You do not have to wait until you have been dismissed to seek legal advice. Advice from a workplace lawyer can be helpful when your working conditions start to affect your employment. This can include anything from disciplinary issues to changes in your employment terms to bullying or discrimination.
When Should You Speak to a Workplace Lawyer?
There is no single point at which a workplace dispute becomes serious enough to justify legal advice. Consider speaking to a lawyer if:
There is a disciplinary problem. When your employer requests that you explain something in writing or attend a meeting that could impact your employment, seeking advice in advance would be useful.
There are changes to your employment terms. When you are asked to sign a new agreement, accept new terms, or enter into an exit or separation arrangement, get a lawyer to review the contract prior to signing.
There are changes to your employment status. Where dismissal is being discussed, or you have been dismissed, legal advice could be useful in establishing your rights.
This is a matter of serious workplace behavior. Bullying, harassment, and discrimination could have legal implications that could be worth exploring.
There is a dispute about pay or entitlements. If you feel that you have been denied payment for wages or any other benefits you are entitled to, then an employment lawyer in Brisbane will review the situation and advise you accordingly.
What Can a Workplace Lawyer Help You With?
A lawyer's first job is not necessarily to start a legal proceeding. In many instances, the logical starting point is determining what has taken place, what the documents state, and what options are available.
The lawyer can analyze your employment agreement, correspondence, and other workplace documents. This will allow identifying the possible rights and obligations of all parties concerned and pointing out the legal implications of various actions.
In certain situations, the following step can be the preparation of the response, negotiations, or a mediation procedure. If the dispute proceeds to court, the lawyer will be able to provide you with the necessary advice and, where required, represent you before the tribunal/court.
Not every challenging situation in the workplace necessarily leads to legal proceedings.
What Should You Do Before Contacting a Workplace Lawyer?
You should gather all pertinent documents first. Your employment agreement, emails, messages, letters, and workplace policies will help prove what has taken place. In the case of any disagreement about money and benefits, gather all your payslips. A simple chronology of events is helpful if the dispute has been evolving over several months.
Be objective in your story. Document what has been done or said, who else was there, and when. Do not delete anything that may be relevant.
Before signing any settlement agreement or severance letter, take time to think. It is also important before responding formally to an accusation or disciplinary measures. An employment lawyer in Brisbane will assist in evaluating what you should sign or how you should respond.
Conclusion
Advice at an early stage does not necessarily mean taking legal proceedings. It might make it easier to understand your situation and your options. If your dispute may impact your employment, earnings, or rights, trusted Queensland employment lawyers and workplace lawyers in Brisbane can assist you in understanding the next steps. Farren McRae can discuss your circumstances and explain the options available to you.