There are over 642,750 occupational employment lawyers in the country. With the constant increase in this specialty, it can feel difficult to find the one lawyer you need. The right lawyer, however, can make all the difference when you're dealing with work-related issues.
Don't hire the first lawyer you meet. Instead, use this guide to find the best employment lawyers in the area. With these tips, you can hire the right lawyer to handle your employment issues and protect your rights.
Have the best lawyer at your side! Find an employee's rights attorney using these seven tips today.
1. Make Sure They're Licensed
First, talk to friends and family members. See if they've worked with employment lawyers in the past. If they have, make sure those lawyers specialized in workplace issues.
Finding a lawyer who specializes in these cases will give you peace of mind about your decision. Their experience, expertise, and knowledge about workplace lawsuits can strengthen your case.
If you don't know anyone who has worked with an employee's rights attorney, head online. Search for an employment rights lawyer in your area. Double-check to make sure they're not a "jack of all trades."
Rather, you want someone who dedicates their time to learning about employment law issues.
You can use legal directories like avvo.com to start your search. Once you have a few names, head to your local bar association's website. There, you can check to make sure the lawyer you're interested in is licensed to practice in the state.
If they're not, scratch them off your list.
After checking to make sure they're a member of the local bar association, research a little more. Are they part of another law association? Do they hold any leadership roles?
A lawyer who has a leadership position is likely well respected by their peers. While not a necessity, these lawyers will stand out from the crowd. Choosing employment lawyers who hold leadership positions can give you peace of mind that you're choosing the best person for your case.
2. Check Their Experience
Once you're sure the employee's rights attorney is licensed, try to learn more about their case experience. For starters, how long have they practiced law?
How many workplace issues cases have they handled recently? How many of those cases were similar to yours?
Are they up-to-date with the latest procedures, laws, and cases that connect to your case? If so, they likely have relevant information at their disposal. A lawyer who remains informed proves they're dedicated to their work.
Employment discrimination lawsuits are becoming more popular. 45.9% of all charges filed involve retaliation, 35.3% involve race, and 30.7% are based on disability charges. When choosing a contingency lawyer for employment cases, make sure the case connects to your unique situation.
For example, if your case involves disability, look for someone who handles a lot of workplace disability cases.
Finding someone who specializes in your specific case will give you an advantage. Otherwise, you could end up with a lawyer who will fail to help your case.
3. Compare Wins and Losses
If you want to learn more about a specific attorney's abilities, make sure to review their track record. How many workplace issues have they won and lost recently? How many cases did they settle out of court?
Make sure to choose someone who can win your case. It's also important to make sure their wins are recent. Otherwise, you might end up with a lawyer who has lost their stride over the years.
Their recent track record will confirm they have the experience and expertise you need.
If they've settled a lot of cases, look for someone else. Many lawyers who prefer settlements don't want to close the case. Instead, their more concerned about keeping losses off their track record.
As you review their recent cases, ask about the process. How much was the payout? What issues did they experience?
Understanding their track record can help you learn more about the employee's rights attorney's abilities.
4. Review Online Testimonials
Once you start narrowing dowing your list, ask if you can speak with the lawyer's recent clients. You can also head online to read testimonials.
Ask about the client's experience while working with the attorney. Did they experience any problems during the case? How were those problems resolved?
Speaking with the attorney's clients will help you picture your own experience working with them.
Feel free to check the Better Business Bureau if you're researching a law firm, too.
5. Consider the Cost
Make sure to understand how the employment lawyers you're researching charge for their services. For example, some lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. In other words, they'll only receive a percentage of what you receive from the settlement.
Other lawyers will have you pay for a retainer upfront.
Make sure to consider what you can afford—as well as the likelihood you'll receive a settlement—before you choose your lawyer.
6. Check for Courtroom Experience
Can your lawyer handle themselves in a courtroom? Some cases never make it to trial. Even so, you'll want to choose someone who is prepared for a trial if necessary.
Make sure the lawyer you choose isn't apprehensive about going to court. Ask about how many cases they've handled that have gone to trial. Did they win any of those cases?
A lawyer who is comfortable in the courtroom can defend you throughout every step of your case.
7. Prepare For Your Consultation
Once you narrow down your list, ask to speak to a few lawyers in-person. Some lawyers offer a free, brief consultation before taking your case.
Prepare yourself ahead of time by drafting a list of questions to ask. Bring a fact chronology that outlines the events of your case as well.
That way, you can discuss the specifics of your case in detail. Pay attention to how the lawyer speaks during the consultation, too. If they have strong communication skills, take note.
The Search is On: Your Guide to Hiring Good Employment Lawyers for Your Case
Once you've worked through these steps to find the best employment lawyers in your area, trust your gut! Choose someone you feel comfortable around and trust with your case. That way, you know you're choosing a lawyer who will defend your rights and strengthen your case.
Want to speak about your case? Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.