Three-week deadline
An unfair-dismissal claim generally has to reach the labour court within three weeks after receiving the dismissal.
Berlin and across Germany
Berlin and across Germany
Unfair Dismissal Claim – Employment lawyer
After a dismissal, time is often short. I secure the deadline, identify the grounds for challenge, and represent you before the labour court where appropriate.
These questions usually matter most in an unfair-dismissal claim:
- ›An unfair-dismissal claim generally has to reach the labour court within three weeks after receiving the dismissal.
- ›Formal requirements, the reason for dismissal, notice periods, and special protection may all affect validity.
- ›Depending on the case, the objective may be to keep the job, improve the negotiating position, or clarify outstanding claims.
- ›Proceedings normally begin with a conciliation hearing; a workable settlement depends on the legal position and your objectives.
The first step is to clarify: Whether the three-week deadline must be met, which grounds exist to challenge the dismissal, and which objective makes sense for you.
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What should be clarified before an unfair-dismissal claim
Review the dismissal
Formal requirements, the reason for dismissal, notice periods, and special protection may all affect validity.
Purpose of the claim
Depending on the case, the objective may be to keep the job, improve the negotiating position, or clarify outstanding claims.
Settlement hearing
Proceedings normally begin with a conciliation hearing; a workable settlement depends on the legal position and your objectives.
Frequently asked questions about unfair-dismissal claims
How long do I have to file an unfair-dismissal claim?
An unfair-dismissal claim generally has to reach the labour court within three weeks after receiving the dismissal.
Do I need to bring a claim to obtain severance pay?
Severance pay is not automatic. A claim can create a negotiating position, but whether this makes sense depends on the dismissal and your objectives.
What happens at the conciliation hearing?
Proceedings normally begin with a conciliation hearing; a workable settlement depends on the legal position and your objectives.
Can I start challenging the dismissal digitally?
Yes. You can send the dismissal letter and key documents digitally or discuss them by phone so that the deadline and next steps can be addressed immediately.
Lara Kruse
2 months ago
Thank you so much for your prompt assistance in my rather complex case. I can highly recommend you – reliable, friendly, and straightforward!
Luisa Kr
3 months ago
Fast case processing, very friendly contact, would gladly use their services again (not the accident itself, but the handling of the case by Dr. Lerch...)
Dénes B.
2 weeks ago
Mr. Lerch provided me with highly professional, calm, and dedicated support throughout my legal proceedings. I particularly appreciated his honest assessment of my case and the clear communication he maintained throughout the entire process. Thanks to his strategy and preparation, we achieved a significantly better outcome than originally anticipated in the penalty order. I felt well-advised and taken seriously at all times. I can therefore wholeheartedly recommend Mr. Lerch and thank him again for his support. B. Paal
How the initial assessment works
Step 1
Send the dismissal
You send the dismissal letter and briefly describe the situation.
Step 2
Secure the deadline and use the grounds
Formal requirements, the reason for dismissal, notice periods, and special protection may all affect validity.
Step 3
Set the objective
Depending on the case, the objective may be to keep the job, improve the negotiating position, or clarify outstanding claims.
Step 4
Agree on next steps
Proceedings normally begin with a conciliation hearing; a workable settlement depends on the legal position and your objectives.
About Dr. Lerch
Dr. Philipp Lerch protects claim deadlines, challenges invalid dismissals, and pursues a clear strategy for your job or a workable settlement.
Related pages
Dismissal
The broader page on what to do after receiving a dismissal.
Severance pay
If a settlement or negotiated exit is the main focus.
Separation agreement
If a contractual exit is offered instead of a claim.