Who We Are

Employment Relations Limited is an employment advocacy company, not a law firm. Our team members are not necessarily qualified lawyers. Our team members are experienced advocates who help employees navigate workplace processes and disputes. Many of our advocates have law degrees or are currently completing legal degrees but may not be admitted to the bar under the Lawyers and Conveyancers Act 2006 (LCA 2006) yet. Other team members come from non-legal backgrounds, bringing diverse workplace and advocacy experience.

We do not provide legal advice or perform work that is reserved for qualified lawyers under the LCA 2006. Our services are provided under section 236 of the Employment Relations Act 2000 (ERA 2000), which allows non-lawyers to represent employees in certain employment matters.

What We Do

We provide employment advocacy services, including:

• Supporting you through workplace processes.
• Helping you understand your rights and options.
• Negotiating outcomes with your employer.
• Preparation and filing documents on your behalf.
• Representing you in relation to personal grievances, mediations, ERA processes, and Employment Court matters, where allowed under the ERA.

What the Law Allows Us to Do

We fully comply with the law in the provision of our advocacy services.

• LCA 2006 s24 - makes it an offence for a non-lawyer to perform reserved areas of work.
  
  
• LCA 2006 s6 – defines Reserved Areas of Work to include:
  • Giving legal advice regarding proceedings before a New Zealand court or tribunal.
  • Appearing as an advocate or representing someone in court or tribunal proceedings.
  • Performing actions required by law to be carried out by a lawyer.
• LCA 2006 s27(1)(b) – creates an exception whereby non-lawyers may appear as an advocate or represent someone where permitted by legislation.
  
  
• ERA 2000 s236 – permits non-lawyers to represent employees in certain employment matters, including proceedings before the Employment Relations Authority and Employment Court.

In practice: This allows us to provide complete advocacy services in employment matters, including representation at the Employment Relations Authority and Employment Court on behalf of employees, within the scope allowed by s236 of ERA 2000.

What We Cannot Do

• Perform any reserved legal work beyond what s236 ERA 2000 allows.
• Give legal advice on matters that are outside our advocacy scope.

When to Contact a Lawyer

If your matter requires legal advice or services only a qualified lawyer can provide, you should consult a licensed lawyer or law firm.

Why This Matters

This disclaimer explains the limits of our services so you understand:

• What we can do to support you.
• When you may need to seek help from a practising lawyer.