Employment Law Attorneys For Arizona Businesses

All businesses share one thing in common: people. Your employees are the lifeblood of your industry, but they can also be the source of some of your greatest challenges.

With Ernst, Brown & Draper, you do not have to navigate those challenges alone. Our employment law attorneys in Mesa empower businesses with strategic, effective employer representation. Over time, the number of employment laws has increased, complicating the legal landscape for employers and creating land mines that Arizona employers can unknowingly step on, creating unneeded liability and risk. Our experienced employment law attorneys are dedicated to ensuring that your business thrives in today’s ever-evolving legal environment by providing top-tier services tailored to meet the unique challenges faced by employers.

Proactive Strategies For Overcoming Employment Law Hurdles

We are ready to assertively defend your rights as an employer at every turn. We develop proactive strategies to anticipate potential legal issues before they arise, ensuring that your business is always one step ahead. Your peace of mind is our priority, and we’re here to ensure that your legal needs are met with the utmost competence and care by:

• Working with businesses to draft employment contracts, employee handbooks and confidentiality, noncompete and nonsolicitation agreements
• Representing clients in investigations and proceedings before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and other government agencies
• Performing business employment audits to identify areas of risk and take necessary action
• Representing businesses in litigation involving claims of discrimination, wrongful termination, sick leave violations, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) claims, and wage, hour and overtime issues.

Connect with us today to learn how we can support your goals with our cutting-edge legal services. Let us take the burden of legal complexities off your shoulders, allowing you to focus on what you do best – running your business.

Our Legal Services For Employers

At Ernst, Brown & Draper, we are committed to providing a comprehensive suite of employer representation services designed to meet the diverse needs of businesses across various industries. Our services are crafted to ensure legal compliance, minimize risks and promote a productive workplace environment. Here’s how we can assist your organization:

Litigation Defense

Navigating the complexities of employment litigation demands experience, knowledge and a proactive approach. Our employment law attorneys are skilled in defending businesses against a wide range of employment claims, including wrongful termination, discrimination, wage and hour disputes, and harassment allegations. We work diligently to protect your interests, employing strategies that aim to resolve conflicts efficiently and effectively, minimizing disruption to your business operations. From initial claim assessment to courtroom representation, we stand ready to defend your rights as an employer.

Typical claims employers face include:

• Wrongful termination
• Hostile work environment
• Leave issues
• Employee wage and hour issues, including state and federal minimum wage and overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
• Title VII discrimination and retaliation claims involving race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation and national origin
• Breach of contract issues, including breach of noncompetes, nonsolicits or confidentiality provisions
• Claims involving the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)
• Sexual harassment
• Americans with Disabilities Act claims involving discrimination, retaliation and accommodations involving those with disabilities
• Employee fraud and embezzlement.

Regulatory Compliance And Advisory Services

Staying abreast of the ever-changing landscape of employment laws can be daunting. Our compliance services are designed to ensure that your business not only meets all current legal requirements but also stays ahead of potential legislative changes. We provide regular updates, conduct compliance audits and offer guidance on implementing policies that uphold legal standards. Our advisory services also extend to creating and revising employee handbooks, drafting employment agreements and advising on the legal aspects of company policies and procedures, ensuring they are both effective and enforceable.

Employer Training And Workshops

Empowering employers and their management teams with knowledge about employment laws is crucial for maintaining compliance and preventing disputes. We offer customized training sessions and workshops that cover essential topics such as sexual harassment, diversity and inclusion, workplace safety and proper employee evaluation practices. These training programs are tailored to the specific needs of your business and are designed to reduce liability while enhancing the overall workplace environment.

Employee Relations And Dispute Resolution

Effective employee relations are foundational to a successful business. Our employment law attorneys assist in developing strategies that foster a positive and productive work environment. We help manage interactions between employers and employees, advise on best practices for employee engagement and provide solutions for conflict resolution. When disputes arise, our goal is to resolve them in the most amicable and efficient way possible, using mediation and arbitration to avoid the costs and public exposure associated with courtroom litigation.

