Searching for an Employment Lawyer?
In New Zealand employment disputes, people often search for an "employment lawyer" when what they actually need is strong, practical representation at mediation and the Employment Relations Authority (ERA). This article explains how employment advocates can help.
Employment Law Advocates
- Unjustified dismissal personal grievances.
- Unjustified disadvantage personal grievances.
- Large wage arrears and holiday pay claims.
- Redundancy.
- Disciplinary meetings.
- Poor performance issues.
- Human rights issues in employment.
- and the list goes on...
Employment advocate vs employment lawyer
- Both can represent parties in employment disputes. What matters is competence, strategy, and the ability to drive resolution.
- Some matters require specialist litigation skills (especially where a case escalates beyond the Authority). Experience counts.
- Always ask about process, fees, likely timeframes, and how evidence will be gathered and presented.
Where advocates add value
- Early risk assessment, settlement strategy, and drafting strong personal grievance letters.
- Representation at MBIE mediation and ERA investigation meetings.
- Focused, practical case theory and evidence preparation (timelines, documents, witness statements).
Advocates, client choice, and regulation
Employment advocates are part of access to justice in employment disputes. The answer to concerns about poor representation is not a new licensing regime, compulsory membership, a statutory code, or a new complaints body. The better answer is practical client education, clear written terms, written authority to act, transparent fee arrangements, proper settlement authority, and existing costs and conduct powers used fairly where behaviour causes real unfairness or unnecessary cost.
See also: EMA's complaints about employment advocates are not a serious case for regulation and Regulation of employment advocates: what the NZLS report found and why it matters.
Read our full article
We write for the Deals on Wheels magazine. Read our full article here: When employment law advocates can help
Download File: When employment law advocates can help
If you want help, submit the case form with a short timeline and any key documents.
Employee Case Form
Employment law advice for employers
