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Finding the Right Employee Attorney Near You
If you’re an employee dealing with issues like discrimination, harassment, wage violations, wrongful termination, or unsafe working conditions, you may need to consult with an employee attorney. But with so many options, how do you find the right one? This guide covers everything you need to know about locating a qualified employment lawyer in your area.
What Does an Employee Attorney Do?
An employee attorney specializes in representing workers in disputes with employers and companies. They help employees understand their rights under labor laws and determine if those rights have been violated. If so, they can assist with filing complaints or lawsuits to recover damages or lost wages.Some common situations where an employee attorney can help:
- Workplace discrimination (age, race, gender, disability, etc.)
- Sexual harassment
- Issues with pay like overtime violations or improper classification as exempt from overtime
- Unsafe working conditions
- Wrongful termination
- Retaliation for reporting employer violations
Locating Prospective Employee Lawyers
With so many options, where do you start your search? Here are some ideas:
Check Lawyer Directories
Sites like Avvo and FindLaw have searchable databases of lawyers by practice area and location. This lets you easily view profiles of employment attorneys near you.
Ask for Referrals
Friends, family, coworkers, unions, advocacy groups, etc. may have recommendations for good employee lawyers they’ve worked with before. Getting a personal referral can help narrow options.
Contact Your State Bar
Most state bar associations have lawyer referral services that will match you with attorneys based on practice area, location, and other preferences. This resource can connect you with well-vetted lawyers.
Look for Lawyer Rating Sites
Sites like Expertise rate and review lawyers based on reputation, ethical standards, experience, and more. Checking ratings helps identify quality attorneys.
Narrow Down the List of Prospects
Once you have a list of potential employee lawyers, narrow it down by:
- Checking credentials – Make sure any attorney you consider is licensed in your state. It’s also a plus if they have board certifications in employment law or labor law.
- Reviewing experience – Prioritize lawyers with extensive employment law experience, specifically with your type of case. Check client reviews to get insight into their track record.
- Interviewing candidates – Schedule consultations, explain your situation, and see if you feel comfortable working with them. Make sure to ask lots of questions!
- Understanding fee structures – Ask about payment options – hourly, flat fee, or contingency fee. Get fee estimates in writing.
- Checking resources – Choose a firm size with enough staff and resources to properly handle your case. Solo attorneys may be limited here.
Questions to Ask Prospective Employee Attorneys
To find the best fit, make sure to ask candidates plenty of questions like:
- How long have you practiced employment law? How many similar cases have you handled?
- What is your case success rate? Can you share any verdicts or settlements you’ve obtained for clients?
- Who in your office will work on my case? How will you communicate progress to me?
- What is your approach for building cases like mine? What steps will you take first?
- Based on the facts I’ve shared, what outcomes do you expect? What are possible damages I could recover?
- What are your fees and billing practices? Do you offer flat fees or payment plans?
Finding the Right Match
Locating knowledgeable and experienced employee attorneys to protect your rights takes research. But taking the time to thoroughly vet candidates helps you find an advocate you trust. With an attorney well-versed in employment law by your side, you can pursue the best possible resolution to your dispute.So don’t delay – search lawyer directories, get referrals from trusted sources, review credentials, interview candidates, and ask lots of questions. Taking these steps will lead you to a quality employment lawyer who can help resolve your workplace issues. Best of luck with your case!