A wrongful termination can leave you feeling bewildered and defenseless. After all, having your source of livelihood yanked away from you is traumatizing. However, a local lawyer can help you regain confidence and protect your rights.
You can do research on your own, like learning about prior wrongful termination cases that might apply to yours. But still, how do you know which lawyer to choose? What should you ask to feel assured?
In this article, we’ll explore the questions others have found helpful to ask. From the core basics, to some more insightful guidance. By the end, hopefully you’ll have a well-established list to consider, and can understand what happens after you hire a wrongful termination attorney.
Take action today by reading on and scheduling an initial consultation.
Experience and Qualifications
Assessing a wrongful termination lawyer’s background is the foundation of gaining trust in their abilities. You want to ensure they have the real-world knowledge to handle your case effectively. Moreover, knowing this aspect of their career helps establish if they have a track record of success.
There are several crucial questions you can ask to assess their reputation. For example, ask how long they have been practicing employment law. You can also inquire about their experience handling cases similar to yours and their success rate.
Here are some additional questions to consider when assessing experience and qualifications:
- What is your educational background?
- Are you a member of any professional organizations related to employment law?
- Have you ever represented an employer in a wrongful termination case?
- How do you typically approach this type of lawsuit?
- Can you provide references from past clients?
Case Assessment and Strategy
When it comes to a wrongful termination lawsuit, a lawyer’s assessment of your case is critical. The right counselor will have a precise understanding of your situation and be able to devise a strategy for it.
A wrongful termination lawyer will likely ask questions about your employment history to assess your case. They should also have detailed inquiries about the circumstances surrounding your firing. Once they have some crucial details, they may review the applicable laws with you.
While an employment attorney will have many questions, you should prepare some yourself. Having a list with you will help you assess whether you agree with their strategy. For instance, you might ask how they plan to gather evidence or negotiate with your former employer. Additional questions to contemplate when discussing case assessments are:
- What do you see as the strengths and weaknesses of my case?
- How long do you expect the lawsuit to take?
- What are the potential outcomes?
- Will you handle my case personally or go to another lawyer in your firm?
- How will you communicate with me throughout the process?
Fees and Costs
Understanding how a wrongful termination lawyer charges for their services is essential. There are several fee structures, and understanding how your lawyer charges can help you plan accordingly. Consequently, their answers will be a substantial factor in selecting an attorney that fits your needs.
You might ask about their hourly rate and how many hours they expect to spend on your case. You could also inquire about fees like court costs or expert witnesses. A few specific questions many clients find helpful to avoid surprises down the road are:
- What is your fee structure?
- Will I be responsible for paying other costs associated with the case?
- Do you require a retainer? If so, how much?
- What happens if we lose?
- Can you provide an estimate of the total cost?
Communication and Availability
You have a right to know how you will stay informed and have your questions answered promptly. Therefore, establishing expectations for the lines of communication can prevent many frustrations. A good employment lawyer will be transparent, responsive, and honest throughout.
Generally, you might ask how often they will update you and what methods of communication they prefer. You might also inquire about their availability outside regular business hours or what to do in an emergency. Further questions to ensure a positive and productive relationship are:
- How quickly can I expect to hear from you when I have a question or concern?
- Will I be working with you directly, or will I communicate with a paralegal?
- What is your policy for keeping clients informed about the progress of their cases?
- How do you handle communication with clients who are unavailable for in-person meetings?
Ask These Questions to a Local Wrongful Termination Lawyer
Asking concise questions is essential to feeling confident about hiring a wrongful termination attorney. Consequently, completing some due diligence before an initial consultation is wise.
While we provide examples above, consider creating a personal list with additional concerns. Include anything you want to know, and do not hesitate to ask tough questions.
Answers, guidance, and professionalism, are just a few things that you can expect when you talk to our service about wrongful termination.
Meanwhile, schedule a consultation with a local wrongful termination lawyer. Many firms offer no obligation and free consultations. You can start by completing our form or calling (866) 345-6784 today!