What does a employment lawyer do?
Employment lawyers represent workers (and, at some firms, employers) in disputes over how employees are treated. Common cases involve wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, unpaid wages and overtime, and severance negotiations.
Many employment claims must first be filed with a state agency or the EEOC within strict deadlines, so speaking with an attorney promptly after an adverse action is important.
Common employment law cases
- Wrongful termination
- Discrimination and harassment
- Retaliation and whistleblower claims
- Unpaid wages and overtime
- Severance and non-compete agreements
- Family and medical leave
When should you hire a employment lawyer?
- You were fired or demoted after complaining about discrimination or illegal conduct
- You are not being paid overtime or the wages you are owed
- You are being asked to sign a severance agreement or non-compete
How much does a employment lawyer cost?
Employee-side lawyers often work on contingency or a hybrid arrangement; some laws allow successful employees to recover attorney fees from the employer. Contract reviews are usually flat-fee or hourly.
Questions to ask in your consultation
- What deadlines apply to my claim?
- Do you represent employees, employers or both?
- Do you take cases on contingency?