrimination
- Workplace harassment
- Employee classifications
- Equal opportunity
- Workers' compensation
- Termination
At Johnson Law Firm, our employment and labor law attorney can help employers ensure compliance with relevant laws and set up policies, procedures, contracts, and more so that you are positioned to lead a successful business. Likewise, for employees who believe an employer may have violated their rights in one way or another, we help you obtain a just and fair remedy.
Common Grounds for Employment-Based Lawsuits in Georgia
Understanding the most common reasons for employment litigation
Lawsuits are not uncommon between employers and employees. Oftentimes, it is the employee who brings the lawsuit, but in some situations, the employer may do so. From breaches of contracts to discrimination, below are the most common reasons an employment or labor-based lawsuit is filed in Georgia.
Breach of Implied Covenant of Good Faith and Fair Dealing
Parties to a contract, like employment contracts, have a duty not to harm or otherwise interfere with the other party's right to receive the benefits of the contract – this is known as an implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing. Though a specific definition does not exist, courts have the discretion to determine its meaning and scope.
Employment Discrimination
The federal government protects against discrimination in the workplace based on certain characteristics, which include race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation and gender identity), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, and genetic information (including family medical history). Some states go further by protecting people based on things like military or family status.
Employment Contracts
Disputes often arise from breaches of employment contracts, including issues related to terms, conditions, and termination clauses.
Family and Medical Leave Act Violations
Employees have certain rights when they or family members become sick or injured. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) establishes and protects these rights. Two common violations under the FMLA are denied requests of leave or retaliation for taking FMLA leave.
Harassment and Hostile Work Environment
Legal action can be taken when employees are subjected to unwelcome and offensive conduct that creates a hostile work environment. Cases involving harassment, whether it is sexual harassment, bullying, or any other form of workplace harassment, are common reasons for litigation.
Wage and Hour Violations
Employees can pursue legal action if they are denied proper wages, overtime pay, meal and rest breaks, or misclassified as independent contractors.
Wrongful Termination
An employee who was fired unlawfully, often violating employment contracts, public policy, or anti-discrimination laws, can file a claim and sue the employer.
Types of Legal Action for Employment Issues in Georgia
Understanding the different ways to resolve employment disputes
Legal actions in employment law can take various forms, but the three most common include:
Administrative Complaints
Employees can file complaints with administrative agencies such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Department of Labor (DOL), triggering investigations and potential resolutions.
Lawsuits
Employees may file lawsuits against their employers, seeking compensation for damages, resulting from employment law violations.
Arbitration
Employment agreements may include arbitration clauses, requiring parties to resolve disputes through a private arbitration process rather than going to court.
Employment and Labor Law Legal Services
Comprehensive legal services for employers and employees
At Johnson Law Firm, clients come to us because we build relationships and provide a wide range of legal services related to employment and labor laws.
Services for Employers
If you are an employer, you would benefit from:
- Smart legal consultation on various aspects of employment law
- Contract Review and Negotiation for employment contracts, severance agreements, and non-compete agreements
- Employee Benefits guidance on retirement plans, health insurance, and related matters
- FMLA Compliance assistance and dispute handling
- Labor Union Matters including union organizing and collective bargaining
- Workplace Safety compliance with OSHA regulations
- Training and Compliance Programs development
- Defense against Employee Claims
Services for Employees
If you are an employee, we can help you with:
- Discrimination and Harassment Claims based on race, gender, age, disability, religion, or other protected characteristics
- Family and Medical Leave Act disputes
- Wrongful Termination cases
- Wage and Hour Disputes including overtime pay and minimum wage violations
- Whistleblower Protection for those reporting illegal activities
When disputes are the subject of legal action, we help resolve them through alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods like mediation or arbitration. We will, however, litigate, if necessary.
Why Choose our Employment and Labor Attorney in Georgia
Understanding the advantages of our legal representation
At Johnson Law Firm, our clients choose us because we understand complex employment laws, regulations, and legal precedents, and we use this knowledge to give clients accurate advice and effective representation.
Whether our clients are employers or employees, we advocate for their rights and interests. We use our unique perspective to develop smart strategies tailored to the specific circumstances of each case, maximizing the chances of a favorable outcome, favorable contract terms, or other resolutions that meet our clients' best interests.
Ready to Protect Your Workplace Rights?
Don't face employment issues alone. Our experienced employment law team is here to provide the comprehensive legal representation you need to protect your rights and secure a favorable resolution to your workplace dispute.