The laws governing the employer-employee relationship are always evolving. Every employer in Pennsylvania, regardless of the size and scope of their business or organization, can benefit from working with a trusted employer attorney.
Public and private sector businesses and entities must manage risks and concerns that seem to come from every direction. From compliance with local, state, and federal laws to employee relations and training to defending against allegations of wrongdoing, the to-do list goes on relentlessly.
Working with a knowledgeable Pennsylvania employer attorney removes some of this weight from leadership’s shoulders. At MacMain Leinhauser, our Chester County employer lawyers have the insights and in-depth understanding of the employment law landscape required to help employers stay a step ahead.
Businesses, government entities, schools, religious institutions, and any organization with employees must balance daily operations and the pursuit of their missions with the need to limit liability and function according to the requirements of the law. Attorneys help employers identify and handle concerns in areas like these:
Employers and employees can enter into contractual agreements formally in written documents, but obligations also can arise from verbal and implied contracts. These agreements span the employment lifecycle, from the initial employment contract to subsequent and ongoing matters like confidentiality and trade secrets, noncompete requirements, and terms of severance. Proper execution of employment documentation is critical, and employers must take care to avoid creating unwritten but implied contractual obligations with employees and independent contractors.
Employers must attend to various concerns when joining separate business interests into a single entity. A successful merger or acquisition requires thoughtful transaction structuring, due diligence, and awareness of myriad risks related to matters like employee separation and retention, compliance with reduction-in-force and mass layoff laws, and enforcement of restrictive covenants.
Employee handbooks, policies, and procedures should be intentionally structured to support compliance, limit disputes, and protect the interests of the employer and employees. Employers must operate in accordance with various labor and employment laws, like the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Occupational Safety and Health Act, and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA), as well as other state and local regulations.
Properly training employees at all levels is essential to maintaining operations, increasing employee engagement, and preventing disputes. Employers must educate and guide employees on matters including harassment and discrimination, reasonable accommodations, proper interviewing and hiring procedures, safety and health, workplace violence, and more.
When an employer is accused of violating employment laws or needs to take action against an employee for misconduct, the handling of the investigation is critical. These investigations need to be prompt and thorough, ensuring documentation and evidence are collected and preserved, and that the rights of employees are protected throughout the process.
Disputes and litigation are an unfortunate reality for many employers. Depending on the nature of the dispute, employers may have to defend themselves in state or federal courts or before a regulatory agency or commission, such as the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, among many others.
It makes sense for every employer to establish a good working relationship with a skilled attorney experienced in representing employers in all employment law matters. Your employment lawyer should be in good standing with your state bar association and have a track record of satisfied clients in the private and public sectors.
Putting procedures and training in place is often the key to preventing disruptive litigation. MacMain Leinhauser offers a dedicated Employment and Labor Law Practice, featuring a full range of services for public and private sector employers. Led by Brian Leinhauser, our experienced team offers human resources counseling and training, workplace seminars, and representation in labor matters in state and federal courts and before civil rights and human relations commissions in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Let our skilled Chester County employer lawyers help protect your business and set the foundation for its success. Call 484-318-7106 or contact us online to schedule a consultation. Located in West Chester, we serve clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey.