How to Prepare for Your First Meeting with an Employment Attorney

How to Prepare for Your First Meeting with an Employment Attorney.

If you experienced discrimination, retaliation, wrongful termination, a wage dispute, or another issue in the workplace, you may be wondering whether it is time to consult with an employment attorney. A knowledgeable employment law attorney can provide you with the counsel you need and advise you regarding your legal remedies. Importantly, there are a few things you can do to prepare for your first meeting with an employment attorney to help ensure you get the most out of the appointment.

1. Do Your Research

Before you contact an employment attorney for a consultation, do your research. While there are many attorneys who take on employment law cases, not all of them focus their practice on the same employment matters. It’s essential to choose an attorney who concentrates in this area of law and has the knowledge necessary to handle cases like yours. Take a look at any testimonials the attorney has on their website and consider their relevant experience to make sure you find an attorney who is a good fit for you.

2. Keep Detailed Notes

It’s important to keep detailed notes and a chronology of the events that happened in the workplace that gave rise to your employment law issue. Your notes should include the dates, times, locations, individuals involved, and any other relevant details. These notes can be helpful to refer to when you address your case with human resources — and when you meet with an employment law attorney to discuss your case.

3. Write Down a List of Witnesses

If there were witnesses who observed the occurrence or incidents in the workplace, be sure to get their names and contact information. Eyewitnesses can help to strengthen your claim by providing an independent account of what transpired. This information can be crucial to help your attorney build your case.

4. Compile Documentation Received From Your Employer

Documentation will be the foundation of any employment law claim you pursue. To prepare for your first meeting with an employment attorney, you should gather all the relevant documentation and evidence in your case. Depending on the facts and circumstances, this can include the following:

  • Your employment offer letter
  • An employee handbook that was given to you
  • Any paperwork you signed
  • Copies of any policies and procedures given to you
  • Email or text correspondence
  • Performance reviews
  • Any disciplinary documents
  • Memos

If your claim has to do with wrongful termination and your position involves an employment contract, bring a copy with you to your meeting with an employment attorney. Your attorney can review it to determine whether your employer breached the contract and you are entitled to compensation.

5. Be Prepared with a List of Questions to Ask Your Attorney

At the first meeting with an employment attorney, you can expect the attorney to listen to your story and evaluate your case. They will review the documents you provide to help assess your claim and advise you regarding your legal options. However, it’s also an opportunity for you to ask the attorney questions about how they can help you — and to learn about your rights.

You might consider asking the attorney questions to determine if they are the right fit for you, such as:

  • How long have you been practicing employment law?
  • How often can I expect updates on my case?
  • What is your communication style?
  • What is your fee structure?
  • What can I expect during the legal process?

In addition, you should be prepared to discuss any questions you have about your specific claim and the potential solutions for your case. For instance, you might consider asking whether mediation or litigation is a better option for your legal matter and the remedies that are available. A skilled employment law attorney will be adept at both negotiating and litigating a claim.

6. Be Honest with the Attorney

During the first meeting with an employment attorney, it’s crucial to be honest with them. Don’t exaggerate the facts of your case or only tell the parts of the story that are favorable to you. Your attorney needs to know the full story to be able to develop a strategy that will achieve the best possible results.

Contact an Experienced Ohio Employment Law Attorney

As soon as you have experienced a legal issue in the workplace, it’s critical to set up a meeting with an employment law attorney. They can best advise you regarding the next steps to take in your case and work to safeguard your legal rights. Located in Westlake and representing clients throughout Ohio, the employment law attorneys of Lalak LLC fight for the rights of workers who have been wronged by their employers. Contact Lalak LLC today to schedule a free, confidential, no-obligation consultation and learn how we can assist you.

Categories: Employee Rights