Employment Law

We are expert employment lawyers who represent employees and employers in all aspects of workplace law matters, from the beginning to the end of the employment cycle. Whether you are starting a new job, looking to grow your business or leave the employment relationship, we can support you with the very best employment law advice and representation.  

How can we help you?

Employers 

We can draft your employment agreements and policies. We make sure you get the right terms, conditions and processes put in place from the start, helping you avoid costly mistakes. If you do have a dispute with an employee, we are skilled at finding practical and strategic ways of resolving the issue.  

We perform independent workplace investigations and will guide you through performance management and disciplinary processes. If you are looking to restructure or sell your business, we can help you make sure you meet your employment law obligations.  

Employees 

If you are about to start a new job, we will help you understand and negotiate your employment agreement, making sure you are happy with the terms you are signing up to. During the employment relationship we regularly help clients deal with problems around parental leave entitlements, holiday and pay matters, minimum rights, discrimination, privacy issues, health and safety, bullying, sexual harassment, restraints of trade, resignations and dismissals. While we help our client’s resolve the majority of these disputes in the early stages or at mediation, we are experienced litigators and have the technical skills and expertise to represent you in the Employment Relations Authority and the Employment Court if required. 

If your employer has raised allegations of misconduct, we will help you respond to these and can attend disciplinary meetings with you. We also help client’s negotiate exit agreements when needed. 

Legal Aid 

If you are eligible for legal aid, Belinda is an approved Lead Provider of Legal Aid Services. Give Belinda a call today so she can assess your eligibility and help you apply. If your application for legal aid is approved, Belinda can act for you. 

If you or your business have had a claim rejected by an insurance company or would simply like to better understand what cover your policy does and does not provide, we can help. We will read the fine print, let you know where you stand and if necessary take further action against your insurance company. 

Who do we represent?

Laura has acted for both insurers and policy holders/customers on a wide range of insurance disputes. Having sat on both sides of the table, Laura has gained a unique perspective which enables her to provide excellent technical and strategic advice to her clients.

What kind of insurance work do we do?

We help customers who have had claims rejected in respect  of construction, damage to property, health, income protection, Life cover, house and contents, travel, pet, motor and many other policies.

We advise businesses and their boards on the drafting and interpretation of policy wording, Director and Officers' insurance issues and placement, professional indemnity, employment disputes and subrogation claims.

We also advise businesses who have had claims rejected by insurers in relation to business interruption and material damage to goods or property and loss in transit.

How can we help you?

Our services include writing to your insurer on your behalf in relation to a rejected claim, or representing you where  further action is required including negotiation and mediation, court proceedings or making a complaint to the Insurance & Financial Services Ombudsman. 

A civil dispute is any dispute that does not contain a criminal element. 

Who do we represent?

We help local businesses that are having a contractual dispute with another party, such as breach of a term(s) or a warranty contained in a contract. 

We represent local authorities and building companies in the defence of complex construction claims. Laura has also acted for regulatory bodies in respect of various High Court recovery actions. 

We bring or defend professional negligence claims on behalf of companies or industry professionals including financial advisors, accountants, architects, building companies and real estate agents. We also represent clients at disciplinary hearings. 

We help individuals when their claim for ACC has been rejected. 

What's the process for bringing a civil claim?

Well, it depends on the jurisdiction in which you bring your claim.  The Disputes Tribunal hears claims that are for less than $30,000.  The District Court hears civil claims for less than $350,000.  The High Court hears civil claims that are complex or for over $350,000.  Other claims can be brought in the Tenancy Tribunal, The Weathertight Homes Tribunal or the Employment Relations Authority or Employment Court.