When seeking advice from a California employment lawyer, it is important to be as prepared as possible in order to get the most helpful and relevant answer.
Chances are if you’re meeting with an employment lawyer, you are facing a difficult situation. For most people, speaking with an attorney is not something they do often, so it’s important to make sure you ask the right questions.
Yes, hiring the right lawyer can be overwhelming.
Below are the top 8 questions you should ask your employment lawyer:
1. How Long Have You Been Practicing as an Employment Lawyer?
It is imperative that you pick a lawyer who is thoroughly experienced in complex litigation procedures. Though some clients may prefer less experienced lawyers because of a lesser fee, experience of no less than six years is recommended.
You should also make sure that the lawyer you are speaking with has been practicing employment law specifically, as there are many different types of law and different lawyers specialize in different areas.
An employment lawyer who is experienced in the specific type of law you need can provide you with better advice and a more focused approach to your case.
2. How Familiar Are You With California & Federal Employment Law?
Just the same way there are specialized tax lawyers and immigration lawyers, there are lawyers who specialize in employee rights. Be sure to confirm that the attorney you pick is indeed an expert.
You want only the best, who knows what strategies and approaches to take to win your case.
They must have an understanding of both California and federal employment law. The right lawyer will be familiar with both state and federal laws, as well as any local regulations that may apply to your case.
3. What Are My Rights as an Employee?
This is where things start getting serious. In California, employees are labeled as “at-will” unless there is a contract drawn between employee and employer. “At-will” means that the employee can leave at any time. Likewise, the employer can fire an employee at any time
In cases of a contract being drawn up, there will be grounds on which the employer can terminate the appointment. Such grounds, include negligence of duty, breach of contract, amongst others.
In the cases of workers who belong to unions, there are union laws in place to protect such workers. Mention this to your lawyer to know where you fit in and how to best to present your case at trial.
4. What Legal Options Are Available To Me?
Depending on the circumstances of your employment dispute, there may be a variety of legal options available to you. Picking the right legal route to take is the difference between winning and losing your case.
Your lawyer should be able to explain all of your legal options and help you decide which route is the best for you.
5. How Long Do Cases Similar to Mine Take to Resolve?
There is no perfect answer to this as it depends on a lot of factors. How do both parties view the matter at hand? How many pending cases are there in the courthouse where you filed your claim(s), etc?
This is an important question to ask, as you may be looking for a quick resolution to your dispute.
Your lawyer should be able to estimate the length of time it may take to conclude your case. It is important to keep in mind that the length of time for a case to resolve can vary widely depending on the complexity of the dispute, the parties involved, and the resources available.
6. How Will I Be Communicating with You Throughout the Legal Process?
The lawyer representing you in or out of court, is someone you should be able to get a hold of when you need them the most.
Exchanging important information, like notes, screenshots, photos, voice recordings, case updates, etc. is vital for you and your attorney.
Ask how you can keep in touch with your attorney. Should you text, call, or email? What is the fastest form of communication with your attorney and when is the best time to reach him or her?
7. What Have Previous Clients Said About You and Your Work?
The legal industry is highly competitive, so it is important to choose a lawyer who is well–respected by their clients and peers. Ask your lawyer to provide you with references from previous clients, and do some research online to learn more about their reputation.
With the click of a mouse and the internet, you can check reviews of lawyers by previous clients. Sites such as Findlaw and Legaladvice allow clients to review lawyers before hiring.
Also, be on the lookout for lawyers who might have faced disciplinary action(s) in the past. A potential great hire would have great reviews and no outstanding offenses.
You can look at our previous results and reviews on our website.
8. What Are Your Fees?
As mentioned earlier, some clients may prefer less experienced lawyers due to lesser fees. The fee upon hiring should be taken into consideration by both parties.
There are various ways by which lawyers charge clients. It might be an hourly wage, a retainer fee or a portion of your compensation from your employer.
Try to get quotes showing prices from fewer than four attorneys before moving forward. This will help determine if you have adequate resources to pay the lawyer once things settle.
Some lawyers also work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they get paid a percentage of the settlement or verdict amount if your case is successful.
Schedule a Free Consultation with an Employment Lawyer Today
These questions should help you get the most out of your meeting with an employment lawyer. They will help you determine if the lawyer is the right fit for your case and if you are comfortable working with them. The right lawyer can make all the difference in the outcome of your case, so it is important to make sure you choose the right one.
At Eldessouky Law, we offer free, no–obligation case evaluations. If you are facing an employment dispute, don’t hesitate to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced employment attorneys today.
You can contact our office by either calling 714-409-8991 or by filling out one of our online contact forms.
