Ever had that gut feeling that something at work just isn’t right, like your employer keeps overlooking you for opportunities, underpaying you despite long hours, or treating you unfairly without cause? You’re not imagining it, and you’re not alone. These situations often go far beyond workplace frustration. They can signal serious employment law violations. Whether your employer refuses to pay you overtime, ignores minimum wage rules, or fosters a hostile work environment, you may have legal rights worth defending. So, what type of lawyer handles employment issues? You’ll want an experienced employment lawyer, someone who understands how to protect employees and fight back against unfair treatment. A lawyer for employee rights actively defends workers against unlawful employer practices.
Handling the workplace isn’t always easy. But when those challenges cross legal boundaries, it’s time to act. An employment law attorney doesn’t just know the statutes. They guide you through complex employment-related issues, represent your voice, and help you claim the justice the law grants you under state and federal statutes. Employment attorneys guide individuals through a range of work-related legal issues.
In this article, we’ll explore what employment lawyers handle, the laws that safeguard your rights, and how to seek legal advice.
Understanding Employment Law and How It Protects You
Employment law focuses on the rights and responsibilities that govern the relationship between employers and employees. Labor laws under both federal law and state law exist to ensure fair treatment and safe conditions for all employees, though specific rights may vary depending on your jurisdiction. It covers everything from wage and hour issues to workplace discrimination and employment contracts. These laws ensure fair treatment for employees and require employers to uphold their legal responsibilities.
Key protections under employment law include:
- The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) sets standards for minimum wage, overtime pay, and pay stubs.
- The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) gives eligible employees job-protected leave for a serious health condition or to care for a family member.
- Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) oversight helps protect employees from illegal discrimination based on national origin, gender, and other protected classes. Recent interpretations of federal law, including Supreme Court rulings, have extended these protections to include sexual orientation.
What Employment Lawyers Handle: From Contracts to Discrimination
A seasoned employment attorney can help you address a wide range of employment-related issues, from harassment to contract disputes. These include everything from reviewing severance agreements to filing lawsuits for sexual harassment or wage violations.
Here are some of the most common matters employment lawyers handle:
- Discrimination claims are based on race, sexual orientation, age, gender, or national origin.
- Wage and hour issues, such as employers failing to pay overtime, violating minimum wage laws, or denying legally required breaks. Minimum wage violations occur when employers fail to compensate workers according to legal standards.
- Wrongful termination, when an employer fails to provide a lawful reason for letting someone go.
- Hostile work environment and sexual harassment cases, where the workplace becomes emotionally or physically abusive.
- Employers sometimes misclassify workers as independent contractors, which can deny them legally entitled benefits and fair wages under employment law.
Whether you’re still employed, a former employee, or an employee who quits due to mistreatment, you have legal options worth exploring. Former employees still have the right to pursue justice for past workplace injustices.
Workplace Discrimination: A Breach of Your Rights
Workplace discrimination happens when an employer treats an employee unfairly due to their membership in a protected class. That includes race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, and disability. Under federal law, such treatment is illegal.
For example, if your employer denied you a promotion while advancing less experienced employees due to their gender or background, you may have grounds for a legal claim. The EEOC and other federal agencies investigate such claims, but many employees benefit from having an employment lawyer guide them through the process.
Employment lawyers help you:
- Collect and submit strong evidence.
- Understand your rights under both state law and federal law.
- Deal with your HR department or escalate your case when internal reports go nowhere.
Don’t accept mistreatment. With the right legal counsel, you can take meaningful steps toward justice.
Wage Theft, Overtime, and Hour Issues
Money problems at work aren’t always about raises—they often involve employers denying your basic rights. Wage theft happens when employers withhold your rightfully earned wages. You can file wage claims if your employer has denied your rightful earnings. That could include employers refusing to pay you for overtime, denying you required breaks, or paying you less than the minimum wage. Unpaid overtime is one of the most common wage issues employees face. Employers must legally pay minimum wage to all qualifying employees.
The Fair Labor Standards Act legally grants workers the right to:
- A federal minimum wage (currently $7.25/hr, though states may require more).
- Overtime pay at time-and-a-half after 40 hours per week.
- Accurate documentation through pay stubs.
These issues are common, and the requirements vary under state law. With proper legal support, you can pursue legal options that may lead to a resolution.
Workplace Safety, Medical Leave, and Workers’ Rights
Everyone deserves a safe workplace. If you’ve been injured at work or denied time off under the Medical Leave Act, you may have strong legal grounds to act.
Workers’ compensation laws exist to protect you if you’re hurt while performing your job duties. A workers’ compensation lawyer can help you receive medical care and financial support while you recover.
Additionally, under FMLA, you’re entitled to:
- Up to 12 weeks of unpaid but job-protected leave.
- Leave for personal serious health conditions or to care for immediate family.
- Protection from retaliation or wrongful termination due to taking leave.
If your employer fails to provide these rights, consult an employment law attorney. If necessary, attorneys file legal claims to hold employers accountable. They’ll help you understand whether the law applies in your situation and what steps to take next.
Legal Action, Representation, and What to Expect
Filing a claim or lawsuit can feel intimidating, but with the right attorney, it becomes manageable. When you seek legal advice, you’re not just looking for information; you’re asking someone to fight for your future.
Most employment lawyers begin with a consultation to understand your concerns and determine if your case has merit.
Depending on the issue, they may:
- File a complaint with a government agency like the EEOC.
- Initiate employment litigation against your employer.
- Negotiate better employment contracts or severance agreements.
- Represent you in court or arbitration.
You don’t have to go through this alone. Experienced lawyers know how employment agencies operate and can help represent employees who otherwise feel outmatched.
Worried about legal fees? Many lawyers work on a contingency for certain claims, meaning you pay only if you win. Some offer sliding scale options or help you connect through local bar associations.
Your Rights Matter, and You’re Not Alone
When your workplace becomes a source of stress, harm, or injustice, the law is on your side. Understanding what type of lawyer handles employment issues is the first step in protecting yourself. From wage theft and discrimination claims to hostile work environments and employment contracts, an employment lawyer helps you stand up for your rights with clarity and confidence.
No one deserves to be treated unfairly at work. At Bourassa Law Group, we’re committed to helping workers like you make sense of the legal system, weigh your legal options, and take steps toward a better future. Choosing a reputable law firm is crucial when dealing with complex workplace violations. If you’re ready to talk, we’re here to listen and to help.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
1-800-870-8910