Skills
Our lawyers work in these areas:
Understanding the profession of labor lawyer
What is a labor lawyer?
An employment lawyer, who is a member of the Bar, defends the interests of employees, professionals and staff representative bodies, in compliance with the French Labor Code.
He handles disputes relating to employment contracts (CDI, CDD), collective bargaining agreements, vacations, sickness and redundancy. His role also includes advising on prevention.
What’s the difference between labor law and employment law?
A labor lawyer has a broader expertise, including foreign law, international law, social security and vocational training.
The labor law specialist acts mainly before the industrial tribunal (Conseil de prud’hommes) or the court, while the employment law specialist also deals with issues relating to social protection.
The tasks of an employment lawyer
Consulting
Drafting and analyzing employment contracts
The law firm assists its clients, whether individuals or company directors, in creating or analyzing employment agreements, in compliance with the applicable collective bargaining agreement. It also helps anticipate any legal problems that may arise.
Supporting employers and employees
A lawyer at the Paris Bar assists employers and employees in managing relations within the company. In particular, they intervene in cases of breach of contract, serious misconduct, bullying in the workplace, termination of employment or to negotiate severance pay. The lawyer’s priority is to avoid contentious action by seeking an amicable solution, thanks to his mastery of legal rules, collective bargaining agreements and case law. He ensures that decisions are fair and adapted to each situation.
Assistance with negotiations
Contractual termination
In the event of a contractual termination, the law firm, which specializes in private law, oversees all stages of the request, from drawing up the documents to meeting legal deadlines and providing strategic advice. It guides its clients in negotiating severance pay, notice periods and any additional clauses, to ensure a secure agreement that complies with employment law.
Transaction and out-of-court settlements
He can also play a key role in the search for negotiated solutions. The signing of an amicable agreement or settlement often makes it possible to avoid a lengthy legal process. It is essential to be assisted by a lawyer to secure the terms of the settlement. An association or union can also offer initial guidance before any formal steps are taken, but this is no substitute for legal advice.
Litigation management
Barristers represent their clients before industrial tribunals. He or she assists with all stages of the process: attempted conciliation, judgment phase, and, if necessary, preparation of an appeal or cassation. The firm handles all types of case:
- unfair dismissal,
- redundancy,
- harassment, non-payment of overtime,
- or disputes over compensation.
When and why call on the services of an employment lawyer
Common problems faced by employees
Challenging dismissal
Any individual faced with an unjustified termination of employment can call on a lawyer specializing in private law to challenge an unfair dismissal before the industrial tribunal (Conseil de prud’hommes). The lawyer will analyze the case (reasons given, compliance with legal obligations) and assist the employee in gathering evidence and drafting the complaint in order to obtain compensation or reinstatement.
Sexual or moral harassment
In the event of harassment, it is essential to act quickly. The firm can advise you on how to gather evidence (testimonies, attestations, medical certificates) and what strategy to adopt. We can also refer you to the Défenseur des droits for independent advice or mediation, before or during legal proceedings.
Make an appointment with Maître Jonathan Bellaiche and his law firm in Paris, for advice and effective action.
Discrimination in the workplace
An employee who has been the victim of discrimination (on the grounds of sex, age, origin, etc.) can be defended by a lawyer specializing in private or criminal law. He or she can bring an action before the court, which has jurisdiction over discrimination cases, to put an end to the situation and obtain damages.
Cases frequently handled for employers
Managing collective relations
A firm of labor law attorneys assists companies in their dealings with employee representatives and trade unions. It ensures that internal regulations comply with legal texts and are adapted to the specific features of the business. The lawyer secures the implementation of the CSE and helps prevent collective disputes that could lead to litigation.
Preventing legal risks
He can also advise companies on how to anticipate and limit potential litigation. It analyzes the compliance of internal practices with applicable rules, particularly in terms of health, safety and working time regulations (overtime, night work, on-call duty). The aim is to ensure strict application of the law in order to avoid future sanctions or disputes.
