If you are in need of an employment lawyer then asking a few important questions can help you in hiring the right one for your needs. Whether you need to consult with employment lawyers in Los Angeles or elsewhere; it is important to ask them the right questions. State laws can differ when it comes to employment laws and it is best to arm yourself with the right information if you plan to bring a lawsuit against your employer.
Consider asking these three questions during your initial consultation with an employment lawyer.
Do you have the experience to handle cases similar to my own?
First and foremost; inquire about a lawyer’s experience in handling cases similar to your own. When it comes to employment-related cases, it is best to hire a lawyer with adequate experience in this practice area. Workplace-related matters can become very complex due to the lack of sufficient evidence on the victims’ part. An experienced lawyer will be able to guide you on what to do next in order to help your case.
Employment law covers several areas such as sexual harassment, wrongful termination, discrimination (race, gender, religion, due to pregnancy, etc.), minimum wage, overtime, and many more. It is not necessary that an employment lawyer will cover all these areas. Some may focus on only 2-3 core areas in their practice. Law firms with more than one lawyer may cover all areas of employment law. So, the firm may be able to take on your case in any given circumstance.
Ensure that you inquire about your specific scenario too. For instance, wrongful termination can be due to a number of reasons. So, you need to ask about a lawyer’s experience regarding this as it pertains to your case.
You can also ask them the number of similar cases to your own they have taken to trial and the ones they have successfully settled out of court. Cases that go to trial can become more complex. So, the lawyer you hire should be able to handle it if your case goes to trial.
What are my legal options?
It is important that you ask your lawyer for this very important question. Your lawyer may suggest the best options available to you. Your lawyer may recommend that you settle out of court if that would be your best option. Your lawyer may recommend taking the case to trial if that will be the right choice as per your situation. Whatever the case may be; it is important that you gain a full understanding of those options.
When you will understand the full scope of the options available for you; only then you can make an informed choice and also feel confident about your lawyer’s recommendations.
The best lawyers also consider what their clients want. If they think the option their clients choose can be detrimental to the case, then the lawyers will try to explain to the clients the possible outcomes. But they can’t force you to go with their recommended option. But good lawyers will explain the pros and cons to you that come with each option available for you.
The best lawyers will listen to your case properly before suggesting any legal course of action. They will ensure that you are comfortable with whatever option you choose.
How soon the case can be resolved?
It is important that you ask this question so that you can have realistic expectations about your case. Depending on many factors, it can take a long time for a case to resolve. The settlement itself can take time if the wrongful party refuses to budge from their standpoint. If the case goes to trial, it can take even longer for your case to resolve. If the court where you have filed the claim is backlogged then too your case is not likely to resolve any sooner. There can be other variables too.
So, ask the lawyer to give you a clear picture of your specific situation. It will help you prepare for the legal journey ahead. On the other hand, it is very likely that your case has the hallmarks of getting resoled without delays. You won’t know it unless you ask your lawyer about it.
