When to Hire an HR Consultant vs. Employment Attorney

Employment laws are an important part of running a business, but not one that business owners like to delve into with zest or afford to keep up with. When employment laws and federal/state regulations are not handled appropriately, the problems that arise will  be time consuming and potentially cost a lot of money. Just when you think you might have a handle, the regulations and laws change and are constantly changing. Who do you consult?

Many times we are asked when a business should contact a HR Consultant or when should they work with an Labor Law Attorney. Since these professionals specialize in two different areas of employment: law and then compliance. Though they normally work together to develop a solution, understanding which to contact first is VERY important.

What is an HR Consultant?

HR consultants focus on acting PROactively in human resources including managing your workforce, maintaining compliance, risk issues, and HR practices. Normally, if the business has concerns about relations, onboarding, separations, benefits, compliance, etc. hiring or working with an HR consultant is the right way to go. An ideal HR consultant should be versed in federal and state regulations (business law), providing you with actions to reduce your risk internally. In other words, HR Consultants handle the process.

What is an Employment Attorney?

An employment attorney will go through your practices and help reduce your litigation risks. They are helpful because you can take the plans set forth by HR consultants and look at the risk associated with moving forward. If there are actions that may result in legal action, an employment attorney will provide recommendations to help reduce that risk.   It is very important to remember that conversations between attorneys and business owners are confidential, conversely those between a company and their HR advisor are not. It is very important to remember that conversations between attorneys and business owners are confidential, conversely those between a company and their HR advisor are not.  In other words Labor law Attorneys deal with the legality not the process.

If you are looking for a place to start with organizing your company, hiring an HR consultant is the correct way to go. However, if you are concerned about legal action against your company, then start with an employment attorney.

HR Ledger can help.

Please call Malcolm or Scott today at 800-451-1136.

Written by:

Scott Evers

Scott Evers

Vice President Sales and Marketing