What you need to know and how we put you in touch with the right specialist, without the jargon.
When you need a specialist
What to prepare for your first consultation
How we put you in touch with the specialist
Employment lawyer
What an employment lawyer does for you
An employment lawyer (abogado laboralista) is the specialist in relations between workers and companies. Lienzo Legal is not a law firm: we put you in touch with an independent, bar-registered employment lawyer who studies your case.
01
Dismissals and disciplinary sanctions
The lawyer reviews the letter, checks the grounds and the form and calculates your compensation; the dismissal may be fair (procedente), unfair (improcedente) or null and void (nulo) (dismissal lawyer). Sanctions can also be appealed before the employment court (Juzgado de lo Social); if the company alleges misconduct on your part, go over the grounds for disciplinary dismissal.
02
Workplace harassment and fundamental rights
Workplace bullying (mobbing), sexual harassment or harassment on grounds of sex violate fundamental rights. The lawyer helps you document it, activate the company’s protocol, go to the Labour Inspectorate (Inspección de Trabajo) or bring a claim in court (workplace harassment lawyer).
03
Advice for workers and companies
Not everything ends in court: good employment advice helps you interpret the collective agreement, negotiate an agreed exit or respond to a request from the Labour Inspectorate. There are also employment lawyers for companies who review contracts before a dispute arises.
Contracts, payslips and money owed
A temporary contract without a valid reason, unpaid overtime, a salary below the collective agreement or an incomplete final settlement (finiquito): unpaid wages can be claimed for one year. There are guides to the employment contract and to workers’ employment rights.
Before your enquiry
How to prepare your enquiry for an employment lawyer
With these documents to hand, the initial assessment will be much more accurate.
Your employment contract, your latest payslips and your employment history report (informe de vida laboral).
The collective agreement (convenio colectivo) that applies to you: it is usually stated in the contract or on the payslip.
The dismissal letter or sanction letter, if there is one, and any emails or messages from the company.
If you are being harassed, a diary of events and, if it has affected your health, the medical reports.
A dismissal, harassment, a contract or money you are owed: that's all we need.
02
02A specialist
An employment lawyer reviews it
An employment lawyer studies your case and contacts you.
03
03No obligation
You make an informed decision
You know your options, deadlines and quote before you take any step.
Strict time limit
Been dismissed? You have 20 working days
From the day after the dismissal, not counting Saturdays, Sundays or public holidays. The conciliation request (papeleta de conciliación) suspends it, but it is not wise to leave it to the last minute.
Dismissal, harassment, contract or wages: it takes 2 minutes, and an employment lawyer will contact you.
Enquiring is free
Your details, always confidential
No obligation to hire
Your enquiry
Under 2 min
Confidential
No obligation
Frequently asked questions
Questions about employment lawyers
How much does an employment lawyer charge?
Fees are freely agreed: a fixed fee or a percentage of whatever is obtained (an employment lawyer working on commission, “a comisión”). Ask for the quote in writing before starting.
Is it compulsory to have a lawyer in an employment court case?
At first instance, before the employment court (Juzgado de lo Social), no: you can represent yourself. It is highly recommended, though, and to appeal the judgment you do need a professional.
What is the deadline to claim against a dismissal?
20 working days from the day after the dismissal. It is a strict time limit (plazo de caducidad): once it has passed, you can no longer claim.
What is the difference between an employment lawyer and a graduado social?
Both are registered with their professional body and can advise you and represent you before the employment courts. The lawyer can also handle your case in any jurisdiction and appeal, including before the Supreme Court.
Can I have a legal aid lawyer in an employment case?
Yes, if you meet the requirements for free legal aid (asistencia jurídica gratuita). You apply at the legal advice service (servicio de orientación jurídica) of the bar association in your province.
What the people we put in touch with their lawyer tell us.
4.9/5
★★★★★
Average rating on Google
“★★★★★
From the very first moment they inspired a lot of confidence. They explained everything clearly and answered my questions in a friendly, professional way. Without a doubt, a very positive experience.
María G.Google
“★★★★★
Excellent treatment and impeccable service. I especially appreciate that they explained the different options available and the steps I needed to follow. Very professional and attentive.
Carlos M.Google
“★★★★★
I was looking for advice and found a team that made me feel listened to from the start. I would highlight how clearly they explain things, how approachable they are and the peace of mind they give you throughout the whole process.
María G.Google
Carlos M.Google
Laura R.Google