Lawyers, attorneys, legal counsel specialize in certain areas of law such as employment law, tax law, financial law or real estate law. This section takes a closer look at the role of the employment lawyer, who specializes in advising and representing both employees and employers in all legal matters relating to the employment relationship - whether before the employment tribunal or out of court, whether in individual employment law or collective employment law. Employment law covers a wide range of issues, from recruitment to dismissal, from employment contracts to workplace disputes. The employment lawyer is an indispensable advisor to employees and employers alike, ensuring that employment law matters are resolved in accordance with applicable laws and to the benefit of all parties.

Keyfacts Rechtsanwalt für Arbeitsrecht

Specialist lawyers for employment law, but also employment lawyers without a specialist lawyer title, have good prospects on the job market. They can work in law firms as well as in legal departments or HR departments of organizations, employers' associations, trade unions and social benefit providers or venture into self-employment.

In companies, employment lawyers are usually employed as in-house lawyers or in the Human Resources department. There they act in the interests of the company. They draft employment contracts, write letters of warning and dismissal, conduct negotiations with the works council and employees, negotiate collective agreements with the trade union and sometimes represent the company in court. When working for employers' associations or trade unions, the focus is usually on advising and representing members, particularly on issues relating to collective bargaining law, but also on strategic issues relating to collective bargaining law and works constitution law.

The work of a self-employed or employed lawyer for employment law is diverse. Each mandate requires the development of an individual approach and strategy that is geared towards the wishes and objectives of the client, whether employer or employee. The activities range from consultations, drafting contracts for the establishment and termination of employment and service relationships to representation in out-of-court conciliation proceedings with works councils or court negotiations. The specialist lawyer title "Employment Law" opens up a wide range of opportunities for taking on mandates.

What tasks does a lawyer for employment law have?

An employment lawyer must master complex tasks aimed at protecting and defending the legal interests of his clients in connection with employment relationships and therefore bears a high degree of responsibility.

Here are some of the most important tasks of an employment lawyer:

Legal advice

The specialist lawyer for employment law offers his clients legal advice on various employment law issues. This may include the review of employment contracts, the interpretation of employment law regulations, advice on employment law disputes or the clarification of issues relating to job security and health.

Contract design

The employment lawyer assists his clients in drafting, reviewing and negotiating employment contracts to ensure that they comply with legal requirements and adequately protect his clients' interests.

Labor law disputes

In the event of employment law disputes, such as unlawful dismissals, discrimination in the workplace, wage disputes or bullying, the employment lawyer represents his clients in court or before other competent authorities.

Representation with authorities

The employment lawyer represents his clients before various authorities, such as labor courts, labor inspectorates, employment offices or other institutions responsible for employment law matters.

Labor law training

Some employment lawyers also offer training courses and seminars for employers and employees to inform them about their rights and obligations in the employment relationship and to keep them up to date with the latest developments in employment law.

Preventive legal advice

In addition to responding to employment law problems, an employment lawyer also offers preventative legal advice to help employers avoid employment law conflicts and minimize legal risks.

Overall, the role of an employment lawyer is to advise, represent and support their clients in all legal matters relating to the employment relationship in order to achieve fair and lawful solutions.

What skills does a lawyer for employment law need?

The tasks of an employment lawyer are varied and demanding. Legal knowledge alone does not make a good lawyer. Rather, in addition to their legal expertise, employment lawyers need a broad range of skills in order to meet the growing demands in this professional field.

Overview of the key skills of lawyers for employment law

Comprehensive understanding of labor law

An employment lawyer should have an in-depth understanding of the relevant laws, regulations and case law in employment law. This includes knowledge of employment contracts, labor laws, collective bargaining agreements, termination law, workplace discrimination and other employment law provisions.

Analytical skills

An important part of the work of an employment lawyer is to analyze complex legal problems and find solutions that meet the needs and interests of their clients. This includes the ability to apply laws and case law to specific cases and to assess legal risks.

Communication skills

Employment lawyers must have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. They must be able to inform their clients clearly and comprehensibly about legal matters and explain complex legal concepts for them. In addition, the situation occasionally requires them to present their arguments convincingly in court.

Negotiating skills

Employment law disputes are often resolved out of court and it is therefore important that an employment lawyer has excellent negotiation skills. They must be able to negotiate effectively with employers, employee representatives or other parties in order to achieve fair and favorable results for their clients.

Empathy and sensitivity

Employment law matters are often associated with emotions and fears for those affected, especially when it comes to issues such as discrimination, harassment or dismissal. A lawyer for employment law should have empathy and sensitivity in order to understand the needs of their clients and be able to respond appropriately.

Time management and organization

Employment law cases are usually deadline-driven and time-sensitive. A good employment lawyer must therefore have excellent time management and organizational skills to ensure that deadlines are met and all necessary tasks are completed on time.

Overall, working as an employment lawyer requires a broad range of skills and competencies in order to effectively meet the legal needs of their clients and successfully assist them in employment law matters.

How do you become a lawyer for employment law?

But how do you become a lawyer for employment law? First of all, you have to complete a law degree, which usually lasts nine semesters and ends with the first state examination. This is followed by the legal clerkship, during which prospective lawyers can gain practical experience in the courtroom. The next step on the way to becoming a specialist lawyer is the second state examination, after passing which the candidates are now officially fully qualified lawyers.

In order to establish yourself as a lawyer for employment law, it is advisable to specialize in this area of law. This can be done, for example, by acquiring additional qualifications such as a specialist lawyer title for employment law, which requires certain prerequisites in terms of training, experience and examinations. The bar association has the authority to award this title in accordance with the Specialist Lawyers Ordinance (FAO).

However, this does not mean that lawyers without a specialist lawyer title are worse per se. After all, they have studied law, passed two state examinations and completed a legal clerkship. If they have subsequently specialized in employment law, they often have additional qualifications that they have acquired, for example as members of lawyers' associations or through further training. As employment law is a constantly evolving area of law, it is generally important to continuously educate yourself and keep up to date with new laws, court rulings and legal developments in the field of employment law.

What does an employment lawyer earn?

The salary of an employment lawyer depends largely on whether they work for a company or a law firm and how many years of professional experience they have. Location also plays a role, as salaries are higher in major German cities such as Frankfurt, Cologne, Munich or Berlin than in the provinces. In addition to these factors, the sector in which the employment lawyer works can also be relevant to their salary. The sectors with the highest average salaries include, for example, banking and the automotive industry.

According to Gehalt.de, a young employment lawyer who has just completed their training and is new to the industry can expect a starting salary of around 70,000 euros per year, depending on the region, company or law firm.

An employment lawyer with a few years of professional experience can earn a median salary of around 70,000 to 150,000 euros per year, depending on their experience, reputation and the size of the law firm or company they work for. However, significantly higher salaries are not uncommon - especially in large law firms, international companies or as an independent lawyer. Many law firms and companies offer bonuses and additional benefits on top of the basic salary. Starting salaries here are often over 150,000 euros

Note: The salary figures given here are for guidance only. Similar to many other sectors, it is difficult to make general statements about individual salaries in legal advice.

What is a lawyer for employment law?