When you experience harassment in your workplace or get fired without just reason, it can cause mental distress and put you in financial difficulties. Rather than tolerating the ill-treatment or finding another job, you can consider taking legal action to uphold your rights as an employee. Search online for “employee lawyer Los Angeles” and consult an experienced lawyer. It is advisable to prepare relevant questions to ask during your initial consultation.
Things you should ask an employment lawyer
Many employment lawyers offer a free initial consultation during which they will review your case and inform you if it is worthwhile to pursue it legally. You can use the opportunity to ask them questions to gain more information about their legal experience, the employment laws in California, and how these can protect you.
Here are some things that you can ask the lawyer you find after searching online for “employee lawyer Los Angeles”:
What legal experience do you have in this field?
You want to hire a competent law professional who specializes in employment law and has an excellent grasp of the employment laws in California. Before contacting the lawyer, check their educational credentials on their website, review their work experience, and read their client testimonials. During your consultation meeting, ask how many employment-related cases they have handled. You want to know if any of these cases were similar to yours and the legal outcome they had.
What are my legal options?
After the employment lawyer reviews your case and determines if your employer has violated your legal rights, you can ask about the various legal options available to you. If you have not already done so, the lawyer will ask you to read your company’s rules or employee handbook and file a formal complaint with the HR department.
If you have already filed it and your employer disregards it or fails to give a suitable response, the employment lawyer may help you file a legal claim. You can do so with either the federal U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH). The lawyer will explain the investigation process of these agencies and the legal mediation they will attempt to find an acceptable resolution.
If the mediation effort fails, you have the option of filing a lawsuit against your employer. The lawyer you find by searching for “employee lawyer Los Angeles” will explain this process in detail and the outcome you can realistically expect. You also want to know what will happen if you do not win the case.
How much do you charge, and what is your preferred payment mode?
It is advisable to inquire in advance about the fees the employment lawyer will charge for representing you and the preferred payment mode. Some lawyers charge a monthly retainer fee, while others work on a contingency fee. The latter means they will charge you a fee only if they win the case for you. However, they will charge you for various legal expenses, such as filing fees and fees for paying witnesses and experts to give evidence on your behalf.
Will you be handling my case personally?
The senior partner at many law firms generally handles the initial legal consultation. They may then assign a junior lawyer to handle your case. If the law firm you visit intends to do this, ask to meet with the lawyer who will be representing you. Bear in mind that lawsuits do not generally get resolved overnight, and you may work with the lawyer for a while. In that case, it is better to have a lawyer who is empathetic, easy to talk to, and interested in your case.
How do you prefer to communicate with clients?
After you find an employment lawyer by searching for “employee lawyer Los Angeles,” it is essential to ask about the communication mode they prefer. Some lawyers like face-to-face interactions, while others may find it more convenient to communicate via phone, video, messages, or email. You also want to find out at what hours you can contact them and about their general response time. Ideally, you want a lawyer who can get back to you as soon as possible.