Part 1 of 3: Finding an Attorney through Referrals
Part 2 Part 2 of 3: Researching Recommended Attorneys Download Article
If you aren’t sure what type of employee you were, consider calling an attorney for a consultation. An experienced employment lawyer will determine whether you were an at-will employee or were working under a valid employment contract. In either case, your attorney can then review whether your rights were violated.
You must hire an employment lawyer if:
You need to contact an employment attorney in any of the following situations:
If you need help with how to find a lawyer, it helps to understand which basic area of employment law you need assistance with. Employment law covers a wide range of disputes and job-related matters. Some common employment law issues may include:
It can sometimes be challenging trying to figure out how to find a lawyer. Unless you personally know a lawyer, or know someone who does, you may feel like your options are limited. When searching for employment lawyers, most people begin their search by calling phone numbers they found in a phone book or through an advertisement.
One problem with many legal websites is that they aren’t much different from a phone book listing. They might provide a long list of lawyers, but you’d still need to contact each one individually. Many websites of this kind also don’t have any means of checking an attorney’s background.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
If you need a lawyer but cannot afford one, you can contact your local legal aid office, an organization that provides free or pro bono legal assistance to low-income individuals in non-criminal matters.
Most county and city bar associations offer lawyer referral services to the public although they do not necessarily screen for qualifications. The American Bar Association also maintains a database which offers assistance to consumers seeking legal help.
Lawyers are also aware of other lawyer’s reputations in a particular practice field. Keep in mind, however, that lawyers often receive referral fees when they refer a case to another lawyer which may influence their decision as to whom they recommend.
Lawyers can often recommend other lawyers in the legal community who can assist you with your specific needs. Legal circles are small and most lawyer s will know several other lawyers who specialize in the practice area for which you seek advice.
Go to the lawyer’s website. Read her bio. Find out what she’s done. See if there are certain types of cases she handles. Look at her bar associations and (1) …
May 29, 2020 — Many communities across the country run a referral service that can help you locate a lawyer. Even in today’s digital age, you can still find (9) …
Mar 18, 2021 — Find someone who has specific experience representing cases such as yours. For example, if you are considering filing a sexual harassment (14) …
Compare employment attorneys on Justia. Comprehensive lawyer profiles including fees, education, jurisdictions, awards, Find Employment Lawyers by State. (21) …
An employment lawyer near you must be licensed in the state your workplace issue occurred in. It is ideal to find an employment attorney near the (24) …
Before hiring any lawyer, contact the lawyer disciplinary agency in your state to confirm that they are in good standing as a member of the bar. For an online listing of each state's lawyer disciplinary agency, review this directory of lawyer disciplinary agencies.
Lawyers know the skill and reputation of other lawyers. Attorneys may be able to provide information about a fellow lawyer that you may not find in a book or online, such as information about a lawyer’s ethics, competence level, demeanor, practice habits, and reputation.
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 provides employees with protection against discrimination based on a wide variety of factors, including national origin, sex, religion, race, and color. The Age Discrimination Act of 1967 applies age to the protected class.
Discrimination lawsuits are typically based on an established pattern of behavior in the workplace. Employment attorneys who handle these claims generally advise clients to gather evidence and document all instances of discrimination, harassment, or abuse, as they occur.
Employment-related claims are among the most complex and time-consuming lawsuits heard in the civil court system. Before workers can file a lawsuit, they must file a claim with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Every year, the EEOC recovers $505 million for victims of workplace discrimination.
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.
metro. The firm takes a proactive approach to labor issues, assisting business clients with drafting contracts, employment negotiations, and resolving disputes. Its attorneys assist companies with HR training, implementing policies and drafting handbooks that minimize liability to issues involving harassment, discrimination, and retaliation. Additionally, the firm defends against accusations of wrongful termination, failure to accommodate for disabilities, and FMLA violations.
Reston-based BerlikLaw is a legal firm that accepts cases on employment-related matters. It represents employees who experience harassment, discrimination, and other illegal actions at work. The legal team assists clients in stopping those behaviors, and it files lawsuits when necessary to fight for compensation for financial, emotional, ...
You can file a wrongful termination claim with the EEOC online, via mail, or in person at various EEOC branch offices. You may be able to file a complaint with a state agency. To determine an appropriate plan of action and which organizations you can file with, speak to an employment lawyer.