What to Expect When You Hire an Employment Attorney
There are many reasons to hire an employment attorney, from wrongful termination to any form of discrimination. If you believe that your employment conditions are not fair, you need to hire a professional attorney to help you verify if they are also illegal. Professional advice at this stage is crucial because it will determine if you have a valid case and is the base for drafting an effective strategy.
The Process of Hiring an Employment Attorney
Deciding to hire an attorney is the first step in the process of protecting your rights. Before making a decision, it’s essential to ask for recommendations, verify professional qualifications, and ask for references. It’s crucial that you hire someone who knows federal and state laws and with whom you establish a good rapport. Remember that, to fight for you, your lawyer must have plenty of information about you and your employment situation.
Answer Many Questions
A lawyer will need elements to determine if you have a valid case and to establish liability. During the first few meetings with your lawyer, expect to answer many questions, some of which may not seem related to your employment situation. Some clients feel threatened during this stage, as some questions are very personal.
Always remember that the information you share with your attorney is protected by law. While you may feel vulnerable answering some questions, honesty is crucial. Don’t hide any details. Sometimes, the key to a winning case hides precisely in the small details.
Sign a Contract
A signed contract protects both parties in a professional relationship. When it comes to an attorney-client agreement, it’s essential to verify that your contract includes:
- A detailed description of each party’s responsibilities
- A statement regarding fees, payment dates, and payment methods.
- An outline of your payment plan (if you agreed on one)
- A list of names of other professionals who will be involved in your case (paralegals, investigators, other attorneys)
- An estimated timeline
- A list of reasons for contract termination
You can find a sample attorney-client agreement here.
Help Gather Evidence
Any legal case’s premise is that you must provide proof of your claims. Your lawyer will help you understand what constitutes valid and valuable evidence and recommend including an investigator, depending on the situation. During this process, keeping records of all communications with your employer is essential. For an employment case, valid evidence may include:
- Paystubs
- Employee handbooks
- Company Policies
- Photographic and video evidence of your claim
- Emails, text messages, and memos
- Witness testimonies
Spend Time on Your Case
Legal cases are time-consuming. You will need to have plenty of meetings with your attorney to determine the best course of action, and you will need to be available to appear in court if you are called. Your lawyer’s office will help you keep up with important dates and will help you correctly fill out court forms and file paperwork. It’s essential to understand that hiring a lawyer does not mean you can forget about the case and let them work. You’ll be required to be actively involved in most process steps.
Don’t Make Decisions Without Consulting Your Lawyer
Some clients make the mistake of taking settlement offers without consulting their lawyer only to discover that they were entitled to a better deal. If you hire a lawyer, it’s essential to trust that they will help you make good decisions, so expect to stop communication with the other party (their lawyers or their insurance company) and let your attorney speak on your behalf. Usually, a settlement process will include several offers and counteroffers before you can accept.
Take Your Case to Court
Some people think that going to trial is scary. While in some cases, it’s better to negotiate a settlement out of court because it’s less costly and time-consuming, depending on your situation, you can expect your lawyer to recommend taking your case to court. Employment lawyers in Kansas City, MO will help you understand the process, speak on your behalf, and represent you at every step. Sometimes, the best way to get fair compensation is to go to trial.
Beware of Retaliation
It’s important to remember that you have the right to hire an employment lawyer without facing any repercussions at your place of employment. Retaliation, according to Missouri law, is a form of discrimination. If you believe your work environment is suddenly toxic, if you are being left out of important meetings, or if you are directly threatened by a superior, it is essential to talk to your lawyer immediately.
Employment issues can feel overwhelming and significantly affect your mental health. It’s essential to get help from a professional lawyer who can take away part of that burden and guarantee that your rights are respected at every step of the process. Most employment lawyers will take a percentage of your compensation as payment, so you will not even be required to cover any costs upfront.
