Can’t Afford Representation? Here are Some Top Tips to Finding a Labour Lawyer that You Can Afford!
Have you suddenly found yourself a victim of unfair labour practices? Do you need labour law advice on sexual harassment by an employer, or are you being harassed by a bully in your workplace? If you’re involved in an employment dispute or conflict, or you need advice about an employment-related matter, you may need to find a labour lawyer.
With over 18 million employed people in South Africa, workplace conflicts and disputes are extremely prevalent today. Fortunately, thanks to the protection of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, 1997 (Act No 75 of 1997), both employers and employees are well protected. But let’s be honest, just like divorce, criminal and conveyance lawyers, finding a labour lawyer is not always easy. With so many scattered throughout South Africa, and with fees that get charged by the hour, how can any employee afford one? Well, you can! Here’s how you go about finding and choosing them.
Reputation, Experience and Expertise
Legal issues relating to labour law are complex and complicated areas that demand expertise and experience, which is why you need to be careful of inexperienced labour lawyers who lack the necessary skills and qualifications. Experience and reputation are more than fundamental and can mean the difference between loss and victory. The right labour lawyer will be well practised in areas including discrimination against employees, employee benefits, privacy rights, sexual harassment, unfair termination of employment, wage and overtime disputes, and workers’ compensation and workplace safety. In addition, keep in mind that just like divorce and criminal lawyers, labour lawyers often specialise in one area or another, so choose one according to your needs. Now for the most important tip – find a labour lawyer that will not charge you a fortune!
No Win, No Fee!
There are labour lawyers who do try to make it easier for you to get help with your legal woes, and there are those that don’t. Find a labour lawyer that makes it easy for you with their fee structures. While most labour lawyers come with complicated fee structures, highly dependent on the case, you can find a labour lawyer with a “No Win No Fee” approach. While most offer a No-Win fee approach, whether their fees are contingency-based or hourly based – make sure to request a complete breakdown of their fee schedule and their contract terms, and then compare rates to get an idea of what is reasonable for your needs, should you lose your case.
We Assist Employees with a “No Win Fee” Approach
Considered as one of the most traumatic events in a person’s life, next to divorce and death, being harassed, victimised or finding yourself in the middle of an unfair labour practice work situation is emotionally, mentally and financially exhausting, which is why you should contact Allardyce & Partners.
Boasting a formidable reputation complemented with the backing of an exceptional team of attorneys and paralegals, not only do we provide employers, employees, trade unions and employer organisations with legal advice and representation in the CCMA, Bargaining Councils, Labour Court and Labour Appeal, but we also offer free legal consultation for exploited, unfairly dismissed or victimised employees. Assisting employees with a “No Win Fee” approach, we consult on the following grounds:
- Victimisation
- Unfair Demotion
- Unfair Discrimination
- Unfair Dismissal
- Unfair Retrenchment
- Unfair Suspension
- Unfair Treatment
- Preparations for Disciplinary Hearings.
- Unfair Unilateral Changes in the terms of Employment
To find a labour lawyer or for more information about our expert labour law services and rates, contact us at reception@www.allardyce.co.za or on 011 234 2125 today.
NB this article is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. You are advised to consult with us before using/relying on this information.
