Labor lawyers may represent either employees or employers. Wrongful discharge lawyers handle cases involving the dismissal from a job.

Some instances of wrongful discharge may involve an employer who violates discrimination laws or fires an employee because they made a workers compensation claim, or brought a lawsuit. It may also involve the breaching of an employment contract.

Legal fees may be charged at an hourly rate, or if there is a lawsuit seeking damages, as a percentage of the money recovered from the legal action.