Pennsylvania Employment Lawyers

Employment law are those laws approved in Pennsylvania that apply to employers, employees and independent contractors. These laws apply to every aspect of workplace endeavors, such as hiring policies, wage disputes, and firing of employees. Pennsylvania's employment laws set forth particular mandates that need to be understood by both employers and employees.

At-Will and Contract Employment

Most job relationships in Pennsylvania are on the basis of "at will" employment, but in other cases there may be an employment contract with a specific term. "At will" employment implies that either the employee or the employer may end the relationship at any time, so long as the reason for the termination is not unlawful. If the employer and employee are working according to an employment contract, Pennsylvania employment law will govern the different clauses contained in the contract.

The Law of Discrimination in Pennsylvania

The laws of the state of Pennsylvania make it illegal to discriminate in any area of the employment, such as when hiring an employee, upon issuing a promotion, or when terminating the employee. The laws of Pennsylvania create different categories against which employers may not discriminate. These may include religion, national origin, age, gender, disability, and race. The determination of what type of behavior is discrimination is typically a matter of some dispute, and many Pennsylvania attorneys specialize in workplace discrimination.

Interesting Facts About Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is one of America's oldest states, being only the second state to join the Union. Formally known as The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the area was settled as early as the 1630's. With 253 members in its legislature, Pennsylvania has the second largest legislature in the nation. Pennsylvania is named after its founder, William Penn.

Education has always been a focal point of Pennsylvania life. The state is home to a large number of nationally recognized universities. Some of these have law schools associated with them, such as the law schools at Penn State University, Temple University, and the University of Pittsburgh. A significant number of Pennsylvania Supreme Court cases have also involved education, including Abington v. Shempp (1963) and Lemon v. Kurtzman (1971).

Pennsylvania's court system is called the "Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania". At the basic level are the Courts of Common Pleas, which are organized into 60 different judicial districts. Appeals are heard either at the Superior Court or at the Commonwealth Court. The Pennsylvania state Supreme Court also hears appeals and other matters of a more complex nature. There are also minor municipal courts with limited jurisdiction beneath the Courts of Common Pleas.

Pennsylvania lawyers are skilled at handling legal claims of all types. Lawyers in Pennsylvania participate in continuing legal education and various programs in order to refine their skills. An experienced Pennsylvania attorney can assist you with any legal disputes or inquiries you might have.