There are many good reasons why you would want to ask a lawyer to review your company's employee handbook before you hand it out to your employees. While you can find useful information browsing online, downloading a boilerplate document may not keep you in compliance with employment laws that are constantly changing or address the unique needs and concerns of your business.

A full legal review of your employee manual can confirm whether your policies are in compliance with current law on matters such as overtime pay and occupational safety and health. You can also benefit from expert advice on whether you need to address additional areas that may be of particular concern to your industry. You can also guard against inadvertently creating contractual obligations to your employees or increasing the risk of legal claims.

After all, employee manuals are complicated documents that describe your company's legal obligations and your employees' rights and need to cover a wide range of issues including anti-discrimination policies, compensation, benefits, and termination policies and procedures. You can benefit from engaging a lawyer specializing in employment law to advise you on writing your employee manual, and to review it regularly to make sure you stay up to date. You might want to make such reviews a standard part of your activities at the start of each new year.

Based in Austin, Texas, The Posey Law Firm, P.C. is a law firm built to handle all of your government relations and business needs. Our Texas business law services include small business and contracts, human resources planning, and day-to-day corporate counsel. Contact us to discuss your legal needs.