What Is the Best Way to Select an Employment Attorney?

If you have been fired recently on unfair grounds or feel that your rights are being violated while at work, then you need to find an employment attorney. Hiring an employment attorney might be the best decision that you make because he or she will help educate you on federal and state laws concerning overtime law, wage disputes, wrongful termination, whistleblower laws, defamation, and other employment-related legal issues.

Contacting an experienced employment attorney such as Quad Cities Employment Attorney is a wise choice as the attorney will ensure that your rights are protected and that you get justice. Moreover, employment attorneys are useful for both businesses and individuals. They provide legal support to employers if their former or current employee makes an internal complaint of harassment or discrimination, threatens to sue or sues the business. Former employees can file a charge of discrimination with the government in which case an employment attorney is crucial. An employment attorney can help prevent the employment dispute from heading to trial The attorney will ensure that the employment dispute is resolved on a timely basis. When you choose the right employment attorney, you can rest assured that the best outcome will be achieved.

 

Where to Start the Search for an Employment Attorney?

Most of us have no clue about where to find an experienced employment attorney. Often, employees find themselves searching for a lawyer and not having any income at the same time because of job loss. Employers, on the other hand, can also be found looking for an employment attorney when sued to defend their interests. The attorney will provide sound advice for an affordable rate. The following are some of the things that should be considered before hiring an employment attorney.

 

Timing Matters

An employment attorney should be hired before you sign a non-compete or severance agreement as you must understand the agreement completely before signing it. The same is important for employers that are considering to fire an employee on disability leave. To make a prudent decision, an employment attorney should be hired because decisions cannot be undone. Hire an employment attorney early on because it is too late if you don’t.

 

Cover a Wide Range of Employment-Related Issues

A great thing about employment attorneys is that they are capable of handling all types of employment-related issues that involve claims of harassment, discrimination, and sexual harassment. Moreover, they also handle claims that involve overtime, unpaid wages, safety issues, workplace health issues and questions related to medical leave and disability benefits. Always consult with an employment attorney if you have been offered a severance pay which requires you to sign the agreement.

 

Best Way to Select an Employment Attorney

If you want to hire an employment attorney, then there are certain things that you need to do. It will help ensure that you select an employment attorney who can win your case.

 

Do Your Homework

The most important thing that you need to when selecting an employment attorney is to do your homework. Attorneys are notorious for talking about their glorious background and often write about it on their websites. It means that even uninterested, mediocre lawyers could talk a good game, especially when they see someone in desperate need of professional help. However, not all employment attorneys know how to handle certain situations. This is why you need to research the lawyer. These days, there is plenty of information that can be found about an attorney online. Make use of online resources to find out which employment attorney to contact. Review what others have to say about the lawyer and find out their real courtroom experience. This can be done in the following ways.

  • Visit the state bar website to find out if the lawyer has a disciplinary history. It will help you figure out if the attorney has a past of unethical conduct. Simply enter the name of the lawyer when you visit the state’s bar website to find out if the lawyer is worth your time.
  • Head over to the website of the law firm that the employment attorney works for. Check the practice areas breakdown to evaluate whether the lawyer has experience in dealing with employment-related matters.
  • Find out if the lawyer has the credentials required to practice in the related field. The lawyer should be board certified for employment law. Experience is required to be board certified and it is a great indicator of the lawyer having the expertise to help you.
  • Check out lawyer review websites to learn more about the lawyer. Find out what past clients and even opposing counsel has to say about the lawyer or the firm he or she works at.
  • Browse through the social media accounts of the law firm that the employment attorney works to read unfiltered reviews.
  • Ask questions from the attorney such as how often has the attorney represented the client with the same type of case. Inquire about the time and the costs related to the case.

 

Learn About the Team at the Law Firm

A lawyer is just as good as his or her team. This is why you need to find out more about the team. Learn about the paralegals that work at the firm as they play a significant role in handling the case. Know about the experience of the team for handling similar cases and their insights about the case. They should be able to answer all your questions. However, if they stare blankly at you or are unsure, then it might be a good idea to look elsewhere.

 

Ask About the Strengths and Weaknesses of the Case

The employment attorney should give you an idea about the strengths and weaknesses of the case. Moreover, he or she should also have a plan in place to ensure that the weaknesses are dealt with. The best way to select an employment attorney is by finding out how prepared he or she is. Experience is visible through planning techniques.