No matter whether you were wrongfully terminated, or have suffered sexual harassment at the workplace, the right employment lawyer can make a difference to your case. New Jersey has some of the strongest labor laws, but workplace discrimination and harassment cases are all too common. If you want to hire an employment lawyer in Morristown, here are some tips to consider.
- Ask for a free consultation. Most employment lawyers in NJ will be happy to offer a free case evaluation. Just because you believe that you have suffered discrimination at work doesn’t mean you have a case. Meet an attorney to know more about your circumstances and options.
- Experience and expertise matter. You wouldn’t hire a family attorney for handling your estate planning needs. Similarly, when you are dealing with harassment or workplace discrimination, you need a lawyer specializing in employment law. Ask the attorney if they have handled cases similar to yours.
- Get details. If an employment lawyer claims to be among the best in the state, you need to ask for references. Also, ask the lawyer about their top cases and landmark settlements. Your attorney should be able to negotiate and represent you in court, as and when needed.
- Check their work profile. Does the concerned employment lawyer work for employers and employees alike? Many attorneys only work for employees, and they don’t shy away from taking on top employers. While this may not be a huge factor, but such lawyers often have a better experience and tend to be empathetic towards employees.
- Cost of hiring an attorney. This largely depends on the facts of the case. However, it is possible that an employment lawyer will work on a contingency fee for your case. This means that the lawyer doesn’t get paid if they don’t win. Also, sometimes, lawyers may take up cases on an hourly rate, or a flat fee. It is best to ask in advance.
Finally, ask the employment lawyer about their trial experience. For instance, what percentage of their cases end up in court? What do they typically do to minimize the costs of the case? Have they worked on cases that involve big employers? These are some of the basic questions that you should ask.
Also, there can be other costs related to your case, so ask in advance. Many employment lawyers can advance these costs initially for the client, only to settle later. At the end of the day, you should be able to afford an attorney.