According to PowerToFly, in the U.S. alone, 61% of workers have experienced or witnessed discrimination based on age, race, gender, or sexual orientation. These are not the only categories that can make you an object of discrimination.
Labor laws are quite complicated most of the time, making it difficult for workers who have to deal with discrimination, retaliation, wage disputes, and harassment. Yet, these laws, along with advice from employment lawyers, can help a person defend his or her rights and hold employers accountable for some workplace issues.
Los Angeles employment lawyer Omid Nosrati also says a lawyer can help you understand your rights and options under the law. They can also begin the necessary legal proceedings to help you obtain the total compensation you deserve.
This article will highlight the things you can expect to happen during an employment lawyer appointment.
Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation
In the first meeting with your employment lawyer, he or she will want to figure out whether there is merit to your claim. The lawyer will inform you about the options available.
Your report should include the disagreement, how it was resolved, and documentation of your correspondence with your boss. Paperwork that is relevant to the case like emails, contracts, or anything else that might be useful, should be attached with your report.
The more details you provide, the better the lawyer can assess your case. You should also inquire how experienced the attorney is with similar matters.
Investigation and Evidence Gathering
When the decision to proceed with the case is made, the employment attorney will gather evidence to try to put forward the strongest case possible.
He or she may want to organize your employment records, interview any number of witnesses, look at communications between you and your employer, and check your contract, among other things.
If your lawyer asks for papers or information, you should give it to them right away. They will be able to look into it and move forward with the case faster if you do it soon.
Legal Strategy and Planning
The lawyer then comes up with a formal plan based on the details of your case. Your lawyer might tell you to go to court, work out a deal, or take another step, like submitting a complaint to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
At this point, the lawyer will provide you the options available, the pros and cons of taking either course, and hear out the goals you want to achieve.
If settlement is suggested, then negotiations will begin between the lawyer and your employer’s legal counsel. If litigation is required, the lawyer will begin preparing for court.
Don’t be shy about asking about the plan and what to expect at each step. You can better manage your goals and plans if you are knowledgeable about your lawyer’s legal strategy.
Representation and Advocacy
When your case progresses to negotiations or court, your lawyer will represent you through all legal proceedings. He or she will file legal documents on your behalf, represent you at settlement discussions, or argue in court for you.
Your lawyer will advocate for your interests and cross-examine witnesses. You should talk to your lawyer often so that you can give them any extra information they might need.
Settlement or Judgment
Most employment cases finish with settlement talks, but if the case goes to court, a judgment will be made. Your lawyer will see to it that you are treated fairly and help you understand what the court said.
A lawyer’s job is to protect your interests and needs in any settlement. Your lawyer will tell you what happened and help you decide what to do next if the court rules against you. Your lawyer might also be able to help you file an appeal if the judge rules against you.
Before signing any settlement offer at all, your lawyer should thoroughly explain the terms to you. Your lawyer will check if the settlement fully covers the damages you have sustained.
Ongoing Support and Advice
The employment lawyer will be there with you even as the case is closing. He or she can assist if you find there has been a breach of settlement terms or if problems arise post-settlement within the workplace.
To fix issues that came up after the settlement, your lawyer could enforce settlement terms so that you can receive the money you are owed.
If a job issue comes up after the case is over, whether it’s retaliation or something else, your lawyer should be able to help you.
Talk to your lawyer often in case work issues arise. Legal help on a regular basis can keep you out of trouble and give you peace of mind.
