It is important to know that there is no obligation to hire a lawyer for the initial tribunal in the labour court. This means that you can attend the conciliation hearing and the chamber hearing without a lawyer. Nevertheless, it is of course easier and in many cases advisable to be represented by a lawyer. However, it remains your decision whether or not you wish to hire a lawyer for your case!

A lawyer will set an initial appointment with you to discuss your case. You should bring all the documents with you, such as your employment agreement, pay slips and other documents relating to your case. The lawyer will examine your documents and may suggest that the matter be settled out of court or in court. Out-of-court settlements include contacting the employer, enforcing claims and the like. If the lawyer advises you to file a complaint, he/she will represent you in court. This means that if there is a conciliation hearing in court, the lawyer will handle the negotiations and argumentation with the judge and the lawyer of the opposing party.