Your Complete Handbook For Hiring Employment Law Attorneys In Connecticut
3 min readThere are multiple workplace situations where you may need to seek legal help. Were you wrongfully terminated from the job? Did you suffer discrimination at work because of your age, race or religion? Were you sexually harassed by your boss? Do you have a severance agreement that you don’t understand? These are some usual reasons you may need an employment law attorney in Connecticut. In this handbook, learn more about what it takes to select the right lawyer.
Start by asking around
If you know friends or colleagues who have worked with employment lawyers in the past, ask for references. Working with an attorney who has helped someone else you know is always an advantage. If you don’t have the option, check online listings. Most law firms in Connecticut have websites where you can find details of their practicing attorneys.
Schedule a consultation
You cannot know an attorney unless you meet them. The good news is many employment law attorneys don’t charge a fee for the first consultation, and you have a window to understand them better. Make sure to go prepared with the relevant documents and evidence to get specific insights. Also, you can be assured that everything you say will remain confidential.
Ask about experience & specialization
It is a no-brainer that you need an attorney who specializes in employment law and has significant experience in the field. Ask them about the usual cases they take, their expertise in specific employment law matters, and their track record so far. For instance, an attorney may be great at negotiating severance agreements and job contracts but may lack the same experience in discrimination lawsuits.
Avoid lawyers who may have a conflict of interest
Employment lawyers represent employees and employers. You don’t want to hire an attorney who has a conflict of interest. For example, if a lawyer is representing your company in another case, you shouldn’t hire them for your lawsuit. It is best to choose someone who fights for employees and has a high success rate.
Look at reviews
Comparing employment lawyers can be tricky. After all, every other firm often claims to be the best in the field. Your best bet is to look for independent, unbiased feedback from different clients. You can find reviews, ratings, and testimonials on various social media sites and search engines, which will help sort between options. If you find negative reviews, check the nature of the complaints.
Discuss your case for insights
During the first consultation, you get the chance to ask relevant questions about your case. A capable and experienced lawyer will take time to answer your questions and do everything possible to ensure you have clarity about the legal options. Don’t fall for over-the-top promises or guarantees. No matter the nature of your claim or lawsuit, no employment lawyer can guarantee an outcome.
Ask about billing details
While you don’t usually have to pay to meet an attorney, you should discuss their fees and billing procedures in detail. You should be able to pay the employment lawyer in the long run. Some firms work on contingency for selected cases, while in other situations, a fixed pay or an hourly rate could be the norm. You may even have to pay a retainer, and it is best to have clarity about other expenses, too.
If you want an employment lawyer to help you, maintain transparency and share every detail that may impact your case. Your attorney is there to guide and fight for your rights, and if you offer them the required support, the outcome is likely to be positive. Find an employment law attorney in Connecticut now!