How to Hire the Best Employment Law Attorney Near Me

Many professional situations require legal representation. Employment law attorneys can represent both employers and employees in legal matters.
 
When you need legal representation, it is important to find an attorney who has adequate knowledge of both state and federal employment statutes.
 
The employment attorneys at Morgan & Morgan understand that everyone deserves qualified legal representation.
 
If you need expert employment lawyers, call the team at Morgan & Morgan at 877-667-4265 or complete a contact form online and request a free case evaluation today.

Why You Need an Employment Law Attorney

Employment and labor statutes are a unique branch of U.S. law. When you have a legal issue involving a professional dispute, it is important to consult with a knowledgeable employment law attorney.
 
Attorneys who work in employment law help to ensure that every employee is treated consistently and fairly. They also assess whether businesses and industries are following the applicable federal, state, and local employment requirements.
 
These specialized lawyers are qualified to draft and evaluate employee handbooks. They can also assist with issues involving wage and payment disputes or represent their clients to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
 
If you are an employee and believe that your rights have been violated, you need a qualified lawyer on your side. Speaking with a legal professional can give you a good sense of the strength of your claim.
 
It can be difficult to know how to find the best employment law attorney in your area. Below, we will address some of the most important issues to consider when you’re searching for an attorney to represent you.

How to Hire the Best Employment Attorney

If you have a work-related claim and believe you need legal representation, it is crucial to find the right lawyer. After all, many people do not have extensive experience in hiring an attorney.
 
Some people mistakenly believe that any lawyer can handle their employment case. To help, here are some of the factors that you should keep in mind when you’re searching for a highly qualified employment attorney.

Know Your Priorities

The first step in finding the right attorney is to determine the things that are important to you.
 
Do you want to feel supported throughout the process or do you only care about the outcome of your case? Do you want to hire a large firm or a small law office? Only you can decide what is most important to you.
 
No matter what you are looking for, it is crucial to determine your priorities before you begin scheduling legal consultations.

Do Your Due Diligence

When you are dealing with a legal matter involving employment, the stakes can be high. Because of this, you should research the attorneys that you might want to work with.
 
It can help to read about the experiences of the lawyer’s past clients. Look for online reviews from multiple sources. You shouldn’t rely solely on testimonials from the attorney’s own website.
 
Make sure to recognize that even the best lawyers may have a few negative reviews. Seek out as many reviews as possible to help you decide whether a specific employment law attorney is right for you.

Find an Attorney with Relevant Experience

Employment and labor cases require highly specialized legal knowledge. Make sure to find a lawyer or firm that has plenty of experience in handling employment-related cases.
 
Some categories of employment law that a skilled attorney should be familiar with include:
 

•       Unionization
•       Workplace discrimination
•       Wrongful termination
•       Sexual harassment
•       OSHA and safety violations
•       Disputes involving employee benefits
•       Contract violations
•       Title IX cases
•       Whistleblower protection

It is not enough to hire someone with general legal experience. The best employment law attorneys will have abundant experience in representing both employers and employees.

Find a Firm with Adequate Resources

Some clients prefer to work with a smaller law firm. However, it is important to hire an employment law attorney that has the necessary resources to win your case.
 
Bringing a claim or lawsuit against a large corporation can be very difficult. Some companies have the resources to drag out legal proceedings for years. This strategy can be successful unless you have an attorney with the resources to fight back. 

Speak with Previous Clients

Most reputable legal firms will provide you the opportunity to hear from previous clients. This step should not be a replacement for seeking out online reviews.
 
Before you hire a law firm, you should speak with other clients that they have served. Ask previous clients about their experience.
 
Consider asking questions like the:
 

•       Was the lawyer or firm supportive throughout your case?
•       Was the attorney available to answer your questions?
•       Would you use this firm or lawyer again?

 
Talking with former clients is one of the best ways to get a sense of the working relationship that you will have with a specific attorney.

Consider the Attorney’s Success Rate

Hiring a lawyer with specialized knowledge about employment and labor laws is important. But it is not enough.
 
Find an employment lawyer who has a strong track record of success. This can help to ensure a positive outcome.
 
Many lawyers and firms list their success rates on their websites. If they do not, make sure to ask about their success rate during your initial consultation.

Select a Lawyer with Trial Experience

Hire an employment law attorney with plenty of experience in taking cases to trial. If your lawyer does not have trial experience, they may accept an inadequate settlement or another unfavorable outcome.
 
You do not want to work with a legal representative that is afraid to take your case to the courtroom. Although many cases are settled without proceeding to the trial stage, your attorney should be willing to escalate your case if it becomes necessary.
 
When you are considering an attorney, ask them about their trial experience.

Find an Employment Law Attorney Who Works on Contingency

Payment is always a concern for legal clients. This is especially true if you are dealing with an employment issue.
 
You should never hire a lawyer that wants to charge you before they have resolved your case. Find an employment lawyer who works on a contingency fee basis. This means that your attorney will not be paid until they win or settle your case.

Request a Free Case Evaluation

One of the most important steps in finding the best employment lawyer is to speak with the person face-to-face.
 
Many employment law attorneys will offer new clients an initial legal consultation before they take on a case. During this consultation, you should ask questions to decide whether the lawyer is a good fit for your employment case.
 
Some useful questions to ask include:
 

•       What experience do you have with employment or labor cases?
•       How long have you been a practicing attorney?
•       Do you have experience with cases like mine?
•       What is your approach to legal negotiations?
•       How will my legal fees be paid?
•       Will you be accessible to answer my questions?
•       Do you think my case will require a trial?
•       What is your success rate?

These are only a few examples of the types of questions you can ask during a consultation.
 
Think of the initial meeting as a job interview. The attorney will ask questions about your case. But you should also gather information to help you decide if the lawyer is the right partner for you.