Getting fired from a job is never easy, but it might be even worse if you feel that you were wrongfully dismissed. State and federal laws hold protections for employees maintaining that a person cannot be fired from their job for certain reasons, including discrimination, retaliation, or refusal to commit an illegal act. However, the strength of those odds largely stems from the fact that most wrongful termination attorneys will only take on cases that they think they can win.
Therefore, choosing a lawyer to represent your case is one of the most important decisions you’ll have to make. Here is some advice on how to choose an employment lawyer for your best chances of success.
Find someone who specializes in your situation
There are many different kinds of employment lawyers out there, and even those who specialize in wrongful termination cases. However, try choosing a lawyer with as much experience in the specifics of your case as possible: another discrimination case, for example, or another whistleblower case with past records of success. Ask for references when possible.
Discuss a payment arrangement upfront
Many lawyers offer free consultation sessions, during which time you should ask about fees and rates. If you’ve been wrongfully terminated, chances are money could be tight due to your lack of employment. Accordingly, many attorneys also work on a contingency basis, meaning they don’t get paid unless your case is settled.
Familiarize yourself with your own case
The more details you can put together about the circumstances of your firing and the more you try to familiarize yourself with your rights as an employee, the better equipped you’ll be to build a case. Choosing a lawyer based on what you already know can be much easier than trying to start from scratch.
In the end, if you’re not sure whether you have a case, don’t hesitate to contact an employment lawyer to discuss the basics of your situation. While handling a job dismissal might be stressful, you don’t have to do it alone.