Setting up internal procedures
Finally, he can assist companies in drafting and updating their internal documents: charters, memos, disciplinary rules and contracts. His role: to ensure that everything complies with legal rules and is sufficiently robust to avoid any subsequent litigation before a court specialized in employment law.
How to choose an employment lawyer
Selection criteria
Choosing the best employment law firm is based on several essential criteria:
- a recognized specialization in labor law, which guarantees a perfect knowledge of the texts, collective agreements and case law decisions;
- proven experience in handling complex cases, particularly those involving harassment, dismissal or discrimination;
- the firm’s location, enabling personalized follow-up, whether in Paris, Rennes or any other bar in France;
- clear, detailed fees, in the form of flat rates, hourly rates or subscriptions, to avoid any surprises;
- customer reviews and testimonials, which provide an objective overview of the quality of follow-up, availability and the firm’s ability to achieve favorable results.
For a personalized handling of your case, contact Goldwin Avocats in Paris today and benefit from the recognized expertise of our employment law attorneys.
Consultation and first meeting process
Documents to prepare
To make the most of the initial consultation, the client should gather a complete file, including: the employment contract, any amendments, correspondence with the company, certificates from public bodies (URSSAF, CPAM, etc.), medical certificates or sick leave documents, as well as any documents related to the applicable collective agreement. These documents will help the employment lawyer save time and assess possible legal remedies.
Questions to ask
The first meeting is the ideal opportunity to clarify your expectations. Feel free to ask:
- What is the law firm’s expertise in employment law?
- What approach do they recommend based on your situation (dismissal, contract termination, discrimination…)?
- What are the expected timelines for handling your case?
- What is the fee structure (flat rate, hourly rate, or retainer)?
The firm will clearly explain each step and provide tailored advice.
How much does an employment lawyer cost?
Fee structures
Fees vary depending on the type of service: flat rate, hourly rate, or annual subscription. They also depend on the complexity of your case.
Possible support for litigants
The public legal aid service allows individuals with low incomes to receive free or partially reimbursed legal assistance. In addition, some insurance policies—particularly home or health insurance—include legal protection. This coverage can fully or partially cover legal expenses, providing better access to employment law defense.
Legal procedures in case of a dispute
Steps in a labour court procedure
It begins with a conciliation phase. This step seeks an amicable resolution between the employee and employer, potentially with the help of a labour law expert. If no agreement is reached, the case is referred to a judgment panel at the labour court, which rules publicly. The lawyer supports the client at each stage: filing the claim, exchanging written arguments, attending hearings, and tracking the procedural timeline.
Options after the judgment
If either party is unsatisfied with the ruling, the specialized law firm may file an appeal before the relevant court of appeal. If disagreement persists, a further appeal can be filed with the court of cassation, which only verifies the proper application of the law, without re-examining the facts.
The role of mediation and prior conciliation
Before or during proceedings, an amicable resolution may still be possible through mediation. A neutral mediator—often an expert in employment law—can help defuse the conflict. Additionally, public structures like the maison de la justice et du droit offer easier access to justice and legal information. They provide free legal advice and guide litigants toward the right contacts to seek quick resolution of disputes.
Recent developments and future outlook in employment law
A constantly updated employment lawyer
An employment law specialist must stay continuously informed of new laws and recent court decisions. This legal watch allows them to adapt their advice and safeguard their clients’ actions.
For example, since 1st January 2025, employers are required to comply with new benefit-sharing obligations, such as the value-sharing bonus or contributions to employee savings plans. Failure to comply can result in tougher penalties, especially in cases of undeclared work.
Thanks to their up-to-date legal knowledge, the lawyer anticipates these changes to prevent litigation and best defend their clients’ interests.
