best-employment-advocates-auckland
We extensively test and research all services we review. Here's why you can trust us.

Got Workplace Woes? The Best Employment Advocates in Auckland Have Your Back

How We Chose

  • Legal Expertise & Accreditation – We checked whether the advocates are legally qualified to provide employment advocacy services, ensuring they have the necessary background in employment law. 
  • Case Success & Experience – We looked at the track records of these advocates by focusing on their experience handling unfair dismissals, workplace disputes, and personal grievances. 
  • Client Feedback & Testimonials – We reviewed client testimonials and online ratings to get an unbiased perspective. We prioritized advocates with consistently positive feedback, especially regarding their communication and professionalism.
  • Affordability & Accessibility – Legal services can be costly, so we checked whether these advocates offer transparent pricing, free consultations, or flexible payment options. We also considered their accessibility through in-person meetings or online support.

We’d all like to think that work is simple—show up, do the job, get paid fairly, and be treated with respect. 

But the reality isn’t always that straightforward. Unfair dismissals, sudden contract changes, and workplace disputes can turn what should be a steady job into a stressful situation. 

When that happens, having the right employment advocate makes all the difference.

We’ve taken a close look at Auckland’s best employment advocates—the ones with the expertise, experience, and commitment to standing up for workers’ rights. 

Whether you’re dealing with a complicated contract or a legal battle over unfair treatment, these professionals are here to help.

How much do employment advocates charge in Auckland?

Employment advocates in Auckland generally charge a fixed fee, an hourly rate ranging from $300 to over $700, or operate on a “No Win, No Fee” basis where payment is contingent on a successful outcome. However, costs can vary significantly depending on the complexity of the case, the advocate’s experience, and whether the matter proceeds to mediation or the Employment Relations Authority.

1. No Win No Fee Employment Law

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WEBSITEhhttps://nowinnofee.co.nz
CONTACT DETAILS+64 800 669 466
BUSINESS HOURSMonday to Thursday - 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

No Win No Fee Employment Law is one of those services we’ve kept an eye on because, let’s be real, workplace disputes can get messy fast. 

What we like? They don’t charge unless they win, which takes a lot of stress out of the equation. We’ve seen too many people avoid legal help because of the cost, so having that no-win, no-fee setup makes it way more accessible. 

And from what we’ve seen, they don’t waste time on cases that aren’t likely to succeed. If they take you on, you at least know there’s a real shot.

Their team is solid. They have Kam Andrews, Jenifer Silva, and Sandy Ward, who have years of experience as employment advocates. They are part of Work Law Ltd., a firm renowned for its outstanding reputation in the employment law community.

We also love that they don’t just throw legal jargon at you – they actually take the time to explain things, which is something we always appreciate.

Additionally, we like that they don’t make you jump through hoops to get started. Their website is actually useful (which isn’t always a given with legal services), and the free initial consultation means you can figure out if you even have a case without committing to anything.

The catch is that they’re in demand. If you need them, reach out early, or you might end up waiting longer than you’d like.

Pros

  • No-win, no-fee setup
  • Selective case acceptance
  • Experienced team
  • Clear communication
  • Easy onboarding

Cons

  • Limited availability due to high demand

Lifts stress off clients’ shoulders with prompt support

“Enough is enough is what I decided when my work circumstances became too much for me. I looked up and found Worklaw. I sent an email and within about one hour I had a call from Sandy. It was as if the stress was off loaded from my shoulders. Sandy took over my problems and dealt with them in a very professional but easy for me to understand manner. Every further problem I had to deal with Sandy made it easy for me to understand the options available. I highly recommend Sandy as she really helped me through a horrible time and made me see options in a different light. I was happy with my outcome. Thank you, Sandy.”

Emmie Swart, Google Review

Offers reliable support for those facing personal grievances

“Andrea is professional and has been great at communicating with us and keeping us informed, us about the processes, what to expect and how it all works with raising a grievance. We liked that she is honest and gave us info straight up so we could make well informed decisions. I would highly recommend Andrea to anyone who needs assistance with a personal grievance.”

