Employment lawyers are people who specialise in areas of labour law, such as discrimination and unionization. They represent employees seeking redress from employee-related matters such as wrongful termination, breach of contract, unpaid wages, and sexual harassment.
There are numerous factors to consider when choosing an employment lawyer. Here are essential traits to look for:
1. Expertise
It is crucial to find an employment lawyer who has specific knowledge and experience in the area of law that applies to your case. For instance, if you have been fired from your job, you need a lawyer with experience in wrongful termination cases.
Employment lawyers fall under different umbrella areas of law, such as labour law, contract law, and tort law. Make sure to ask your lawyer about his or her area of expertise to ensure that they have the knowledge necessary to handle your case.
2. Reputation
The best way to determine whether an employment lawyer is reputable is by looking at reviews from past clients. Online directories such as YELP! allow you to see what past clients think about the service they received. It is also a good idea to ask for references and referrals from other professional organizations your lawyer belongs to, such as the Local Bar association. There is a great source of information available on the Levitt LLP website.
3. Communication Abilities
Effective communication between attorney and client is vital in employment law cases, especially if the case goes to trial. Make sure to choose an employment lawyer whose communication style you feel comfortable with.
This also means that the employment lawyer is accessible and easy to contact. You should be able to get in touch with your lawyer quickly, either by phone or email.
4. Availability
It is essential that your employment lawyer is available when you need him or her. Many lawyers offer free consultations, so take advantage of this opportunity to ask questions and get a feel for how the lawyer works. Carefully take your first consultation as an opportunity to determine if the lawyer is a good fit for you.
5. Cost
Employment lawyers can charge by the hour, by the case, or on a contingency basis (where the lawyer only gets paid if they win your case). Make sure to ask your lawyer about his or her fees and what services are included in the price.
The cost of an employment lawyer can vary depending on the lawyer’s experience and location. It is crucial to get an estimate of how much the lawyer will charge for his or her services. Make sure to ask about any additional fees that may apply, such as courting fees or costs for filing a lawsuit.
If you’re unable to afford a lawyer, some states have legal aid societies that offer free or low-cost legal services. You can also check with your local bar association for a list of lawyers who provide pro bono (free) services.
6. Compatibility
It is crucial that you feel comfortable with your employment lawyer. You will be working closely with this person for an extended period of time, so it is important that you get along well.
Ask the lawyer about his or her experience in representing employees and whether he or she has handled cases like yours before. Choose the employment lawyer who will best represent you in your case.
Choosing the right employment lawyer may seem like a difficult task, but with these six traits to look for, you should be able to find one that fits your needs.