The advantage of being an employer is that you get an opportunity to change people's lives by providing them with an income. But the challenge is that if you are not keen on legal processes that govern employment, your employees might sue you for malpractice. Lawsuits from the employees often emanate from wages and hours, workplace discrimination, and the terms and conditions of employment contracts. Here are three main situations where you will need the assistance of an employer defense attorney.

When Looking for a New Employee 

It is always advisable to enlist the help of an employment lawyer when recruiting a new employee. The lawyer helps you accurately define the individual's role in the organization, which averts confusion later. They will also work out their overtime, breaks, and other employment conditions imposed by the law. Remember that wrongly classifying an employee's role might bring about regrettable financial consequences if the employee decides to sue you for one reason or another. The lawyer will assess the conditions in your workplace and help you make the necessary adjustments to absorb the new employee without a hitch.

When Creating an Employee Handbook

It is a recommended practice to have a handbook that outlines the rules and regulations of your workplace. However, you cannot adequately create these rules without investigating the general employment laws and practices. In this case, your lawyer will play a fundamental role in assessing the handbook and confirming that it complies with the stipulated state and federal employment laws. This is a move that can help you avoid a lot of legal trouble in the future. The handbook also comes in handy when a worker files a lawsuit against you. 

When Firing an Employee

In the past, terminating an employee's services was an uncomplicated practice. However, today's society has become litigious, and you could get into trouble if a worker discovers any illegality or irregularity in the way you fire them. For example, the law does not allow you to fire an employee for a discriminatory reason like religion or skin color. Additionally, you shouldn't fire them in a bid to retaliate against a move to file a harassment complaint. So if an employee lodges a complaint against you for unlawful dismissal, it is time to hire an employer defense attorney. 

These are a few situations where you will need an employer defense attorney. Your lawyer will safeguard your rights and the exploitation of disgruntled employees.