Choosing a Workplace Discrimination Attorney

Answer:

I had a nice conversation yesterday with a potential client who asked what she should look for in a law firm helping her in a discrimination case here in California. We had a great conversation. It lasted more than 30 minutes. I talked to her about what type of firm I think that she needs. We really boiled it down to three things. I talked to her about the fact that first of all, you want to find a firm that has the expertise. I really do think it’s important that you find a firm that only does some type of employment law and that they are well versed in the interchange between various California labor statute and employment statutes. The first issue is finding a firm that has deep knowledge of California employment law. The second issue we talked about is whether or not the law firm is well funded or has the resources to make sure that your claim is followed through all the way to the end. It’s important to have a firm that has the resources to make sure that depositions are taken, documents are produced, and your issues are advocated to the full extent. The third issue is actually finding a law firm that truly has trial experience. You’d be surprised how many times somebody calls themselves a trial attorney or a civil litigator, but in fact have never argued a case in front of a jury. The reality is, when you hire an attorney, you don’t actually know whether or not they actually have trial experience. Truth be told, there are a group of individuals who do know, and that’s the defense attorneys. They’ll know whether or not the attorney that you hired has ever tried a case. It’s important for you to find an attorney that has true trial experience that feels comfortable in front of a jury and that can advocate for you. I’m not saying all cases go to trial; in fact, most cases don’t go to trial. In order for cases to settle and settle for a number that you feel good about, however, it’s important for the other side to know that if they don’t settle, and push comes to shove, you have attorneys that will go try a case for you. If you have any questions about a discrimination case that you feel that you may have against your current employer or former employer and you just want to talk about what you should look for in a trial attorney, feel free to give me a call. I’m always happy to discuss what claims you may have and what type of attorney you may need.