Employer-Side Employment Law

Stay compliant. Protect your workforce. Prevent disputes before they start.

Employment law is one of the most regulated and risk-intensive areas of business law. From hiring to termination, every stage of the employment relationship carries legal obligations and potential exposure. Proactive compliance is far less expensive than reactive litigation.

Zara Business Law provides employer-side employment law services, helping businesses create compliant workplace policies, draft proper employment agreements, navigate complex HR situations, and resolve workplace disputes. We represent employers exclusively, which means our advice is always aligned with your business interests.

Attorney Michael Zara helps businesses of all sizes build employment frameworks that attract and retain talent while minimizing legal exposure. Whether you need a complete employee handbook, guidance on a difficult termination, or representation in a workplace dispute, we provide practical, actionable counsel.

Our Employment Law Services

Employee Handbooks & Policies

We draft comprehensive employee handbooks and workplace policies that comply with federal and state employment laws while reflecting your company's culture and operational needs.

Employment Agreements

We draft employment agreements, offer letters, and executive compensation arrangements that protect your business interests including intellectual property, trade secrets, and competitive advantages.

Non-Compete & Restrictive Covenants

We draft enforceable non-compete, non-solicitation, and non-disclosure agreements that protect your business while complying with the evolving legal landscape across different states.

Wage & Hour Compliance

We advise on FLSA and state wage and hour requirements including overtime, minimum wage, exempt vs. non-exempt classification, meal and rest breaks, and independent contractor classification.

Workplace Investigations

When workplace complaints arise, proper investigation is critical. We conduct or advise on workplace investigations for harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and policy violations.

Termination & Severance Guidance

We advise on compliant termination procedures and draft severance agreements that include appropriate releases, transition provisions, and restrictive covenants.

Why Choose Zara Business Law

Attorney Michael Zara brings nearly 20 years of legal experience and a B.S. in Accounting to every engagement. This dual expertise means you receive advice that is both legally sound and financially practical. Every client receives Mike's direct phone number because business legal needs do not follow a schedule.

We serve clients in all 50 states from our Denver, Colorado office. Whether you need local counsel in Colorado, Arizona, Georgia, or North Carolina, or nationwide representation through our network of legal partners, we have the reach and resources to serve your business wherever it operates.

Frequently Asked Questions

While not legally required in most states, an employee handbook is one of the most important protective documents a business can have. It establishes clear expectations, demonstrates good-faith compliance efforts, and provides a defense in employment disputes. Any business with employees should have a properly drafted handbook.

Enforceability of non-compete agreements varies significantly by state. Some states like California largely prohibit them, while others enforce them if they are reasonable in scope, duration, and geographic area. The legal landscape is evolving rapidly with new state legislation and proposed federal rules. We can advise on the enforceability of non-competes in your specific jurisdiction. Read our state-by-state guide for more details.

Misclassification of workers is one of the most common and costly employment law mistakes. The IRS and Department of Labor use multi-factor tests that consider the degree of behavioral control, financial control, and the nature of the relationship. Misclassification can result in back taxes, penalties, and exposure to employment law claims.

Key provisions include job duties and reporting structure, compensation and benefits, at-will employment acknowledgment (if applicable), intellectual property assignment, confidentiality obligations, non-compete and non-solicitation provisions, termination procedures, and dispute resolution mechanisms.

Ready to Protect Your Business?

Schedule a confidential consultation with attorney Michael A. Zara to discuss your business legal needs.