Employment Contract Review And Negotiation

Contracts are the backbone of clear and effective employer-employee relationships. We negotiate, draft and review employment contracts to ensure they are comprehensive and compliant with all legal requirements. Our experience includes executive contracts, confidentiality agreements, noncompete clauses and severance agreements, among others. We make sure these documents reflect the best interests of your business, protecting your assets and intellectual property while balancing employee rights.

Workplace Investigations

When allegations of misconduct or compliance breaches occur, it is crucial to conduct thorough and impartial investigations. Our attorneys provide guidance on how to handle investigations internally or can take on the role of independent investigators to ensure that the process is handled professionally and without bias. The findings from these investigations help in making informed decisions and can be critical in defending against potential litigation.

Risk Management And Prevention

Identifying and mitigating risks before they evolve into legal challenges is key to maintaining a smooth operational flow in any business. We provide risk assessments that help identify potential areas of vulnerability within your employment practices. Our preventive strategies are designed to address these risks proactively, offering solutions that range from modifying employment practices to implementing new policies that improve legal compliance and employee satisfaction.

Noncompete And Confidentiality Provisions

Businesses derive a large amount of value through their intellectual property, including their client and business relationships and their trade secrets. We work with businesses to draft enforceable noncompete, nonsolicit and confidentiality agreements that protect businesses, and we vigorously defend businesses when those agreements are breached.

Employment Aspects Of Mergers And Acquisitions

During mergers and acquisitions, employment law issues must be carefully managed to ensure a seamless transition. Our employment law attorneys advise on all aspects of employment law during these critical business changes, including the transfer of employee contracts, compliance with employment laws post-acquisition and the integration of corporate cultures. We ensure that your business objectives are met while maintaining legal compliance and employee satisfaction.

Executive Compensation And Benefits

Designing compensation packages that attract and retain top talent while complying with legal standards is a challenge many businesses face. We offer guidance on structuring executive compensation and benefits plans that are competitive, equitable and compliant with tax and employment laws. Our services include the creation of performance-based incentives, equity offerings, retirement plans and other benefits that align with your business goals and regulatory requirements.

The Importance Of Employer Representation: The Foundation For Your Organization’s Success

At Ernst, Brown & Draper, we understand that navigating the complexities of employment law is not just about avoiding legal pitfalls but about creating a foundation for your business to thrive. Our dedicated team of employment law attorneys is committed to providing the highest level of guidance and support, ensuring that your business is both protected and proactive in its approach to employment issues.

Effective employer representation is critical for several key reasons.

• Compliance: Partnering with knowledgeable employment lawyers is critical for staying compliant with the ever-changing landscape of state and federal employment laws. From the Fair Labor Standards Act to the Americans with Disabilities Act, our employment law attorneys will keep your business ahead of the curve, minimizing the risk of costly fines and litigation. This proactive compliance is vital for maintaining your company’s reputation and operational stability.
• Dispute avoidance: Robust employer representation is essential for managing and mitigating the risks associated with employee relations. Workplace disputes can escalate quickly and have significant financial and reputational consequences. Our firm focuses on developing strategies that help prevent disputes and manage them effectively when they arise. By fostering a fair and transparent workplace, we help you build trust and loyalty among your employees, which translates into enhanced productivity and retention.
• Employment litigation defense: Another cornerstone of our employer representation services is defending your business against claims and litigation. Whether it’s allegations of wrongful termination, discrimination or wage and hour violations, our employment law attorneys are equipped to offer a vigorous defense. We not only aim to protect your immediate interests but also strategize to safeguard your long-term business objectives, ensuring that one legal challenge does not derail your company’s progress.
• Employee relations: Employer representation also plays a pivotal role in enhancing employee relations. By ensuring that employment practices are fair, compliant and transparent, businesses can build trust and a positive work culture. This not only improves employee morale but also reduces the likelihood of disputes and enhances productivity. Our legal team advises on best practices for employee management that align with legal standards and your business values.
• Strategic planning: Employer representation extends beyond legal defense and compliance. It involves strategic planning and advisory services to align your human resources policies with best practices and legal requirements. This alignment not only reduces legal risks but also supports your business objectives, helping you achieve and sustain a competitive advantage.

