By: Nicholas J. Ferraro | September 16, 2021 | Employment Law
Employment lawyers handle cases related to federal and state employment laws. Employment laws govern a wide variety of issues, such as employee benefits, wages, harassment, discrimination, and terminating employment.
If you believe that your employer violated your rights, you may want to consult with an employment lawyer. However, how do you choose the best employment lawyer for you?
Steps to Finding an Employment Lawyer
There is no right or wrong way to search for a lawyer. The process may be different, but the goal is the same: you want to find the best employment lawyer for you.
Steps you might take may include:
- Ask friends and family members for recommendations
- Search online for employment attorneys in your area
- Check the lawyer referral services directory of the California Bar
- Check with the local bar association for referrals
Once you have a list of possible attorneys, it is time to begin narrowing the list to a few names. Researching the attorneys’ websites, reading reviews, and verifying the attorney is in good standing to practice law are ways to narrow your list.
Things to Look for When Hiring a San Diego Employment Lawyer
When searching for an employment lawyer, consider these five factors:
1. Does the Employment Lawyer Have Experience Handling Your Type of Case?
Employment law covers many different aspects of the employer-employee relationship. You want to choose an employment law attorney that has experience handling your type of case.
For example, if you are disabled and your employer refuses to allow you to modify your workstation, you would want to speak with a workplace accommodations lawyer. However, if your dispute is related to a supervisor refusing you breaks, you would want to speak to a lawyer who handles meal and rest break disputes.
Other areas of employment law include, but are not limited to:
- Employer retaliation
- Discrimination
- Wage and hour disputes
- Hostile work environment
- Wrongful termination
- Sexual harassment
Search for a lawyer who has handled many cases similar to your case.
2. Does the Lawyer Have a Good Reputation?
When you research the attorney, read reviews from a variety of sources. Social media, attorney review sites, and peer review sites are potential sources for reviews. Ask other attorneys who they would hire if they needed an employment lawyer for themselves or a family member.
3. How Much Experience Does the Lawyer Have Handling Employment Law Cases?
Employment law is a specialized area of law. It is not an area of law that you want an attorney to learn as he handles your case. Ask the attorneys you meet with how much experience they have handling employment law matters, specifically cases involving issues similar to your case.
If possible, you want an attorney who has years of experience handling employment law cases. An experienced attorney already has a thorough understanding of the laws applicable in your case.
4. What Is the Policy Regarding Client Communication?
You want to ensure that there will be someone to provide answers and assistance when you have questions or concerns. Ask the lawyer what the policy is for returning telephone calls, responding to emails, and scheduling appointments. Effective communication between you and your attorney is essential for success.
5. What Results Can You Expect?
Results in other cases do not guarantee a specific result in your case. However, your attorney’s track record is important. A successful track record could be an indication of knowledge, skill, diligence, and experience.
Ask the attorney how often he takes cases to court and his percentage for wins in court. Also, ask the attorney his approach for negotiating settlements. The attorney should be able to explain his methods with examples instead of just stating numbers.
Trust Your Instincts When Meeting with a San Diego Employment Lawyer
You may want to meet with several attorneys before deciding to hire an employment lawyer. You need to feel comfortable when you meet with the attorney. There needs to be open communication for the lawyer to provide effective representation.
If you do not feel comfortable talking with a lawyer, meet with another lawyer for a second opinion. Trust your instincts.
It is normal to feel anxious or nervous when meeting with an attorney. However, you should feel better when you leave than when you arrived for the consultation. If not, that attorney might not be the best attorney to handle your case.
To learn more, call our San Diego law firm at (619) 693-7727 or contact us online.
