Are you looking for an employment lawyer in Leipzig? horak. Rechtsanwälte advise and represent employees, executives and companies in Leipzig, Halle and central Germany – on dismissal, severance pay, termination agreements, formal warnings, employment references and all other questions relating to the employment relationship. In person on site, by telephone or by video conference.
Key points at a glance
- Personal advice in Leipzig, by telephone or by video – we usually respond within 24 hours.
- Representation before the Leipzig Labour Court (Arbeitsgericht Leipzig) and, on appeal, before the Saxony Regional Labour Court (Sächsisches Landesarbeitsgericht).
- An unfair dismissal claim (Kündigungsschutzklage) must be filed within three weeks of a dismissal (§ 4 KSchG).
- At first instance, each side bears its own legal fees (§ 12a ArbGG); legal expenses insurers usually cover the costs.
Employment law in Leipzig
Leipzig has developed into a centre for logistics, automotive production, energy, healthcare and media. Typical questions concern shift work, the minimum wage and supplements, fixed-term contracts, temporary agency work and the establishment of new works council structures.
We advise both sides of the employment relationship. Whether we can accept an instruction is clarified in advance by means of a conflict check.
Our services
- Review the dismissal and file an unfair dismissal claim
- Negotiate severance pay and termination agreements
- Challenge formal warnings or issue them in a legally sound manner
- Have your employment reference reviewed and corrected
- Employment contracts, fixed-term contracts, pay and holiday
- Works constitution, restructuring and advice for employers
Competent labour courts for Leipzig
For employment relationships with a place of work in Leipzig, the Leipzig Labour Court generally has jurisdiction at first instance. Alternatively, a claim may also be brought at the place of the employer’s registered office (§ 48 Abs. 1a ArbGG). Appeals go to the Saxony Regional Labour Court (Chemnitz), appeals on points of law (Revision) to the Federal Labour Court (Bundesarbeitsgericht) in Erfurt.
Many labour courts allow parties to attend conciliation hearings (Güteverhandlungen) by video conference. We clarify with the court whether this is possible in the individual case.
Our office in Leipzig
Our Leipzig office is on Friedrich-List-Platz near the main railway station.
Please make an appointment in advance. You can send us documents securely beforehand by email or via the contact form.
Practical examples from the region
Simplified, typified scenarios for illustration purposes; each individual case must be assessed separately.
Night work at a logistics centre
Situation: An employee in parcel handling works mainly at night and receives no night-work supplement because no collective agreement applies.
Legal assessment and approach: In the absence of a collective agreement, night workers are entitled to an appropriate number of paid days off or an appropriate supplement (§ 6 Abs. 5 ArbZG); the courts generally regard 25% as appropriate. The supplement was paid retrospectively for the periods that had not lapsed.
Setting up a works council
Situation: Employees of a supplier want to elect a works council (Betriebsrat) for the first time. Management responds by transferring the initiators.
Legal assessment and approach: Election initiators enjoy special protection against dismissal, and obstructing the election is a criminal offence. We supported the election procedure; the transfers were reversed.
Fixed-term contract without objective reason after an internship
Situation: A graduate was employed at the company as a working student during her studies and is now offered a fixed-term contract without objective reason.
Legal assessment and approach: Working as a working student constitutes an employment relationship and may preclude a fixed-term contract without objective reason. Because the previous employment had ended only two years earlier, the fixed term was invalid; the contract was deemed to be of indefinite duration.
Frequently asked questions
Does my employment lawyer have to be based in Leipzig?
No. Lawyers can appear before all labour courts in Germany. Being close by is convenient, but many appointments can be handled by telephone or video.
How much does the initial consultation cost?
For consumers, the fee for an initial consultation is capped at €190 plus VAT, unless otherwise agreed. If you have legal expenses insurance, we will handle the coverage request.
How quickly can I get an appointment?
If deadlines are running – for example after a dismissal – at short notice, often on the same or the next working day. When making your enquiry, please tell us the date on which you received the dismissal.
Do you also advise companies?
Yes. We advise companies in Leipzig, Halle and central Germany on an ongoing or project basis – from employment contracts and dismissals to operational changes and negotiations with the works council.
Would you like an appointment in Leipzig? Call us or send us your documents – we usually respond within 24 hours.
Directions and contact
This page is a translation of the German original. It is for general information only and does not replace legal advice on your individual case. German version