Hickory Employment Law Lawyer

Businesses and individuals alike have legal needs that arise in the context of the employer-employee relationship. From hiring and terminating employees to complying with various wage and labor laws, our employment law attorneys are ready to assist you. We represent both employers and employees in numerous different employment law matters, whether they are transactional in nature or are in litigation. If you have an employment law issue, talk to the team at Patrick, Harper & Dixon, LLP.

Employment Law Matters We Handle

North Carolina employment law includes transactional matters, such as drafting and executing employment agreements, as well as representing plaintiffs and defendants in civil lawsuits or administrative hearings. Our firm has extensive experience handling a broad array of issues that affect employers and employees. These are just a few of them:

  • Employment agreements
  • Employee policy handbooks
  • Wrongful termination claims
  • Wage and hour claims
  • Harassment and discrimination claims
  • Compliance with state and federal laws
  • General employment and labor litigation

Employment Agreements

There are numerous agreements that employers often use to help define their relationship with their employees. Some of these concern workers who have recently been hired or promoted, while others are necessary when employment ends. The employment agreements we draft and execute include:

  • Employment contracts that specify the rights, obligations, and expectations of your employees
  • Executive compensation and performance contracts for your company’s leadership
  • Non-compete agreements that prevent departing employees from taking sensitive information to other companies to give them a competitive advantage
  • Non-solicitation agreements that keep employees from poaching customers or other employees from your company if he or she decides to leave
  • Non-disclosure agreements that prevent the disclosure of trade secrets and other confidential business information

In addition to drafting new employment agreements, we work with clients to review, revise, and terminate current ones, and we represent employers and employees alike in litigating employment agreement disputes.

 Employee Policy Handbooks

Employee handbooks benefit both employers and employees by establishing clear policies and expectations for workers. In the increasingly litigious environment of employment law, a well-drafted employee handbook can help reduce your business’s legal risks. Depending on the exact needs of your organization, your employee handbook may include the following policies:

  • Compensation and benefits
  • Vacation days, sick days, and leave
  • Anti-harassment and anti-discrimination
  • Prohibited conduct
  • Complaint procedures
  • Performance review

We can help you draft a new employee policy handbook or update an existing one to comply with the latest laws and regulations.

 Wrongful Termination Claims

North Carolina is considered an at-will employment state. That means employers can generally fire their employees for any reason, even one that seems unfair. There are two important exceptions to this rule: when termination violates an employment contract and when it violates a state or federal law, for example, because of racial discrimination.

An employee who believes he or she has been unjustly fired may decide to take legal action against your company. A knowledgeable wrongful termination attorney can defend your rights in court and explore potential out-of-court solutions like mediation. We also represent employees in wrongful termination cases.

No matter the type of wrongful termination case, it’s important to speak with an attorney who can explain your legal options and advocate for your interests.

Wage And Hour Disputes

Wage and hour rules can be tricky and difficult for employers to navigate, resulting in disputes for various reasons. For example, an employer might not properly compensate an employee asked to work outside of normal working hours or during his or her lunch break. Wage and hour claims also take the form of failure to pay employees for overtime worked, or failure to pay employees a minimum wage.

Our firm represents both employers and employees in these matters. If your business has been accused of not paying workers their proper wages, or if you are an employee who believes you have not received your legal wages, reach out to us.

Employment Law: Harassment And Discrimination Claims

Lawsuits that allege harassment or discrimination can mean not only significant monetary damages, but also devastating media attention and reputation loss. If your business has been sued, or you believe legal action is imminent, we can help. We also represent employees who have been harassed or discriminated against in the workplace. 

Helping Your Business Comply With The Law

Ever-changing legislation and new laws at both the state and federal levels can make it difficult to stay compliant with the law. Compliance is essential to avoid fees, fines, liability, and lawsuits. Some of the laws you may need assistance with are:

  • Wage and hour laws
  • Civil Rights Act
  • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
  • Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)
  • Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
  • Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)

We can review your existing business policies and practices, discuss recent changes to the law, and then get to work ensuring your company becomes and remains compliant.

General Employment Law And Labor Litigation

Your company may be facing other types of lawsuits that involve employment or labor issues. We represent employers by helping them avoid or minimize liability, and where possible, we work to defeat allegations made against your business. If litigation arises, we will work hard to limit the amount of damages you may have to pay, and will consider out-of-court options like mediation or settlement.

Our litigation practice also represents employees and former employees in a number of different matters. If you believe your labor or employment rights were violated, ask us how we can help.

Contact Our Hickory Employment Law Attorney

Whether you have active or pending litigation, or you simply need guidance on employment law matters, Patrick, Harper & Dixon is ready to put our experience to work for you. Contact us today to schedule your confidential consultation.