Why Hire an Employment Lawyer?

In a perfect world, you'd be able to sort out whatever problems you have at work without having to resort to legal action. Unfortunately, we don't live in a perfect world, and it's often necessary to call in an attorney.

Even if you never go to court, you may still need an employment lawyer. If you feel you've been harassed at work or wrongfully terminated, an employment lawyer can help you workplace harassment determine what your options are. Employment lawyers can help you build your case or may even have the contacts necessary to settle without going to court.

Because of the nature of their field, many employment lawyers are willing to work on contingency. This means that your attorney would be paid from damages paid by the plaintiff. You may still be responsible for certain expenses, but you will not need to pay for your attorney's time without gaining anything in return. A good employment lawyer understands that many clients seek legal help after they've been unfairly demoted or fired. If you're not sure that you can afford an employment lawyer, call one up. Depending on your situation, they may be willing to take your case without any upfront cost to you.

Speaking to an employment lawyer will also let you know if you have a case in your particular county or state. Although age discrimination is illegal, employers are very careful to avoid saying anything incriminating, and it may be difficult to successfully sue. In many states, discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation is not recognized. If you've been harassed or fired because of your sexual orientation, you may not have any legal recourse depending on where you live. An employment lawyer will be familiar with the most recent laws and what you can do if you're in this situation.

A good employment lawyer will also help you know what to expect. Cases can take a long time and require a great deal of information. Be honest and be prepared to wait. An employment lawyer will be able to keep you informed during the process and give you detailed instructions for what to do. If they promise you a large settlement in a short amount of time, be prepared to find another lawyer. Employment law cases rarely have the same payouts promised by personal injury attorneys, and workplace harassment and discrimination aren't as obvious as physical injuries.

Employers can also benefit from the services of an employment lawyer. If you're developing contracts, codes of conduct, or dress codes, an employment lawyer can help you create the most effective documents possible. Codes of conduct and dress codes are not legally binding, but an employment lawyer's experience will help you avoid common pitfalls and loopholes when creating these documents. Employment lawyers can also help you identify potentially offensive or ineffective language. This will help you avoid problems down the road.

Because of their familiarity with the most recent employment laws, employment lawyers may also be able to help with employee training. If your human resources department needs a refresher course, a local employment lawyer may be available to lead a training session.

Employment law can be complicated for both employees and employers. If you're not sure what to do, an employment lawyer can provide advice and assistance even if you're not ready to go to court.