Val Leech, Google Review

2. Watermark Employment Law

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WEBSITEhttps://www.watermarkemploymentlaw.co.nz
ADDRESS Level 4, 1/48 Greys Avenue, Auckland Central
CONTACT DETAILS+64 9 532 8211
BUSINESS HOURSMonday to Friday - 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM

Watermark Employment Law handles a lot of employment law matters. We’ve seen them handle everything from personal grievances to employment contracts and HR retainers.

What we love about them is their upfront pricing. We’ve dealt with enough legal services to know that hidden fees are a nightmare, so it’s a relief that they stick to agreed fees with a ‘no surprises’ policy. 

Their free consultation is also a smart move—not every case is worth pursuing, and it’s good to know where you stand before committing.

They also run ‘Watermark Learning,’ which gives clients access to legal resources without booking a meeting whenever they have a question. That kind of transparency is something we can get behind. 

They’re also involved in charity work, which isn’t something we expect from law firms, but it’s a nice extra.

The downside? Their thoroughness can be a bit much. We’ve heard from some people who felt like they were drowning in legal details when all they really wanted was straightforward advice. 

Pros

  • Upfront pricing
  • No hidden fees
  • Free consultation
  • Access to legal resources through Watermark Learning
  • Involved in charity work

Cons

  • Can be overly detailed in legal explanations

Keeps clients well-informed throughout every step of the process

“I am incredibly grateful to Andrew and the team at Watermark Employment Law for their exceptional service and support throughout my matter. Despite being offshore, Andrew handled my case with the utmost professionalism and dedication, ensuring I was well-informed every step of the way. He helped me navigate the process, and  provided clear, thoughtful advice that led to a fair and satisfactory resolution. Their expertise and attention to detail truly made a difference, and I couldn’t be happier with the outcome. I highly recommend Andrew and Watermark Employment Law to anyone in need of legal support. They truly go above and beyond for their clients, and I am thankful for all their hard work. Ronald “Reggie” Lapuz.”

Ronald Lapuz, Google Review

Navigates legal complexities with expertise and precision

“I cannot express my gratitude enough for the incredible support I received from Jonathan during a challenging legal situation. His expertise and guidance were instrumental in navigating the complexities of my case. Jonathan’s professionalism, patience, and compassion were truly commendable. His dedication to securing a positive outcome was evident throughout the entire process. I am incredibly thankful for his help. I wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone in need of a reliable and dedicated lawyer.”

Savannah Thompson, Google Review

3. Work Law Employment Law Advocates

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WEBSITEhttps://www.worklaw.co.nz
CONTACT DETAILS+64 9 377 2159
BUSINESS HOURSOpen 24 hours

Work Law Employment Law Advocates doesn’t mess around. If you’ve been unfairly dismissed, forced into redundancy, or dealing with harassment at work, they’ll take your case without charging you upfront. 

We know legal battles can get expensive fast, so their ‘No Win, No Fee’ setup is a huge relief if you’re already worried about money.

What really caught our attention? They’re available 24/7. And we don’t mean “leave a voicemail, and someone will call you back in a week.” We mean real, around-the-clock support – whether it’s answering your questions, providing guidance, or addressing urgent matters.

When you’re dealing with a job crisis, you don’t have time to sit around waiting for business hours.

However, we’ve heard a few reports that some clients felt like they were being rushed through the process or dismissed too quickly. 

Pros

  • No-win, no-fee setup
  • No upfront charges
  • 24/7 availability

Cons

  • Some reports of rushed interactions

Reassures and validates clients during vulnerable times

“I contacted Work Law Employment and am so glad it was Sandy Ward that took my call that day!! I spoke in detail with her about an employment contract matter and can not praise her more highly – what a skilled listener. She demonstrated an exceptional legal knowledge of my situation, offered clear practical advice and operates with genuine warmth and empathy. Her reassuring manner helped me feel supported and validated during a time of real vulnerability. Sandy thank you for being so great at what you do! There’s no doubt in my mind that thanks to her legal advocacy and advice, I got an outcome better than I could have hoped for. I have already recommended Sandy to a friend, confident that this person will be in the best hands with her to provide legal advice.”

