California has some of the most labor-friendly employment laws in the country. However, these laws are only as good as the defense of them. Meaning, no matter how you are covered by the law, if you are discriminated against, wrongfully terminated, denied rightful wages, or otherwise taken advantage of, the law only protects you if you take steps to ensure that you are protected.
In many cases, this involves hiring an employment law attorney who will work to get you the compensation you deserve. That said, not all cases warrant taking this step. You can contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 to request a free legal consultation from an experienced employment law attorney, or keep reading to determine if you should talk to an attorney at all.
Examine your case to see if engaging an employment lawyer is the best solution
In general, employees should seek legal advice from an employment lawyer if they experience any of the following:
- Discrimination based on gender, handicap, race, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, age, or any other protected category
- Harassment, including slurs, humiliation, intolerance, intimidation, unwelcome contact, or violent threats
- Retaliation for reporting an employer
- Wrongful termination
- Denial of pay, including wages and overtime
- Misclassification as an independent contractor
If any of these issues has occurred then you likely have a right to report the behavior and seek compensation.
When to call an employment attorney
An attorney can assist you if you have not yet filed an administrative charge with the EEOC or a comparable state agency (which you must do before filing a discrimination or harassment case under federal law).
An employment lawyer can also advise you on if your company is breaking state or federal rules, such as denying workers regular breaks, and if you have been asked to sign papers that may limit your rights. Before mass layoffs, benefit modifications, or collective bargaining discussions, employers should contact an employment attorney, especially if they are facing legal action from a current or former employee.
Although many disputes are addressed through administrative processes overseen by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and state agencies, employment attorneys do defend clients in federal court. Retaliation, harassment, negligent hiring, equal pay concerns, and whistle-blowing are all legal issues that frequently end in lawsuit.
Use the opportunity of a free consultation to ask the appropriate questions
Choosing the proper employment lawyer is a crucial choice that might impact the result of a lawsuit. Prospective clients should ask the following questions during their initial session for the best results:
- How long have you been an attorney?
- What percentage of the firm’s revenue comes from employment law?
- What role do you play in professional organizations like the National Employment Lawyers Association or state employment lawyers’ associations?
- Will a partner or associate handle my case?
- Will you pursue the matter in court?
- What is the best course of action in my situation?
- What proof do I need to back up my claim?
- Who is accessible to respond to my inquiries?
- How frequently will you keep me informed about my case?
- How long is it probable that the entire procedure will take to complete?
To get answers to these and other questions, contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000.
