Employment Law

Employment law affects every employee and employer. BOWA’s lawyers have solid expertise and experience in providing advice on employment law and handling employment disputes.

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BOWA's lawyers assist you with employment law related questions

Employment law issues rarely become cheaper or easier once they escalate. At BOWA Legal, we help employers manage employment relationships proactively, minimise legal risks and resolve workplace issues efficiently before they develop into disputes.

Our employment law services are designed for companies that want practical legal support in everyday employer situations — not lengthy theoretical opinions. We advise employers on employment contracts, recruitment, terminations, change negotiations, working hours, annual leave, workplace policies, non-compete clauses and management of challenging employment situations.

We also support employers in dispute situations, negotiations and litigation. Whether the matter concerns underperformance, misconduct, restructuring, discrimination claims or termination disputes, our goal is always to protect your business while finding commercially sensible solutions.

Employment law legislation in Finland and case law evolve continuously, and even seemingly minor procedural mistakes can become expensive for employers. Early legal guidance often prevents disputes, unnecessary costs and operational disruption.

At  BOWA Legal, we combine legal expertise with practical business understanding. We work closely with entrepreneurs, management teams and HR functions to ensure that employment law supports business operations instead of slowing them down.

You can contact us at any stage — whether you need support with a single employment issue or ongoing legal assistance for your company’s HR and employment matters.

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BOWA is an approachable and solution-oriented law firm.

Lähikuva lakimiehestä kirjoittamassa kännykällä viestiä asiakkaalle.

Employment Law Services

  • Employment contracts and executive agreements
  • Recruitment-related legal guidance
  • Termination of employment and dismissal processes
  • Change negotiations and reorganisations
  • Workplace policies and HR documentation
  • Non-compete and confidentiality agreements
  • Working hours and annual leave matters
  • Employee misconduct and underperformance cases
  • Employment disputes and settlement negotiations
  • Employment litigation and court proceedings
  • Management and HR legal support
  • Independent contractor and employment status assessments
  • Incentive schemes and share-based compensation
  • International employment and cross-border workforce matters
  • Workplace investigations and discrimination matters
  • Data protection and employee privacy issues
  • Employment law due diligence in M&A transactions
  • Ongoing employment law support for companies
  • Strategic employer risk management and compliance
  • Legal training for management and HR teams

Employment and Executive Contracts

We draft employment contracts and executive contracts for your company and assist in contract negotiations. If you are wondering if your company’s existing contract templates are comprehensive, we can review them and provide comments and improvement suggestions.

An employment contract establishes the rights and obligations of both the employer and the employee in the employment relationship. It is advisable to include details such as the start date of employment, basis of compensation, probationary period, calculation of annual leave, and whether the employment is fixed-term or indefinite.

Generally, the CEO or an equivalent position in a company is not considered an employee in an employment relationship. However, there may be other individuals in leadership positions within the company who are subject to mandatory labor legislation.

In the case of executives, the contract is typically referred to as an executive contract. It is particularly important to agree on matters such as executive’s salary, potential bonuses, stock options, other benefits, non-compete clauses, and confidentiality. It is essential to have comprehensive and carefully drafted written agreements that outline the rights and obligations of both the CEO and other individuals in leadership positions.

Incentive and Retention Programs

Our skilled lawyers, who have a deep understanding of corporate culture, can assist your company in incentive and retention programs, providing insights into their benefits and risks. Leveraging our strong expertise in tax law, we can also advise on their tax treatment. If you wish to retain valuable employees or executives and prevent them from joining another organization, please contact our experts to determine the most suitable retention program!

Employment Disputes

In employment law, as in other areas of life, it is always advisable to strive to prevent disputes. However, even with good anticipation, a conflict-free future is not guaranteed. In disputes concerning the termination of employment, the employer generally needs to demonstrate the existence of a lawful ground for termination.

Employment disputes often involve:

  • Employment contracts, including what has actually been agreed upon and how the contract has been breached.
  • Breach of obligations during the employment relationship.
  • Situations involving termination of employment, such as termination or dismissal.
  • Various allegations of discrimination.
  • Non-compete and confidentiality agreements.
  • We have handled all of the above matters, both in settlement negotiations and when cases have progressed to court. With our strong expertise in employment law and dispute resolution, we can assist in resolving disputes and always provide information about the potential risks associated with different options.

f a dispute arises and legal proceedings become necessary, our team is experienced in representing clients in court. We will guide you through the litigation process, providing legal advice, preparing necessary documentation, and presenting your case effectively. In addition to litigation, we also offer support in negotiations and alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation, with the goal of achieving a favorable outcome while minimizing the time and costs associated with a court trial. Our expertise in employment law enables us to advocate for your rights and interests throughout the legal process.

