As most people know by now, not all employers follow the law. Maybe they’re intentionally trying to deprive employees of their rights, or maybe they’re just ignorant of their responsibilities. Either way, it’s their job to know what the law requires and to provide employees with a basic set of rights. If you are involved in a dispute with your employer that can’t be resolved with open communication, you might want to consider hiring an employment lawyer.
Whether you’re facing a wrongful termination, unpaid overtime or other wages, discrimination or sexual harassment, or denial of legally-protected leave, an employment lawyer is often essential to getting the compensation you deserve. An employment lawyer can review your case and give you a reasoned estimate of how much your case is worth.
Depending on your goals, a lawyer help you decide the best route for resolving the dispute, from informal phone negotiations to filing a claim with a government agency to filing a lawsuit. A lawyer can help you recover lost wages, out-of-pocket expenses, and penalties—and in some cases, even help you get reinstated to your job.
Looking for an Employment Lawyer?
At Lawyers.com, you’ll find a user-friendly search tool that allows you to tailor results by area of law and geography. You can also search for attorneys by name. Attorney profiles prominently display contact information, list topics of expertise, and show ratings—by both clients and other legal professionals.
Ready to Meet With an Employment Lawyer?
Before hiring a lawyer or law firm, make sure to speak directly—preferably in person—to the attorney who will be primarily responsible for handling your case. Consider bringing to the conversation a list of questions and any documentation related to your case. Remember that you don’t need to hire the first lawyer you consult and that, first and foremost, you want a lawyer you trust.
What to Ask an Employment Lawyer
When gathering your thoughts and documents, think about what you’ll want to ask the lawyer. Consider including on your list questions about:
- how long the lawyer has practiced employment law
- what percentage of the lawyer’s practice is made up of cases like yours
- the lawyer’s familiarity with the relevant court system
- how often the lawyer goes to trial (as opposed to settling)
- who else will work on your case
- how the lawyer charges for attorneys’ fees
- whether you will need to pay for any costs up front
- how long the case might take, and
- the lawyer’s initial impressions of your case and options.