Expert Employment Legal Services Across NZ
Professional legal guidance for workplace matters. From unfair dismissal to contract disputes, our employment lawyers protect your rights.
Having Workplace Problems? Here's What You Should Know
Quick Answer: Employment lawyers in New Zealand handle workplace disputes, unfair dismissals, and employment contracts. Costs: $350-600/hour. Most cases: $3,000-10,000. Free consultations available. You have 90 days to file a grievance. Many offer no-win-no-pay arrangements.
You Need Help If:
- • Unfairly dismissed
- • Workplace harassment
- • Unpaid wages/leave
- • Contract disputes
- • Discrimination
What It Costs:
- • Consultation: Often free
- • Hourly rate: $350-600
- • Simple case: $3k-5k
- • Complex case: $5k-15k
- • No-win-no-pay available
Time Limits:
- • Grievance: 90 days
- • Discrimination: 12 months
- • Wages/holiday pay: 6 years
- • Get advice ASAP
- • Don't wait
What You Can Get:
- • Lost wages compensation
- • Hurt feelings payment
- • Job reinstatement
- • Good reference
- • Employer changes
Should You Handle This Yourself?
You Might Be OK Without a Lawyer If:
- • Simple contract question
- • Minor workplace issue
- • Good relationship with employer
- • Just need basic advice
You Definitely Need a Lawyer If:
- • You've been dismissed
- • Facing discrimination
- • Large amounts of money involved
- • Employer has lawyers
- • Complex case or evidence needed
Free Help Available:
Community Law:
Free basic advice
Citizens Advice:
Employment guidance
Union Support:
Member legal services
Mediation:
Free through MBIE
Employment Law Services
Comprehensive legal support for employees and employers across New Zealand
Unfair Dismissal
Expert representation for wrongful termination, redundancy disputes, and unfair dismissal claims within the 90-day deadline.
Employment Contracts
Review and drafting of employment agreements, contractor arrangements, and workplace policies for both employees and employers.
Mediation Services
Representation at employment mediation to resolve workplace disputes without costly court proceedings.
Harassment & Discrimination
Legal protection against workplace bullying, sexual harassment, and discrimination based on protected characteristics.
ERA Representation
Expert representation at the Employment Relations Authority for personal grievances and employment disputes.
Why Choose Our Lawyers
Get Matched with Employment Law Experts
Answer a few questions to get connected with employment lawyers who specialize in your workplace issue.
💼 Get Free ConsultationExpert Employment Law Services in New Zealand
Our network of experienced employment lawyers provides comprehensive legal services for both employers and employees across New Zealand. Whether you're dealing with workplace disputes, unfair dismissal, harassment claims, or complex restructuring processes, our employment law specialists understand the intricacies of the Employment Relations Act.
Employee Legal Rights & Protection
Every employee in New Zealand has fundamental rights protected by employment law. Our lawyers help employees understand and enforce these rights:
Personal Grievance Claims
- Unfair Dismissal: When termination lacks proper process, adequate reason, or breaches employment law
- Unjustified Disadvantage: Actions by employers that unfairly disadvantage employees
- Discrimination: Treatment based on prohibited grounds including race, gender, age, or disability
- Harassment: Sexual harassment, bullying, or other unwelcome behavior
Workplace Rights Enforcement
- Wage & Hour Claims: Unpaid wages, overtime violations, holiday pay, and minimum wage
- Leave Entitlements: Annual leave, sick leave, bereavement leave, and parental leave
- Health & Safety Rights: Safe working conditions and protection from hazards
- Union Rights: Freedom to join unions and collective bargaining participation
Employer Legal Obligations
Employers face extensive legal obligations. Our lawyers help navigate these requirements:
- Employment Contracts: Drafting compliant agreements that protect business interests
- Disciplinary Procedures: Fair and reasonable processes for addressing misconduct
- Performance Management: Systems for managing underperformance
- Restructuring & Redundancy: Legal management of organizational change
Related Legal Services
- Business Law - for employment policies and HR compliance
- Immigration Law - for work visas and migrant workers
- Personal Injury - for workplace accidents and ACC claims
- Legal Costs Guide - understanding employment lawyer fees
Employment Law Considerations
For Employees
- • Know your employment rights and entitlements
- • Document workplace issues and communications
- • Seek early legal advice for workplace problems
- • Understand grievance procedures and timeframes
For Employers
- • Maintain compliant employment agreements
- • Follow proper disciplinary and dismissal procedures
- • Implement effective workplace policies
- • Address workplace issues promptly and fairly
Quick Answers About Employment Lawyers
How much does an employment lawyer cost in New Zealand?
Employment lawyers charge $300-500/hour. Simple advice costs $500-1,500. Personal grievance cases run $3,000-15,000. ERA hearings cost $5,000-20,000. Employment Court matters can exceed $30,000.
How long do I have to raise a personal grievance?
You have exactly 90 days from dismissal or when you became aware of the issue to raise a personal grievance. This deadline is strict. Missing it usually means losing your claim entirely. Act fast.
What can I claim for unfair dismissal in NZ?
You can claim lost wages (typically up to 3 months), hurt and humiliation compensation ($5,000-25,000 is common), and reinstatement. The Employment Relations Authority determines the award.
Do I need a lawyer for an ERA hearing?
You can represent yourself, but a lawyer significantly improves your chances. ERA processes are complex. Employers usually have legal representation. Many employment lawyers offer free initial consultations.
Employment Lawyers by Location
Find experienced employment law specialists across New Zealand:
Major Centers
- Employment Lawyers Auckland - 84 lawyers, ERA specialists
- Employment Lawyers Wellington - Public sector expertise
- Employment Lawyers Christchurch - Rebuild workforce issues
- Employment Lawyers Hamilton - Agricultural employment
Regional Centers
- Employment Lawyers Tauranga - Seasonal workforce
- Employment Lawyers Dunedin - University & health sector
- Employment Lawyers Palmerston North - Agricultural employment
- Employment Lawyers Rotorua - Tourism workforce
Related Employment Legal Services
Employment law intersects with many specialized areas:
Business & Compliance
- Business Law - Employment policies and HR compliance
- Immigration Law - Work visas and migrant worker rights
- Tax Law - PAYE, contractor vs employee status
Personal & Family
- Personal Injury - Workplace accidents and ACC
- Family Law - Parental leave and family violence leave
- Criminal Law - Workplace theft and fraud matters
Ready to Get Started?
Connect with experienced employment lawyers for your workplace issue.
Get Free Consultation