New businesses often have an exceptional grasp of their industry and marketplace in general, but a new business owner should familiarize him or herself with pertinent laws, too. Companies opening up shop in Nevada are no exception. Unless you happen to be an already-large corporation with an in-house legal team, consulting with a local attorney can be an important step in the right direction early into your planning process. An experienced lawyer can direct you to essential resources and assure that in addition to employing best practices, you are also utilizing legal ones. Wherever there might be a risk of legal ambiguity, it is always better to be safe than sorry.
The Office of the Labor Commissioner can provide you with a few helpful starting points, including things like minimum wage bulletins and guidelines concerning the kind of information you must have posted in the workplace. There is also a helpful rundown of frequently asked questions appertaining to Nevada employment law. In general, new businesses should make every attempt to remain on the right side of these laws in a bid to avoid potentially costly disputes.
As the website notes, “The Labor Commissioner strives to ensure that all workers are treated fairly under the law. The Labor Commissioner investigates complaints of non-payment of wages, State minimum wage, overtime, and prevailing wage disputes. The office also monitors youth employment standards including work hours and safe, non-hazardous working conditions.”
Of course, basic wage considerations are only the beginning. Running a legitimate business requires attention to legal detail, as well.
Legal Areas of Concern for New Businesses
In addition to wide-ranging concerns regarding everything from proper entity formation to tax liabilities, employment issues are likely to impact your new company directly. NRS Chapter 13 offers a comprehensive rundown of the laws and regulations for which you should account. Given the attendant obligations associated therewith, having a qualified attorney review this material with you may be wise.
In short, this section of the law covers a variety of pertinent topics including solicitation of employees, political affiliations in the workplace, record keeping, right to work policies, assuring equal opportunity, the use of lie detector tests and any reliance upon consumer credit reports. While a first glance at the various stipulations may seem overwhelming to a legally untrained eye, the good news is that most of these items should accord with common sense. If you are accustomed to doing business the right way, nothing should be terribly shocking. Nevertheless, reaching out for legal consultation is nothing to be embarrassed about given the importance of implementing the right standards and practices.
Finally, any new business should remain apprised of new federal and state legislation, including measures that could immediately impact how you treat employees. In Nevada alone, there have been recent laws passed regarding non-compete agreements, domestic abuse provisions, pregnant workers, and wage transparency. The more you know, the better.
Getting Legal Help While You Get Started
While you may have already reached out to an attorney in a bid to correctly establish your new entity, you also might be interested in more in-depth advisement when it comes to your employment practices. HKM Employment Attorneys assures your new (or longtime) business a national pedigree with the local prowess needed to address any concerns you may have going forward. If you already find yourself subject to any kind of dispute, we can also represent your interests with professionalism and tireless commitment. To arrange an appointment, simply place a call to 702-625-3893 or fill out the online contact form located here.