We recommend contacting a lawyer as early as possible to save on litigation costs, prevent the situation from becoming more complex, and reach a resolution more quickly.

Work-related crimes

An employer or their representative can also be involved in various crimes. It is the employer’s responsibility to pay the employer’s social security contributions, pension insurance premiums, and accident insurance premiums. By failing to make these payments, providing false information, or refusing to provide information, the employer or their representative may be guilty of fraud or tax offenses, which are punishable under criminal law. In addition to these, there may also be offenses related to workplace safety, working hours, and workplace discrimination. Therefore, even in a wage dispute, it may actually involve a crime if the employer or their representative, without substantial and justifiable reason, has placed the employee in a disadvantaged position based on certain legally defined grounds.

If you, as an employer, are suspected of a criminal offense, we can assist you from the pre-trial investigation to the main trial and any potential appeals. We provide legal assistance for work-related crimes for both employers and employees.

Employment in Corporate Transactions

In corporate transactions such as mergers, acquisitions, and other business transfers, employment-related matters become crucial. Generally, employees transfer to the new employer as existing employees, meaning their employment contracts remain unchanged except for the change in employer.

In addition to our strong expertise in employment law, we have a comprehensive understanding of business as a whole, enabling us to address the necessary aspects in corporate transactions.

Employment Law Due Diligence Grounds for Termination Terms of Employment Contracts Employee’s Right to Terminate

With our in-depth knowledge of employment law and business acumen, we provide valuable insights and guidance throughout the process of corporate transactions. Whether you are a buyer, seller, or an employee affected by the transaction, we ensure that employment-related matters are handled appropriately and in compliance with the law.

Contact us for expert advice and assistance in navigating employment relationships in corporate transactions.

Termination of employment

Disputes often arise in situations involving the termination of employment. A employment relationship can end through termination or dismissal, and the grounds for each are not entirely the same. When a company is considering terminating an employee’s contract or dismissing them, it is advisable to consult a competent lawyer to ensure the legality of the matter, unless you are absolutely certain that the situation is clear-cut. Unlawful termination of an employment contract can be quite costly for the employer, as the law generally requires compensation to be paid to the employee in an amount equivalent to a minimum of three and a maximum of 24 months’ salary for unjustified terminations.

An employment relationship can also be terminated by mutual agreement through a termination agreement. Read our article on termination agreements for more information.

An employment relationship can also be terminated during the probationary period. Learn more about termination during the probationary period here.

In certain situations, temporary layoffs may be possible. During a layoff, the employment relationship remains in force, but work and salary payments are temporarily suspended. Read more about temporary layoffs here.

If you need assistance or guidance regarding the termination of an employment relationship, our experienced employment law team is here to help. Contact us for a consultation to ensure that the process is conducted in accordance with the law and to protect your rights and interests.

How our service works

1

Free assessment

We always start with a free initial assessment to identify your needs and our ability to help you.

2

Service plan

We create an individualized service plan tailored to your company's needs.

3

Service implementation

We implement the service according to the plan and keep you updated on the progress.

4

Continuous support

We offer ongoing support and advice as needed, so you can focus on your business.

Helsingin käräjäoikeuden pääovet

Need a skilled lawyer?

We offer a free initial consultation to everyone, where we assess our ability to help you with your legal issue.

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Companies that trust us

BOWA:n lawyers specialize in various areas of business law.

Why choose BOWA?

By choosing BOWA Legal as your company’s legal advisor, you get a partner who truly understands and prioritizes your company’s needs. We take pride in being more than just legal advisors; we are strategic partners committed to your success.

Our approach is client-centered, and we take time to understand your unique business environment and challenges. This enables us to provide practical, efficient, and tailored legal solutions that advance your business.

Our team is approachable, responsive, and dedicated to providing high-quality, cost-effective services that align with your business objectives. Trust BOWA Legal to provide the expertise and support you need to navigate the legal landscape with confidence.

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