Employment Attorneys Representing Louisiana Companies

As Louisiana’s oldest and largest law firm, Hudson, Potts & Bernstein appreciates the importance to businesses of all matters relating to employees and employment. Solid and effective employment strategies can improve profitability and limit liability while disputes involving employees can be costly. Our knowledgeable employment attorneys regularly represent employers of all kinds in a wide array of legal matters involving their employees. If your company needs any type of assistance with employment law or litigation matters, please do not hesitate to consult with one of the employment lawyers at Hudson, Potts & Bernstein for more information today.

Assisting Employers with Policy Development

The most effective way to prevent employee conflicts or mistreatment is to have policies and systems in place that ensure compliance with the vast web of employment laws as well as employee education and training. Having clear policies for hiring, promotions, pay increases, discipline, employment records, termination, and more can help to avoid inequality and claims of discrimination. Our attorneys can assist you in developing an employee handbook that addresses any company policies relevant to employment to assist your employees in fully understanding your policies and recognizing the consistent application of those policies, which can prevent disputes and allegations. If you need assistance developing new policies or revamping existing ones, please contact Hudson, Potts & Bernstein.

Employment Contracts

Contracts can play an important role in the employment relationship. While Louisiana is an at-will employment state, many companies still choose to have employees sign a variety of contracts that can govern their term at the company or beyond. It is critical to ensure that all employment-related contracts are carefully drafted to ensure the interests of your company are fully protected and that your obligations to the employee are clear. We can assist with drafting, review, and negotiation of the following employment contracts, among others:

• Employment agreements
• Labor agreements
• Non-disclosure agreements
• Non-compete agreements
• Complex severance agreements

Even with a carefully drafted employment contract, the possibility of a legal contract claim always exists. An employee may breach their contract in a number of ways or may claim that your company breached your end of the agreement. No matter which end of the claim your company may be on, these cases can be adversarial and costly. Our employment lawyers are skilled litigators who work to efficiently and favorably resolve your claim via mediation, arbitration, negotiation, or litigation if necessary. Often, an employee will defend against a breach allegation by challenging the enforceability of the contract itself or certain provisions, which emphasizes the need for a legal and enforceable contract that was carefully reviewed by a knowledgeable attorney from the beginning. Please contact Hudson, Potts & Bernstein to discuss your employment contract needs.

Defending Against Employee Claims

One of the most important areas of practice in employment law is defending your company against claims of legal violations and harm to employees. Such claims are permissible by a variety of employment laws on both the state and federal level that protect the rights and set standards for the treatment of potential employees, employees, and former employees. Cases brought by employees can involve a wide range of legal issues, including the following and more:

• Wage claims
• Overtime claims
• Independent contractor classification
• Disabilities
• Discrimination
• Harassment
• Retaliation
• Wrongful termination
• Whistleblowing
• Employee benefits
• ERISA
• Affirmative action
• Health and safety violations
• Family and medical leave
• Workers’ compensation

Discrimination claims are commonly brought by employees and can be costly for employers. The basis of a discrimination claim can vary widely in Louisiana and may include one or more factors, including race, sex, age, disability, national origin, religion, military status, genetic information, pregnancy, maternity leave, wage garnishments, political activities, participation in a labor investigation, whistleblowing, breastfeeding, personal online accounts, among others. Any type of employee claim can involve complex legal questions and allegations, and if you are not successful in defending against the claim, an employee or former employee may be entitled to significant damages. To avoid unnecessary liability, you should always seek representation from a highly experienced employment litigation attorney who understands how to present evidence to defend against claims and to use alternative dispute resolution methods to resolve the matter whenever possible.

Extensive Knowledge of Federal and State Employment Laws

Employment law is comprised of a great number of lengthy laws that regulate many aspects of employment including pay, fair treatment, hiring, firing, time off, safety, benefits, and more. The following are only some examples of the laws that may be involved in an employment law matter:

• Fair Labor Standards Act
• Occupational Safety and Health Act
• Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
• Americans With Disabilities Act
• Age Discrimination in Employment Act
• Employee Retirement Income Security Act
• Family Medical Leave Act
• Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act
• Federal Employer's Liability Act

Each law has its own requirements for a successful legal claim and our lawyers know how to defend against claims based on legal principles, facts, or both. From discrimination to contract claims to safety violations and injuries, we have the resources and knowledge of employment law necessary to successfully represent your business.

Find Out How Our Louisiana Employment Law Attorneys Can Help You

Every company wants to successfully defend against employee claims for a variety of reasons. However, it is always preferable to avoid such claims in the first place. By seeking the advice and guidance of a highly experienced employment law attorney, your company can improve employee relations and morale while decreasing the number of conflicts that may arise in your workforce. At the law office of Hudson, Potts & Bernstein, our employment law team can help with every legal aspect of employment at your company from preparing to hire your first employee to defending against a claim in court. If your company wants the highest quality of employment law representation, please call 1-318-388-4400 or contact our firm online to discuss your needs further.