Digitalisation, artificial intelligence and the irreplaceable role of the lawyer
The increasing use of digital tools and artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming employment law. Some repetitive tasks, such as legal research or generating standard documents, can be automated. However, these technologies cannot replace the critical role of a specialized lawyer.
The lawyer analyses each case’s specific context, interprets legal texts according to the person’s situation, adjusts the legal strategy, and defends the client’s interests before courts such as the labour court. AI cannot replicate this level of judgment, negotiation skill, or ability to navigate human and procedural nuances.
Legal representation remains essential for tailored, secure, and up-to-date defense in employment law.
Future challenges: remote work and flexibility
Emerging legal issues
The widespread adoption of remote work in France, accelerated by the covid-19 pandemic, has raised new legal challenges. For example, companies must comply with the right to disconnect (law no. 2016-1088 of 8 August 2016), ensuring employees are not contacted outside working hours. Workplace accidents at home are also covered: an employee injured during remote working hours may be compensated by cpam just as if they were on-site (article L.411-1 of the social security code). Finally, data security is a major concern, as employers must comply with gdpr to protect personal data accessed from the employee’s home.
Lawyers adapting their practice
In response to these changes, law firms must expand their areas of expertise. They now operate across overlapping legal contexts: employment law, international law (employees working remotely from abroad), public law (regulatory obligations), and digital law (cybersecurity, personal data). For instance, a lawyer may be asked to provide legal oversight for cross-border remote work—such as an employee based in Spain and employed by a French company.
Why work with us?
An employment lawyer guides you at every step: contesting a dismissal, claiming compensation, handling labour court disputes, or supporting you in cases of harassment or discrimination. With a deep knowledge of procedures and a constant adaptation to legal changes, a specialist lawyer defends your interests effectively. Whether you’re an employee or employer in Paris or Rennes, choosing an expert firm is essential.
Goldwin Avocats offers attentive support and customized solutions. Our firm brings together recognized expertise in all areas of employment law and related fields to respond effectively to all your legal challenges.
Contact us today to schedule a personalized consultation with our experienced lawyers.
Trial
Our victories in Labor law
Our dedicated team of lawyers works tirelessly to defend your interests, providing you with tailored legal solutions and high-quality representation
Why call on a labor law attorney in Paris?
The CSE (social and economic committee) can call on a lawyer registered with the bar in the following cases:
- organization of professional elections (calendar, electoral agreement protocol)
- updating or creating the CSE’s internal regulations
- support during mandatory consultations: health, safety, restructuring, social plans
- defense of the CSE’s interests in the event of a collective dispute with the employer
- assistance during company restructuring, mergers or sales
- ongoing legal support to ensure the validity of CSE decisions
A lawyer specialized in employment law ensures legal compliance and protects the CSE from the risk of litigation.
A legal advisor provides in-house advice, often within a company. In contrast, a lawyer is registered with the bar, can represent clients in court (e.g. labour tribunal), defend their interests, and benefits from legal professional privilege.
You must show the existence of repeated actions that degrade working conditions. A lawyer specialized in employment law can help you build a solid case, including
- written evidence: emails, SMS, letters, internal reports
- witness statements: attestations from colleagues or CSE representatives
- medical certificates: confirming the psychological impact on health
- internal documents: unrealistic targets, meeting minutes, unjustified warnings
The burden of proof is shared: you must provide facts suggesting psychological harassment, while the employer must prove their decisions were justified. The support of a lawyer is strongly recommended to secure your legal situation and ensure effective defense.
Choose a lawyer registered with the bar, specialized in employment law, and transparent about fees. Check client reviews, verify experience in labour litigation, and assess their ability to understand your personal or professional challenges.
The best time is as soon as a disagreement or doubt arises, before the situation worsens. Anticipation helps avoid irreversible mistakes, gather strong evidence, and open the way for an amicable solution. The earlier you consult a lawyer, the more effectively they can protect your rights and reduce litigation risks. Acting early is key to an optimal defense.
They trusted us
