Steps to Hiring an Employment Law Firm in Los Angeles CA

Everyone wants to be able to make money to cater to their various financial needs. This is why people work for businesses and organizations.

However, being an employee comes with some risks and unfavorable conditions. That’s why employment laws are there to help employees. Despite the labor laws put in place, some companies end up violating these laws and can even trample on the rights of their employees.

Workplace discrimination, equal labor-unequal pay, racial discrimination, sexual harassment, and wrongful termination are only a few of these violations. Sadly, going up against a co-worker, manager, or even your boss can be a stressful and difficult situation.

This situation is so stressful that a lot of people would rather endure the violation than go through this process. This is especially true in workplaces where these kinds of acts are regularly tolerated. But the truth is, if you are bold enough to pursue the case, you can get properly compensated for it. 

The labor laws in Los Angeles California are reliable as any employer found to be violating them must fully compensate the employee. You can visit here to learn more about the California Labor Law.

Steps to Hiring an Employment Law Firm in Los Angeles CA

All you need to get this is your guts and a reputable employment lawyer. Hence, we have written this article to discuss the steps you need to take to hire a credible and professional employment law firm in Los Angeles California.

1. Be Sure Your Situation Requires an Employment Lawyer

Before you start searching for an employment attorney, you have to assess the situation and be sure if this is the right step to take.

Typically, an employment lawyer can help you file a charge against your workplace and get you the necessary compensation. But some situations aren’t worthy of a claim. However, if you find yourself in any of these situations, then you need a lawyer. 

i). Discrimination 

Being discriminated against in the workplace based on your gender, race, religious belief, disability, age, and sexual orientation can be a very stressful situation. But you can stand up for yourself and challenge it.

Workplace discrimination is a big labor law violation and enough reason to take legal action. 

ii). Retaliation

Employer retaliation is when a boss fires a worker because they filed a claim against the boss, or they drew attention to wrongdoing(s) in the workspace.

Employer retaliation is a major offense according to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Therefore, if you are ever in this situation, it is enough grounds to hire an employment lawyer. 

iii). Wrongful Termination 

Wrongful termination is when a worker is fired for illegal reasons or reasons that breach the employment contract or the company’s policies.

You can check here https://www.jobcase.com/ to learn more about wrongful termination. Hiring an attorney in this case is the right step to take as it can help you get duly compensated.

2. Start Searching 

Once you are sure you need this service, you need to start your search for a reliable employment law firm.

There are several ways to go about this. But two of the best ways are to ask those around you for recommendations and to check the internet. Once you have a list of potential law firms, you can start narrowing down the list with the subsequent steps. 

3. Ask Important Questions During Consultation 

Before you hire the firm, you’d be scheduled for a consultation. It is during this consultation that you’ll describe the situation to the attorney. You can also use this chance to vet the firm by asking important questions. 

For instance, you can learn about the employment firm’s experience by asking how long it has been operational. You can figure out whether or not it is a member of relevant bodies like the National Employment Lawyers Association. You can even find out the expertise of the lawyer who would be handling your case by asking if you’ll be working with an associate or partner. 

Also, try to figure out the strategy the firm will use for your case to see if they know how to handle it. At the end of the consultation, you have to be sure whether the employment lawyer or law firm has what it takes to deliver the best result. If you aren’t convinced, remember you are still going to vet other firms. 

4. Consider Cost 

Most employment attorneys charge hourly. This is especially true when you are paying for limited representation like demand letter drafts. However, if the issue may result in a settlement or lawsuit, the lawyer may accept contingency billing. This means that they’ll get their payment from the monetary award from the case. 

Some attorneys may offer a hybrid payment plan. This means they’ll get paid by the hour and contingency billing. Regardless of the fee structure, you need to be sure that the attorney is as transparent as possible with it. This will save you from being surprised with unplanned fees later. 

Also, choosing an employment attorney based on how much they are offering will be a wrong move. While you are looking for a good price, know that you’ll get exactly what you pay for if you hire a ridiculously cheap firm. The best thing to do when considering cost is to consider the fee offers from multiple firms, get a price range and then pick the firm offering the best service at a fair price. 

Meanwhile, one of the good things about employment-related legal fees is that they are tax deductible. You can read this article to find out more about tax deductibles. So, do not forget to take the deduction.

Conclusion

As an employee, at one point or the other in your career, you may need the services of an employment lawyer. Going up against your boss or other people in your workplace isn’t easy, but having a credible lawyer by your side will make it easier.

This means that the law firm you choose for the job can either make or break your case. It is because of this that we have written this article to help you pick a credible attorney who will help you win your case.