Labor & Employment
Employment law governs the relationship between an employer and employees. Estrella, LLC is a premier Puerto Rico employment and labor litigation firm. We provide high-quality legal representation to clients, helping them to resolve a wide range of workplace disputes and make informed decisions about day-to-day business operations.
Estrella, LLC represents a variety of employers who conduct business in Puerto Rico. Our employment and labor practice spans the entire spectrum of employment matters including:
- Employment Contracts
- ADA and EEOC Practices
- Wage and Hour Claims
- Workers’ Compensation
- Title VII
- Family Medical Leave Act
- Employee Handbooks
- Sexual Harassment
- Wrongful Termination
Puerto Rico Labor Laws
Although Puerto Rico is a Commonwealth of the United States, the employment laws governing companies who do business in Puerto Rico are more generous to employees than U.S. laws. Our attorneys routinely educate companies about the nuances of Puerto Rico’s labor and employment laws and help business owners make strategic business decisions that protect them from future liability.
Puerto Rico’s employment laws offer more protections to employees than other U.S. jurisdictions. For example, Puerto Rico has higher severance requirements than most other states. Before terminating or suspending an employee, contact one of our employment attorneys to discuss your rights and protections.
Unlike most other states, employees in Puerto Rico are not employees at will; an employee can only be terminated for just cause. Generally, just cause for termination exists when an employee engages in disorderly conduct, fails to perform work according to company standards or repeatedly violates the employer’s reasonable written rules. Exceptions are granted under the employee’s probation period or if an employee was hired for a specific term and completed that term prior to termination.
If a contract specifies a fixed term for employment, then the employee can be dismissed after the term is complete. However, a fixed term of employment does not deprive an employee of protection under Puerto Rico law. Employers can hire an employee for a probationary period of no more than nine months (for non-exempt) or twelve months (for exempt). Once the probationary period has passed, the employment contract will be interpreted as if it is for an indefinite term.
Premier Puerto Rico Employment Lawyers
Employers in Puerto Rico face many challenges. Our attorneys help clients navigate complex labor and employment laws and assist in a variety of employment law matters. Our employment lawyers help clients operate proactively to avoid disputes. However, disputes are an inevitable part of business. We provide efficient legal representation to help resolve employment and labor disputes as quickly as possible, minimizing time and expense.
