How to Choose an Employment Lawyer
Making a claim against a current or former employer can be a very difficult decision. This is why it is so important to choose only the best lawyer to represent the case. Employment lawyers can assist with many tough legal matters to include wage and hour disputes, discrimination and wrongful terminations. Lawyers who specialize in employment matters can provide expert advice and knowledge which can help the client win their legal case and obtain the justice they deserve. Here are a few simple tips on choosing a top employment lawyer near you.
Finding the Right Lawyer
Finding the right employment lawyer for the case will take a little time and effort, but this effort will not be made in vain. The very first step in finding an employment lawyer is to ask friends, family and colleagues for references. The opinions of loved ones can help to steer the client in the right direction of a good lawyer. A word-of-mouth recommendation is important because friends and family can provide feedback regarding the lawyer, thereby helping the client evaluate whether or not the lawyer is truly a good fit for their specific needs. Keep in mind that the right lawyer will also specialize in the exact area of employment law the client needs. For instance, avoid situations where a relative recommends a lawyer who specializes in another type of law such as estate planning or criminal law when the issue at hand is employment-related. The client should then perform independent online research for lawyers in their local service area. This will include looking at different lawyers’ websites, reading their testimonials and reviewing their credentials. Furthermore, this will include examining online reviews made by real clients. Reviews can provide valuable information regarding the experiences of others who have hired the lawyer in the past.
Understanding Their Process
After finding a few potential lawyers to take on the case, begin to call them directly to schedule a free consultation. During this consultation, the lawyer will describe his or her services and how the law firm can meet the needs of the client. Many lawyers even provide valuable legal advice during these meetings to get the client started on their search for legal help. During this interaction, pay close attention to the level of professionalism exhibited by the lawyer. Also, pay attention to the knowledge they exhibit as well as the customer experience they create from the moment the client walks into the office to the moment they leave the office.
Here are a few very important questions to ask the lawyer to further qualify them as the right lawyer to hire for the job.
Finding the Right Lawyer
Finding the right employment lawyer for the case will take a little time and effort, but this effort will not be made in vain. The very first step in finding an employment lawyer is to ask friends, family and colleagues for references. The opinions of loved ones can help to steer the client in the right direction of a good lawyer. A word-of-mouth recommendation is important because friends and family can provide feedback regarding the lawyer, thereby helping the client evaluate whether or not the lawyer is truly a good fit for their specific needs. Keep in mind that the right lawyer will also specialize in the exact area of employment law the client needs. For instance, avoid situations where a relative recommends a lawyer who specializes in another type of law such as estate planning or criminal law when the issue at hand is employment-related. The client should then perform independent online research for lawyers in their local service area. This will include looking at different lawyers’ websites, reading their testimonials and reviewing their credentials. Furthermore, this will include examining online reviews made by real clients. Reviews can provide valuable information regarding the experiences of others who have hired the lawyer in the past.
Understanding Their Process
After finding a few potential lawyers to take on the case, begin to call them directly to schedule a free consultation. During this consultation, the lawyer will describe his or her services and how the law firm can meet the needs of the client. Many lawyers even provide valuable legal advice during these meetings to get the client started on their search for legal help. During this interaction, pay close attention to the level of professionalism exhibited by the lawyer. Also, pay attention to the knowledge they exhibit as well as the customer experience they create from the moment the client walks into the office to the moment they leave the office.
Here are a few very important questions to ask the lawyer to further qualify them as the right lawyer to hire for the job.
- How long has the law firm been in practice?
- Is the lawyer a member of any professional organizations?
- What is the lawyer’s track record for success in handling similar types of employment cases?
- Does the law firm exclusively specialize in certain types of employment cases? For instance, does the firm specialize in wage issues or worker’s compensation disputes?
- What is the lawyer’s track record for winning cases like this?
Understanding Costs & Fees
Another thing to consider during the meeting is how well the lawyer presents and explains their costs and fees. The right lawyer will be transparent about costs. An attorney’s fees will be either hourly, a percentage or contingency-based. For the best results and to establish the best working relationship from the onset, the lawyer will need to provide a break-down of their fee schedule and billing process so the client fully understands their financial obligations to the lawyer.
Progression of the Case
After taking all of this information into consideration, the best lawyer for the case can be hired. A good lawyer will be committed to the client and will be there every step of the way, updating the client and promptly responding to their inquiries. A good lawyer should also provide benchmarks for the case as it progresses. These milestones will keep the client and the lawyer on the same page during the course of the legal proceedings. This is also a great way to measure accountability as the client can hold the lawyer to high standards of customer service and delivery.
Final Thoughts
Navigating the legal system and finding a good lawyer can be tough for clients who do not know where to begin. The good news is that finding an employment lawyer can be a simple process. Simply follow these tips and words of advice for the best legal experience. An employment lawyer can be a valuable asset when facing tough employment related matters. From providing representation to offering legal advice, the best lawyer can make the difference—either winning or losing a case. For more information on choosing a top employment lawyer contact a reputable law firm today for expert advice on navigating the complexities of employment related matters.
Another thing to consider during the meeting is how well the lawyer presents and explains their costs and fees. The right lawyer will be transparent about costs. An attorney’s fees will be either hourly, a percentage or contingency-based. For the best results and to establish the best working relationship from the onset, the lawyer will need to provide a break-down of their fee schedule and billing process so the client fully understands their financial obligations to the lawyer.
Progression of the Case
After taking all of this information into consideration, the best lawyer for the case can be hired. A good lawyer will be committed to the client and will be there every step of the way, updating the client and promptly responding to their inquiries. A good lawyer should also provide benchmarks for the case as it progresses. These milestones will keep the client and the lawyer on the same page during the course of the legal proceedings. This is also a great way to measure accountability as the client can hold the lawyer to high standards of customer service and delivery.
Final Thoughts
Navigating the legal system and finding a good lawyer can be tough for clients who do not know where to begin. The good news is that finding an employment lawyer can be a simple process. Simply follow these tips and words of advice for the best legal experience. An employment lawyer can be a valuable asset when facing tough employment related matters. From providing representation to offering legal advice, the best lawyer can make the difference—either winning or losing a case. For more information on choosing a top employment lawyer contact a reputable law firm today for expert advice on navigating the complexities of employment related matters.