Labor and Employment Advising

Navigating workplace laws in Texas can be complex. Employers face daily decisions about hiring, pay practices, accommodations, investigations, and discipline. Proactive legal guidance helps prevent issues, improves morale, and protects the business.

At the Law Office of Diana Macias Valdez, we provide comprehensive labor and employment advising for employers in El Paso and throughout West Texas. Ms. Valdez partners with ownership, leadership, and HR teams to deliver practical, business-focused solutions that reduce risk and support a healthy workplace.

Why proactive counseling matters

• Minimize exposure to claims and agency actions
• Improve culture, retention, and productivity
• Stay compliant as laws and guidance evolve
• Standardize fair, consistent practices across teams

Core advising services

Hiring and onboarding

• Compliant job postings, applications, and interview practices
• Conditional offers, background checks, and pre-employment screening
• Employment agreements and clear onboarding documents

Preventing discrimination and harassment

• Policies and training that reduce risk under Title VII, ADA, ADEA, and state law
• Effective complaint reporting and response procedures
• Respectful workplace initiatives that support morale

Workplace investigations

• Independent investigations into complaints and incidents
• Interview planning, documentation, findings, and corrective actions
• Records that demonstrate good-faith compliance

Employee policies and handbooks

• Drafting and updating handbooks tailored to your industry
• Clear policies on leave, attendance, overtime, confidentiality, and social media
• Rollout and training for supervisors and staff

Leave and accommodations

• Guidance on FMLA eligibility, notices, and job restoration
• ADA interactive process and reasonable accommodation analysis
• Coordinating leave with performance and safety needs

Wage and hour compliance

• Employee vs. independent contractor classification
• Exempt vs. non-exempt analysis and overtime practices under the FLSA
• Recordkeeping and timekeeping systems that support compliance

Discipline and terminations

• Progressive discipline strategies and documentation
• Performance improvement plans and fair process
• Separation planning to reduce risk of post-employment claims

Agreements and arbitration

• Confidentiality, proprietary information, and non-solicitation provisions
• Arbitration programs and dispute resolution policies
• Severance and separation agreements aligned with business goals

HR consulting and audits

• Diagnostic evaluations of HR practices and procedures
• Supervisor training on documentation, coaching, and compliance
• Preparation for government audits and agency inquiries

Government audit support

Employers may be contacted by agencies such as the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), or Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) regarding I-9 and wage and hour issues. We help clients prepare for audits, respond to requests, and implement corrective actions while keeping operations on track.

Local knowledge. Trusted experience.

As an El Paso employment attorney, Ms. Valdez understands the needs of regional employers across healthcare, manufacturing, retail, professional services, and more. Her proactive approach emphasizes clarity, training, and documentation so teams can lead confidently and avoid disputes.

FAQs

What size of business benefits from employment advising?

Any employer with employees benefits—from startups hiring their first employee to established companies with multiple locations. Policies, training, and correct classification reduce risk and support culture.

Do you help draft or update employee handbooks?

Yes. We draft, review, and update handbooks tailored to Texas and federal law, then help roll out training for supervisors and staff.

Can you conduct or oversee workplace investigations?

Yes. We conduct independent investigations or guide internal teams on planning, interviews, documentation, findings, and follow-up actions.

Do you advise on ADA accommodations and FMLA leave?

Yes. We support the interactive process and help align accommodations and leave with operational needs.

What if our company faces a DOL, TWC, or ICE audit?

We help prepare, coordinate responses, and implement corrective steps to limit disruption and risk.

Schedule a consultation

Need reliable employment law advising in El Paso, TX? Contact the Law Office of Diana Macias Valdez to discuss your needs.

Request a consultation