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Key Responsibilities of an Employment Solicitor job

When you think of a solicitor, you might picture someone in a courtroom defending clients. However, not all solicitors work in litigation. Employment solicitors job handle a unique area of law that deals with workplace disputes, employee rights, and employer obligations. If you’re considering a career as an employment solicitor or if you’re curious about what this role entails, you’re in the right place. In this blog, we’ll break down the key responsibilities of an employment solicitor, offering you an in-depth look at what you can expect in this career.

Understanding the Employment Solicitor Role

An employment solicitor focuses on issues related to employment law. This includes everything from workplace disputes to contract negotiations and discrimination claims. Their primary goal is to ensure that both employees and employers are compliant with the law and that any disputes are resolved fairly.

Drafting and Reviewing Employment Contracts

Employment solicitors spend a significant amount of time drafting and reviewing employment contracts. These contracts are vital documents that outline the terms of employment between an employer and an employee. These contracts need to be clear and legally sound. In the absence of a solid contract, both parties may face legal challenges down the road.

Ensuring Compliance with Employment Laws

A major part of an employment solicitor’s job is ensuring that employers comply with all relevant employment laws. These laws can include:

Discrimination laws

Employment solicitors assist employers in understanding their legal obligations and help them avoid penalties for non-compliance. This includes reviewing internal policies and practices, as well as conducting audits to make sure everything is in line with the law.

For employees, a solicitor ensures their rights are protected by advising on issues like unfair dismissal or workplace discrimination. They ensure that workers understand their legal protections and guide them through the process of addressing violations.

Representing Clients in Employment Tribunals

Employment tribunals are specialized courts that hear disputes between employees and employers. If negotiations or mediation fail, the next step could be to take the case to an employment tribunal.

As an employment solicitor, part of your job is to represent clients at these hearings. You’ll need to prepare legal arguments and question witnesses to support your client’s case. A tribunal can be intimidating, but it’s often necessary when all other avenues have been exhausted.

Handling Redundancy and Termination Cases

One of the most challenging aspects of an employment solicitor’s role is handling redundancy and termination cases. often involve complex legal issues, such as:

Advising on Workplace Discrimination and Harassment

Discrimination in the workplace is illegal in many forms, including based on race, gender, disability, religion, and more. Harassment, whether verbal or physical, can create a hostile work environment, and victims need strong legal support to address these issues.

Employment solicitors advise clients who experience harassment or discrimination. They assess the situation, provide guidance on the legal remedies available, and support clients in making complaints to employers or taking legal action.

Employers also rely on employment solicitors to create policies that prevent discrimination and harassment in the workplace. Ensuring that such issues are handled properly is a crucial part of maintaining a safe and compliant work environment.

Negotiating Settlements and Compensation

Employment solicitors are often tasked with negotiating settlements and compensation for clients. This is particularly common in cases of unfair dismissal or discrimination. A solicitor must understand the specifics of each case and determine what a fair settlement would look like.

During negotiations, employment solicitors work to get the best possible outcome for their clients, whether it’s a financial settlement, a change in workplace policy, or other forms of resolution. Their goal is to ensure that clients are fairly compensated for any harm they’ve experienced while maintaining positive relations between both parties when possible.

Keeping Clients Informed of Legal Changes

The field of employment law is always evolving, with new regulations, court rulings, and changes in government policy. Employment solicitors must keep themselves and their clients updated on any legal developments that might affect them.

For example, if there’s a change in the minimum wage or a new law on workplace diversity, employment solicitors need to communicate these updates to their clients. Keeping clients informed ensures that both employees and employers remain compliant with the law.

Final Thoughts

The role of an employment solicitor is multifaceted and requires a diverse skill set. It’s not just about understanding the law; it’s about providing clear, practical advice, resolving disputes, and helping clients navigate some of the most challenging situations they may face in the workplace.

 

 

 

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