C Smith, Google Review

Handles complex and technical cases with precision and skill

“After a long and stressful time unsuccessfully fighting an unjustified dismissal, both with an employment lawyer and by ourselves, we sought the help of Worklaw and May came to our rescue. Right from the beginning, she was confident, knowledgeable and experienced, and she put us completely at ease as we knew we were in professional, competent hands. The situation was a difficult and technical one, and the ex-employer was unwilling to accept fault, but May was able to work through the intricacies and achieve a positive outcome for us. Her insight into the situation was spot on and her prediction of the outcome was completely accurate. We cannot thank May enough for her help and would highly recommend her to anyone in need of assistance with employment issues.”

Rhi Schoonraad, Google Review

4. Danny Gelb Employment Law Advocacy 

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WEBSITEhttps://www.employmentlaw.net.nz
ADDRESS70 Coates Avenue, Orakei
CONTACT DETAILS+64 800 435 763

Danny Gelb Employment Law Advocacy caught our eye because they’re all about getting results, and they’ve got the numbers to back it up—1,939 wins out of 2,040 disputes over 15 years. 

They take on everything from disciplinary meetings to redundancies and contract disputes, working with both employees and employers. 

What stood out to us is how focused they are on quick resolutions. They’re interested in dragging cases out for the sake of it, which is great if you just want to sort things out and move on.

We like that they offer a free consultation—it’s a good way to see if you even have a case before committing. 

Their website is also pretty user-friendly, with FAQs and clear service descriptions, so you’re not left guessing about what they actually do.

However, we’ve come across a few reports from clients who felt like they lacked empathy. They’re efficient, sure, but some people found their approach a bit too business-like.

Pros

  • High success rate
  • Handles a wide range of employment disputes
  • Focus on quick resolutions
  • Free consultation
  • User-friendly website

Cons

  • Some clients found them lacking in empathy

Offers clear guidance and information

“I was fortunate to have Danny assist me with an issue involving my former employer. He was professional, helpful, and incredibly informative throughout the entire process. Danny provided excellent guidance and support, staying with me every step of the way until everything was resolved. I highly recommend his services!”

Jono Landau, Google Review

Delivers excellent and professional service with kindness and care

“Danny delivers excellent and professional services. He is kind, and one of the best to reach out to. I am grateful for the positive outcome we achieved, especially given the challenging situation with my former employer. Danny handled everything directly and clearly, earning my complete trust. I highly recommend him to anyone in need of assistance with employment relationships.”

Luna Belivet, Google Review

5. Queen City Law

queen-city-law
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WEBSITEhttps://www.queencitylaw.co.nz
ADDRESSLevel 8/19 Victoria Street West, Auckland Central
CONTACT DETAILS+64 9 970 8810
BUSINESS HOURSMonday to Friday - 8:30 PM to 5:00 PM

Queen City Law covers all the usual employment law issues—contracts, disputes, workplace conflicts—but what makes them stand out is how they handle things. 

From what we’ve seen, they focus on practical solutions that wrap things up efficiently. This is a breath of fresh air if you just want to get your situation sorted without a drawn-out legal mess.

Another thing that caught our eye was their emphasis on accessibility. They offer legal services in multiple languages, including Mandarin, Korean, and Tagalog. They can also provide services in Indonesian, Russian, and more. 

We know how frustrating it can be to deal with legal jargon even when you speak the language fluently, so having someone who can actually explain things in a way you understand makes a big difference. 

They also put out useful resources—videos, articles, legal guides—so you don’t feel completely in the dark about what’s happening with your case.

But here’s the thing: not everyone loves how they communicate. We’ve heard from some clients that they felt rushed and even talked down to.

Pros

  • Practical, efficient solutions
  • Multilingual legal services
  • Helpful online resources
  • Clear legal explanations

Cons

  • Some clients felt rushed or talked down to

Earns recognition through award-winning expertise

“Marcus and team at Queen City Law provide a friendly, crisp service that is underpinned by expert knowledge. Their various awards are well deserved. Highly recommended.”

David G, Google Review

Brings immense knowledge and expertise to every case

“Highly recommended! Bradley and Shi Sheng were amazing and managed to pull through sth impossible. they have immense knowledge and very friendly ppl! Thank you so much for what you have done for us! Thierry.”

Nz2018 Kiaora, Google Review