We offer comprehensive employer representation that turns potential legal challenges into opportunities for growth and success.

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Employment Law Services

Read on for more information about the services our employment law attorneys provide for businesses in Arizona.

What kind of employment law advice for businesses do you offer?

Our employment law attorneys provide comprehensive legal advice covering all aspects of employment law, including compliance with federal and state regulations, drafting and reviewing employment contracts, handling workplace disputes and advising on policies and procedures to minimize legal risks.

How can you assist with workplace compliance?

We help businesses adhere to all relevant employment laws and regulations. This includes conducting compliance audits, advising on the development of workplace policies and providing guidance on wage and hour laws, discrimination laws and occupational safety standards.

What HR legal support services do you provide?

Our legal support for human resources departments encompasses a wide range of services, including assistance with creating HR policies and employee handbooks, advising on employee relations issues, guiding disciplinary and termination processes and ensuring compliance with labor laws.

Can you help resolve employment disputes?

Yes, our experience in employment dispute resolution includes negotiating settlements, representing employers in mediation and arbitration, and defending employers in court against claims such as wrongful termination, discrimination and harassment.

What strategies do you recommend for preventive legal planning for employers?

We advocate for proactive legal strategies, including regular legal audits, thorough documentation practices, effective employee training programs and the development of clear, fair employment policies to prevent disputes and ensure legal compliance.

How can I ensure my business is compliant with wage and hour laws?

Our services include advising on compliance with all aspects of wage and hour laws – such as minimum wage requirements, overtime pay, employee classification and record-keeping practices – to avoid potential legal issues.

What support do you offer for handling discrimination and harassment claims?

It is important to understand the facts as quickly as possible. This is usually done with a comprehensive and speedy investigation that will inform you as to what action to take and will show others that you took the issues seriously and acted on them. We can help you with this. Our employment law attorneys provide comprehensive support in defending against discrimination and harassment claims, including investigating allegations, developing defense strategies, representing employers in legal proceedings and advising on policies to prevent such claims.

Can you assist with the wrongful termination defense?

Our experienced employment law attorneys can defend businesses against wrongful termination claims, advising on the legal grounds for termination, representing employers in court and helping to minimize the risk of future claims through strategic legal advice.

How do you support businesses in drafting and reviewing employment contracts?

Our legal team assists in drafting clear, comprehensive employment contracts that protect both the employer’s and the employee’s rights. We review existing contracts for compliance with current laws and advise on best practices for clauses related to job duties, compensation, confidentiality, noncompetence and termination. We first seek to understand your business and your objectives and then create agreements personalized to your needs.

What strategies do you recommend for minimizing legal risk in employee relations?

We recommend proactive strategies such as developing clear, fair employment policies, conducting regular training sessions for managers and employees, documenting all employment decisions and promptly addressing any concerns or complaints to minimize legal risks in employee relations.

How do you assist with the development of workplace policy and handbook legal review?

Our team conducts thorough reviews of workplace policies and employee handbooks to ensure they are legally compliant, clear to employees and effectively protect the employer’s interests. We also advise on necessary updates and best practices for policy communication.

What is involved in defending against wage and hour law claims?

Defending against wage and hour law claims involves a detailed review of the employer’s pay practices, gathering evidence to support compliance, representing the employer in any legal proceedings and advising on strategies to prevent future claims.

What role do you play in resolving disputes over employee contracts?

We represent employers in disputes over employment contracts, offering legal advice, negotiating settlements and representing the employer in arbitration or court proceedings. Our goal is to resolve disputes efficiently while protecting the employer’s interests.

Take The Next Step Today

Let us help you navigate the complexities of employment law with confidence and competence. Our goal is to help your business thrive on a solid foundation of employment practices. Don’t wait for legal challenges to disrupt your business – take action now. Contact us today at 602-858-5940 to schedule a consultation with our experienced law attorneys. We’ll help you navigate employment laws confidently, minimize risks and create a positive workplace environment.