When something feels off at work, maybe you’ve been denied your rightful pay, wrongfully fired, or subjected to harassment, and you’re left wondering what your options are. That’s where this guide comes in. If you’ve ever asked yourself, What can an employment lawyer do for me? You’re not alone, and more importantly, you’re not without support.
Employment issues can feel overwhelming, especially when your livelihood is at stake. But understanding your rights under state and federal laws can shift the power back into your hands. A skilled employment attorney can offer more than just legal support, they provide peace of mind, clear next steps, and stand up for you when your voice isn’t being heard.
In this article, we’ll walk you through what employment lawyers do, how they protect workers, and when to seek legal advice. Let’s dive in.
Understanding the Role: What Do Employment Lawyers Do?
Employment lawyers handle a wide variety of legal issues that arise between employers and employees. Their role is to represent workers, independent contractors, and even former employees when labor and employment law has been violated.
Here’s what a knowledgeable employment lawyer can help you with:
- Reviewing and negotiating employment contracts
- Filing claims for unpaid wages or unpaid overtime
- Pursuing discrimination claims based on race, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, or disability
- Fighting back against wrongful termination
- Reporting harassment, including sexual harassment
- Ensuring compliance with minimum wage and overtime pay laws
In simpler terms, employment lawyers represent workers when employers violate labor laws, although some attorneys also represent employers in legal matters. They ensure that both sides of the employer-employee relationship stay within the boundaries of local, state, and federal labor laws. If you’re dealing with employment disputes that you can’t resolve through your HR department, it’s time to seek legal counsel.
Fighting for Fair Pay: Wage Claims, Unpaid Wages, and Overtime Compensation
One of the most common reasons people contact an employment law firm is because of wage theft—when an employer fails to pay workers what they’ve legally earned.
Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), federal law guarantees:
- Minimum wage for all non-exempt employees
- Overtime compensation at time-and-a-half for hours worked over 40 per week
If you’re missing final wages, being denied overtime pay, or forced to work off the clock without compensation, an employment attorney can help you recover lost wages and hold your employer accountable.
Sometimes, the problem isn’t just unpaid wages—it’s unpaid overtime, misclassification as an independent contractor, or not receiving employee benefits you’re entitled to. Labor attorneys will evaluate your case, determine if federal labor laws or state laws have been violated, and pursue legal action if necessary.
Addressing Discrimination: Protecting Your Right to a Fair Workplace
Discrimination in the workplace can take many forms—some obvious, others subtle. Whether it’s based on race, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, disability, or religion, employment law prohibits such behavior.
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and other government agencies enforce federal employment law to protect workers from discrimination and unfair treatment.
An employment law attorney can help if:
- You’ve been passed over for promotions due to your identity
- You’ve been harassed because of your race or background
- You’re being retaliated against for reporting discrimination
- You’ve been terminated based on protected characteristics
These are not just office politics—they’re violations of labor or employment law. Discrimination claims are serious, and Many employment attorneys work on a contingency basis, which means you may not owe legal fees unless they recover compensation in your case. Always confirm the fee structure with your law firm. This makes it easier for workers to seek justice, regardless of their financial situation.
Responding to Harassment and Hostile Work Environments
If you dread going to work because of verbal abuse, inappropriate comments, or ongoing bullying, you might be facing a hostile work environment.
Sexual harassment, in particular, remains one of the most reported offenses under employment law. Victims often stay silent out of fear of employer retaliation, but the law is on your side.
An experienced employment attorney can:
- Help you file an internal complaint with HR or management.
- Guide you through reporting harassment to external agencies like the EEOC.
- Collect evidence and witness statements to build your case.
- Help you take legal action if the harassment continues or if your employer fails to act.
Workplace safety doesn’t just mean physical protection—it means mental and emotional safety too. If your work environment has become toxic or harmful, don’t wait to seek legal advice.
Employment Contracts and Legal Disputes
Whether you’re starting a new job or leaving one, the paperwork can get complicated. Employment contracts often include terms that limit your rights, like non-compete clauses or waiver agreements, especially when written without a clear explanation.
A reliable employment attorney will:
- Review your contract and explain its legal impact.
- Identify terms that could hurt you later (like hidden restrictions or vague pay structures).
- Help you negotiate better terms before you sign.
- Represent you in contract disputes if your employer violates the agreement.
When legal issues arise, don’t rely solely on your HR department. They work for the company.
Protecting Whistleblowers and Handling Retaliation
If you’ve exposed unfair labor practices, safety violations, or illegal conduct at work, you deserve protection, not punishment. Under federal laws, whistleblower protections exist to shield you from employer retaliation.
Common forms of retaliation include:
- Unjustified demotions or firings
- Pay cuts or denied promotions
- Exclusion from meetings or team activities
- False performance reviews
Employment lawyers handle these situations by documenting the timeline of events, gathering witness accounts, and initiating claims with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) or the appropriate agency. If your employer fails to make things right, your attorney can help you pursue legal action and reclaim damages like lost wages or health insurance benefits.
When Should You Seek Legal Counsel?
It’s not always obvious when to involve a law firm. But if your gut tells you something’s wrong at work, it usually is.
Here’s when to seek legal counsel:
- You’re being denied pay overtime or minimum wage
- You’ve experienced or witnessed discrimination
- You’re dealing with employment issues that your employer won’t fix
- You’ve been wrongfully terminated
- You’re afraid to report harassment or retaliation
Remember, many employment attorneys offer free consultations or work on a contingency basis, so it costs you nothing to understand your rights. You don’t have to face legal challenges alone.
You Deserve to Work with Dignity
Whether you’ve been mistreated, underpaid, or ignored at work, your rights matter—and federal and state laws offer strong protections. If you’ve ever wondered, What can an employment lawyer do for me? The answer is simple: They can protect your livelihood, help you stand up to injustice, and guide you toward solutions.
The Bourassa Law Group is here to offer personalized and strategic legal representation for workers. Our employment law attorneys understand the emotional and financial toll these cases take, and we are here to fight for your rights.
If you’re facing legal challenges at work, contact us today for a free consultation
1-800-870-8910