Were you subjected to sexual harassment at work? Did your employer fire you because you complained of discrimination at work? You could potentially take legal action. As an employer in Virginia, you cannot sue your employer if you are injured in a workplace accident. That is because your employer pays for workers’ compensation, and the insurance company will compensate you for your injuries. You need to, however, report discrimination. If you are looking for a Virginia employment attorney for your case, here are the key steps for choosing one.
- Focus on the lawyer’s expertise. It is best to hire a lawyer who focuses on employment law for the most part of their practice. Ask them about the cases that they typically work on and if they have experience working on similar cases.
- Check online. You need an employment lawyer who works in Virginia. If you know people who can share references, that’s always an advantage, but there are also websites like Nolo, Avvo, and Justia, which can help you sort options. Make a shortlist of lawyers that you can consider meeting for your case.
- Look for their interests. Many employment lawyers work for employees and employers alike, and while that’s not something negative, you should consider someone who mostly represents employees. They are more likely to have an empathetic approach to your case.
- Ask about their profile. Even in employment law, lawyers may have certain areas of specialization. For instance, a lawyer may have extensive experience helping whistleblowers or working for women who have suffered sexual harassment at work.
- Know the payment arrangement. If your case is such that you expect a financial recovery, your lawyer could possibly work on a contingency fee. In other cases, employment lawyers work at an hourly rate. Make sure that you know of the payment arrangement in advance because availing legal expertise comes at a cost.
- Consider the comfort. The first meeting with an employment attorney doesn’t have to cost a fortune. However, this gives you the window to know the lawyer and decide if you feel comfortable around them. You should be able to speak with your attorney openly and must be able to trust them for their advice. For such a renowned and reliable law firm, click here.
You have a small window to pursue a discrimination case. Don’t shy away from asking questions related to employment law in Virginia. Your lawyer will advise you on how you can handle the legal matters without giving up.