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.
Can’t really disclose much about my case but I was in really low state leading up to my mediation. Hilary was such a calming influence on me and had my back the whole.way through. Honestly can recommend them highly enough.
It was great to have Andrea in my corner.
We honestly can’t speak highly enough of Andrea. From the very beginning, she was incredibly patient, clear in her communication and excellent at setting expectations so we always understood where things stood and what the next steps were.
What really stood out for us was how much time Andrea took to genuinely listen and understand our situation. We never felt rushed or like we were just another client — she gave us the opportunity to explain everything properly and made us feel heard, which was incredibly important to us.
Andrea worked extremely hard on our behalf and throughout the whole process gave us real confidence that if she said she was going to do something, she would do it. Having someone like that in your corner makes such a difference, particularly when you’re navigating something that can otherwise feel quite stressful.
Professional, patient, hardworking and genuinely caring. We’re incredibly grateful for everything Andrea has done for us and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her to anyone. An absolute pleasure to deal with.
Extremely grateful to Andrea.
We were so grateful to Andrea for all the wonderful help that she gave us. I have recommended and will continue to do so as she is not just a person behind a desk, but is empathetic, kind and extremely supportive. Andrea understands you as a person, not just an employee. Thank you Andrea, we couldn’t have done it without you! Extremely grateful!
Exceptional!
I had the pleasure of dealing with Sandy. Sandy is an exceptional communicator who clearly goes into disputes with purpose & honesty. She injected humour into our discussions (which lightened the moment & stress levels), offered practical advice & showed cultural compassion. I would highly recommend working with her.
Amazing service.
Sheryl was amazing – she is kind honest and takes her time even at first consult