Employment lawyers provide essential advice to companies and individuals on the law that governs the way we work and the rights every employee has. This advice is needed when disputes arise on the drafting of contracts for example, or during the acquisition of one company by another.
The amount of work an employment lawyer undertakes and the hours required vary according to their area of expertise. All-nighters might be needed when helping on a corporate deal, or your day might be spent at an employment tribunal during a discrimination hearing. In the biggest City firms employment specialists do a little of both sorts of work, advising and defending large corporate clients against accusations made by employees.
Employment law impacts every adult in the country. When a dispute arises the reputation of the company accused is at stake, as well as the career of the employee. Legislation in this area is constantly changing, with new laws coming into force every April and October, so employment lawyers have to keep themselves up to date with these changes.
Employment lawyers must be able to understand and appreciate stressful and traumatic situations, as they often find themselves advising distressed clients who have lost their jobs. Clear thinking and good organisational skills are key, as is an ability to learn and keep on top of new facts.
