Work consumes the majority of our time. So, if you have an issue at work, having the correct person to help you will make a big difference. In other words, when you’ve been subjected to job discrimination, harassment, or retaliation, it’s vital that you get reliable legal counsel to resolve your problems as soon as possible. One of the most crucial decisions you will make is how to hire an employment lawyer, and there are various measures to guarantee you have the proper fit for your case.
To put things into perspective, choosing an employment lawyer can be a complex and frightening endeavor. Unless you know the primary factors to consider when such a situation arises. The below-mentioned points will assist you in selecting an appropriate employment lawyer.
#1 Area of Specialization
If you’ve never employed an employment lawyer before, it’s tempting to believe that any lawyer can solve your problem. Technically, anyone with a law license can represent you in court. The only issue is that if the lawyer is unfamiliar with the nature of your case, you may lose it. There’s a reason lawyers specialize in certain areas: the legal profession is so vast that no single lawyer can possibly grasp it all.
You of course would not want to drop your reigns in the hands of a lawyer who has no expertise in the nature of the case at hand. As such, you need to hire a lawyer who specializes in the specific legal issue you are facing. For instance, if your employer has denied you a promotion because of your race or religion (basically you have faced any kind of workplace discrimination), you don’t just need any lawyer but an employment lawyer who has dealt with discrimination cases before. Essentially, you need to have a good understanding of your issue before starting to hunt for an employment lawyer.
#2 Choose a Lawyer With Experience
As you are already aware, employment law is complex and dynamic. So, it is critical to identify a lawyer that has an abundance of years of experience under his belt. Finding a lawyer who has worked for both employers and employees can be especially beneficial because doing so can help the lawyer establish a balanced view of the case’s strengths and weaknesses as well as a strong grasp of what tactic an opponent may utilize.
To gain a sense of an employment lawyer’s competence, feel free to ask about their experience or read about their insights on specific problems (e.g., papers they have authored, blogs they have posted, etc.).
#3 Professional Reputation
Spend enough time in the court corridors, and you’ll come across disgruntled clients whose attorneys have dropped their cases. You’ve probably heard of lawyers who don’t return phone calls or don’t even show up in court. You do not want to work with such a lawyer. You want a dependable lawyer who will take your case all the way through, no matter what obstacles arise. Precisely why you must take into account their professional reputation.
Negative web reviews are typical of an untrustworthy lawyer. A reputable lawyer with a solid professional reputation, on the other hand, will have numerous positive ratings. These reviews can be found on lawyer review websites. You can also ask a prospective lawyer to refer you to some of their previous clients. Call a few of those clients and inquire about their experience with the attorney. If you like what you hear, you are free to hire as long as the lawyer meets all of your other requirements.
#4 Check if the Firm or Lawyer is Licensed?
In 2018, a man was sentenced to 12 years in prison for operating a bogus law firm in New Jersey. This may appear to be an isolated incidence, but sadly it is not. Cases of impersonating lawyers and defrauding naive clients are not uncommon in the United States.
This may happen with you as well if you’re not careful enough. Otherwise, you will end up paying consultation fees to a quack who may provide you with inaccurate legal advice. Fortunately, it is simple to spot a phony lawyer. Simply request their law license. Lawyers in every state are obliged to receive a legal license from the State Bar. These lawyers must continue to meet certain conditions in order to keep their licenses.
Your lawyer should be open and honest with you about your chances of success, as well as the dangers and costs of pursuing your desired outcome. The lawyer you select should vigorously advocate on your behalf while providing realistic advice based on the law and the facts of your case while keeping your budget and goals in mind.
Lawyers are court officers who are obligated to deliver your case truthfully and transparently. It is critical that your lawyer maintains courtesy and respect for the other parties involved in your dispute. It is not a show of weakness; rather, communications between parties are admissible evidence in most cases at various stages of litigation. Your lawyer portrays you in the best light possible by dealing with all parties involved in your dispute in a polite manner.
#6 Agility and Preparation
A smart employment lawyer understands that cases can turn on their heads as facts are found, the law evolves, and client objectives change. Your lawyer must be attentive to changes and ready to provide you with advice based on those developments. Failure to be adaptable when the litigation landscape shifts diminish your chances of resolving your case successfully.
A lawyer must be properly prepared in whatever he or she does on behalf of clients. This includes phone calls with you, opposing counsel, interactions with the court (either in person or in writing), communications with third parties, and anybody else who has an impact on your case. Knowing the facts, researching legal concerns, and ensuring that your case is fully staffed are all examples of being prepared. You should be certain that your lawyer and his or her staff are prepared to face the obstacles of your case straight on.
Finding a Good Employment Lawyer Isn’t That Hard
Lawsuits are not like those shown in movies or television. Winning is difficult, and not all unfair firings are illegal. Even good cases are stressful and uncertain, and they might linger for years. A qualified employment lawyer will inform you what to expect, uncover the flaws in your case, and reveal the uncertainties that are inherent in our legal system. If the lawyer does not do this, you should look for another lawyer. The aforementioned considerations will help you zero down on the best lawyer suited for your case. Good luck!