how do i get an employment lawyer to represent me

Contact your state bar association. If you are looking for an employment lawyer then a good place to start is by contacting your state or county bar association and asking for a referral. Many state bar associations, like the one in Texas, have a "Find a Lawyer" feature on its website.

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How do I find a good employment lawyer?

Other lawyers are well positioned to know the reputations of various employment lawyers and can steer you in the right direction. Visit the attorney's website. Most attorneys now have a webpage, even if the attorney works in a small firm or is a solo practitioner.

Can a lawyer represent an employer against an employee?

Some attorneys specialize in representing employers or employees. This should be apparent from the website. The attorney will probably include a short description of the representation and will state whether he represented the employer or employee. For example, “Defended employer against Title VII discrimination suit.”

How can I get representation in the workplace?

Other people such as full-time union officers or advice centre workers can often do just as good a job, if not better. You may also be able to secure representation through an insurance policy (e.g. household, credit card, car or other insurance), if it includes legal expenses insurance as an 'optional add-on'.

How can an employment lawyer help my business?

As an employer, an experienced employment attorney can assist an employer with a wide variety of issues related to employment. Many employment lawyers can educate employers about the state and federal laws that apply in the employer’s particular workplace.

What is an employment lawyer?

An employment lawyer specializes in representing employers or employees in a wide array of employment related matters. There are a variety of state and federal laws governing the treatment of employees. These include anti-discrimination laws, sexual harassment laws, and laws governing employee benefits. Furthermore, there are laws that govern how ...

How to prepare for a lawyer meeting?

You should gather any necessary documents to take to the meeting, e.g., employment contract, termination letter, emails, and anything else that relates to your case. Also sit down and come up with a list of questions to ask the attorney. Common questions are:

What does it mean if an attorney is not certified?

Be aware that many states do not allow certification. Accordingly, the lack of certification may simply mean that your state doesn't allow it. Check to see if other employment lawyers in the state have certification.

Is an attorney a good source of referrals?

Attorneys are a good source of referrals. If you have used a lawyer for a non-employment matter (e.g., to write a will or to defend you in a criminal case), then you should ask the attorney for a recommendation of an employment lawyer .

What can an employment attorney do?

An employment attorney can help employers and employees work together to reach a resolution in the event of a problem, from wages and workplace safety to discrimination and wrongful termination. But when is it appropriate to reach out?

Why do employees seek employment attorneys?

So, an employee would want to seek out an employment attorney to determine what their rights are and whether their situation is worthy of pursuing an actual lawsuit. The reason, Levitt explains, is that the agency findings are not binding and many times not even admissible because agencies do not do exhaustive investigations.

What should an employee keep in a record of incidents?

Employees who believe they are being discriminated against in some way or are not being paid correctly, etc., should keep accurate records of incidents, including dates and times. Note any witnesses. All of this information will be helpful for the agency or attorney should the employee decide to pursue action.

What is FLSA in employment law?

If the problem is on-time pay, overtime, or proper pay classification (non-exempt versus exempt status), the attorney can help the employee navigate the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) to determine if the possibility exists that rights have been violated and help the employee with next steps. There are a plethora of labor laws an employer could ...

What to do if your employer-employee relationship becomes strained?

If your employer-employee relationship becomes strained on account of a dispute involving wages, workplace safety, discrimination, or wrongful termination, it's helpful to know an employment attorney who can explain both sides' rights and duties.

Can an employer violate labor laws?

There are a plethora of labor laws an employer could easily violate unknowingly (or willfully), and since there are different employee count and tenure thresholds for different laws, it's helpful to get guidance from an attorney.

Can an employee file a lawsuit if there is no evidence?

Even if the agency finds insufficient evidence, the employee still has the right to file a lawsuit. The agency will either help the employee at that point or tell the employee that they should find an attorney. So, an employee would want to seek out an employment attorney to determine what their rights are and whether their situation is worthy ...

What to Look for in a Lawyer

Before looking for an attorney, decide what kind you need. Common fields include:

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How much does an employment lawyer cost?

Your employment lawyer has a few options when it comes to charging you. You may pay an hourly rate, which will likely be between $150 and $500, although this may be cheaper if you work with an independent lawyer not affiliated with a large law firm.

What does General Counsel PC do?

General Counsel PC represents clients in employment law matters from its McLean office. The firm works with private and public sector companies on cases involving FMLA, wage laws, discrimination, harassment, and workplace safety. It advises business clients on how to maintain compliance with state and federal employment laws. Handbook and policy drafting is another proactive service offered by the firm to protect the legal interests of businesses. Defense for employment-related claims helps business clients minimize legal and financial effects.

Can you refuse to work in dangerous situations?

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration , workers have a right to refuse to work in dangerous situations.

Can you collect lost wages from a lawsuit?

Your settlement in any case may be limited due to employment laws. You may only be allowed to collect lost wages and benefits, or you may be allowed to ask for a cost for pain and suffering — this will vary from state to state. You may also be liable for taxes with any earnings from a lawsuit.

What should I look for when choosing a lawyer?

The lawyer will be helping you solve your problems, so the first qualification is that you must feel comfortable enough to tell him or her, honestly and completely, all the facts necessary to resolve your problem.

Are there any practical considerations to keep in mind when choosing a lawyer?

Yes, the lawyer’s area of expertise and prior experience are important. Many states have specialization programs that certify lawyers as specialists in certain types of law.

Where should I start to look for a lawyer?

There are many ways to find a reliable lawyer. One of the best is a recommendation from a trusted friend, relative, or business associate. Be aware, however, that each legal case is different and that a lawyer who is right for someone else may not suit you or your legal problem.

Are advertisements a good place to look for a lawyer?

In some ways, yes, ads are useful. However, always be careful about believing everything you read and hear — and nowhere is this truer than with advertisements. Newspaper, telephone directory, radio, television, and Internet ads, along with direct mail, can make you familiar with the names of lawyers who may be appropriate for your legal needs.

What about a local referral service?

Most communities have referral services to help people find lawyers. You might be able to find them under “Lawyer Referral Service” or something similar in your yellow pages. These services usually recommend a lawyer in the area to evaluate a situation.

My new job offers a prepaid legal services plan. What can I expect?

Legal services, like many other things, are often less expensive when bought in bulk. Some employers, labor and credit unions, and other groups have formed “legal insurance” plans. These plans vary. Many cover most, if not all, of the cost of legal consultations, document preparation, and court representation in routine legal matters.

I want to hire a lawyer, but I do not have much money. Where can I find low-cost legal help?

Several legal assistance programs offer inexpensive or free legal services to those in need. Look in the yellow pages under topics such as “legal clinics,” “legal aid,” or “legal advice,” or search online. Most legal aid programs have special guidelines for eligibility, often based on where you live, the size of your family, and your income.