Show up with legal representation that the opposition respects
Not all employment lawyers and employment advocates are equally respected. Work Law's team of Employment Law Advocates are well respected in the area of NZ employment law. Being represented by someone who doesn't inspire respect, or doesn't show up looking and acting in a professional manner can be very detrimental to the outcome of your case.
Taking your case to the ERA
The Employment Relations Authority is an employment court that deals with employment disputes. It holds investigation meetings and gives a determination or decision that is binding and enforceable.
When you have a dispute with your employer that you cannot resolve between yourselves mediation is the preferred next step in the dispute resolution process. Where the parties cannot agree to attend mediation the Authority can direct the parties to mediation.
Being represented by an Employment Lawyer or Employment Advocate
Although you can take your own case to the authority you can choose to have a legal representative. Representation by a professional increases your chances of a successful outcome. The ERA are not able to give you legal advice, nor do they assist you to prepare for the investigation meeting. There is an added expense when you choose to be represented, whether you pay a lawyer an hourly rate or choose a no win no fee advocate you are still paying a fee somehow. However, at the end of the hearing, the ERA member usually orders the unsuccessful party to contribute towards your costs. All details are recorded in the Record of Settlement, which is signed by both your employer and yourself.
We can help you go to the Authority to obtain remedies for your grievance. Our employment advocates will act on your behalf, prepare the paperwork including the application and witness statements as well as appear on your behalf to conduct the case.
We can undertake compliance proceedings if the other party does not make payment pursuant to the determination.
Most important of all we can assess the financial and other risks you have in seeking arbitration through the Authority and suggest the best way forward.
Contact us if you are contemplating going to the Authority, or if you cannot get your employer to agree to go to mediation. We can provide you with a free and confidential case assessment.
What our clients are saying
Hilary Had My Back Every Step of the Way
Rarely does one want/need a lawyer, but when circumstances required I obtain one, Hilary and the WorkLaw team took exceptionally good care of me, had my back all throughout, and ensured the best possible outcome. It was an educational-process to say the least, but I am glad I trusted Hilary and went with WorkLaw.
Reassuring Guidance Through a Stressful Time
I cannot thank Sandy enough for her support throughout my employment matter. From the very beginning she was professional, knowledgeable, reassuring, and incredibly easy to communicate with during what was a very stressful time for me. Sandy always made sure I understood the process, gave honest advice, and handled everything calmly and professionally. Thanks to her guidance, we achieved a very positive outcome that I was genuinely happy with. I highly recommend Sandy and Work Law to anyone needing employment advice or representation. Thank you again Sandy. I truly appreciate everything you did for me.
Confidence and Support Every Step of the Way
Aston was more than a pleasure to work with, he was determined, reassuring and straight to the point. He gave me confidence and comfort the whole way through. Aston is a fast paced worker who would always get back to you within a short time frame and was keen on getting things sorted. He is professional and he is also wholesome, taking into consideration of your feelings and understanding that a person can only deal with so much. He made everything feel like it would be sorted out eventually and to not give up hope. I would recommend Aston to ANYONE that needs employment advise, and i would definitely be going back to him if i ever found myself in a situation where needed. Highly recommend Aston. Enjoyed working with him from start to finish. 12/10 Thanks again for everything Aston.
Professional Support Through a Difficult Time
Yes my case and circumstances were complex, due to my mental health problems, I’m happy cause I got the right lawyer, my case was treated with professional and caring procedures within the guidelines and boundaries of a professional representive, who has first hand experience in helping someone in my position, I think the end result was a fair result for everybody involved in my case,, thank you very much Andrea and employment law, I can now move forward in my life with what was a very stressful time in my life regards kevin
Recommended.
We were kept informed throughout the process which was professionally handled by Sandy.
The resulting settlement was far greater than we expected
Would recommend your company to anyone with employment issues.