Employment Law

Ensure Workplace Compliance: Hire Our Experts for Employment Law Guidance

Running a business means managing people, and managing people means following the law. Employment law governs how you hire, pay, treat, and terminate employees. Failing to comply with federal, state, and local regulations can result in lawsuits, fines, and damage to your reputation.

At Kostrub Law Firm, PLLC, we help business owners in Pittsburgh, Cecil, and the surrounding areas stay on the right side of employment law. Our attorneys advise on workplace policies, review employment agreements, and represent businesses when disputes arise.

What Employment Law Covers

Employment law is a broad area that touches nearly every aspect of the employer-employee relationship. It includes federal laws like the Fair Labor Standards Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, and the Family and Medical Leave Act, as well as Pennsylvania state regulations on wages, discrimination, and workplace safety.

Key areas of employment law include:

  • Hiring practices and job classifications
  • Wage and hour requirements, including overtime rules
  • Anti-discrimination and harassment policies
  • Employee benefits and leave obligations
  • Workplace safety and OSHA compliance
  • Termination procedures and wrongful discharge claims


Each of these areas carries its own set of rules and penalties for non-compliance. Our attorneys help you stay informed and prepared.

How We Help Business Owners

Our team at Kostrub Law Firm works with business owners to build a workplace that runs smoothly and stays within the law. We offer guidance at every stage of the employment relationship, from the first job posting to the final paycheck.

Some of the ways we support our clients include:

  • Drafting employee handbooks & workplace policies. A clear handbook sets expectations for employees and protects your business when disputes arise. We write handbooks that reflect current law and cover the issues most likely to come up in your workplace.
  • Reviewing employment agreements. We draft and review offer letters, non-compete agreements, confidentiality agreements, and severance packages. Our goal is to make sure every agreement protects your business while complying with the law.
  • Advising on hiring & termination. Making the wrong move when hiring or firing an employee can lead to a lawsuit. We advise you on proper procedures, documentation, and legal requirements to reduce your risk.
  • Handling workplace disputes. When an employee files a complaint or a government agency opens an investigation, we step in to represent your interests and work toward a resolution.


We also provide guidance on independent contractor classifications, which has become a growing concern for businesses that rely on contract workers.

Common Employment Law Mistakes

Many business owners run into trouble not because they act in bad faith, but because they are unaware of the rules. Some of the most common mistakes we see include:

  • Misclassifying employees as independent contractors
  • Failing to pay overtime to non-exempt workers
  • Not having written policies on harassment and discrimination
  • Terminating employees without proper documentation
  • Ignoring required postings and notices in the workplace


These mistakes can result in costly lawsuits and government penalties. A legal review of your current practices can identify gaps and help you fix them before they become problems.

Staying Compliant as Laws Change

Employment law does not stand still. Federal and state legislators regularly update rules on wages, leave, and workplace safety. Court decisions also shape how existing laws are applied. What was compliant last year may not be compliant today.

Our attorneys stay current with changes in employment law and advise our clients when updates affect their business. We help you adjust your policies, update your handbooks, and retrain your managers as needed.

Get Employment Law Support Today

If you need help with employment law matters, contact Kostrub Law Firm, PLLC at (304) 982-1586 or visit kostrublaw.com. We serve business owners in Pittsburgh, Cecil, and communities throughout western Pennsylvania.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an employee handbook for my small business?

It is strongly recommended. A handbook sets clear expectations, outlines company policies, and provides a layer of legal protection if a dispute arises. Our attorneys can create one that fits the size and needs of your business.

Take the complaint seriously and do not retaliate. Document everything and contact an attorney right away. We can help you respond properly and protect your business during the investigation.

The classification depends on several factors, including the level of control you have over the worker, how they are paid, and the nature of the working relationship. Misclassification carries stiff penalties, so it is worth getting this right. Our attorneys can review your situation.

Yes, but non-compete clauses must be reasonable in scope, duration, and geographic area to be enforceable in Pennsylvania. We draft non-compete agreements that hold up in court while protecting your business interests.

Without written policies, your business has no documented standard for handling workplace issues. This makes it harder to defend against claims of unfair treatment and increases your exposure to lawsuits. Our team can help you put the right policies in place.