How to Select a Good New York Employment Lawyer
A good employment lawyer can make all the difference. If you are looking for an employment lawyer, here are some things to look for.
1. Select a Firm that Specializes in Employment Law
Make sure that the lawyer you choose focuses their practice on employment law. Employment law is a niche area and you will probably be served best by someone who only practices in this area. Be wary of lawyers who try to practice in several different areas including employment law.
2. Choose Sides
Employment lawyers generally work for one side or the other. They either represent employees or management. Be sure to pick an employment lawyer who is on your side. If you are an employee, find a law firm that generally represents employees as opposed to companies.
3. Experience
Nothing beats experience. Try to find a lawyer who has been practicing employment law for at least several years. The longer the better. Find out what kinds of cases they have handled and see if they have handled cases like yours.
4. Communication System
One of the top complaints about lawyers is poor communication. You have the right to know what is going on with your case and to stay updated. When interviewing lawyers, ask them how they keep their clients updated and how they communicate with their clients. Some law firms today have websites that let their clients login and see the case calendar, documents and other case information. These systems open up the process and make it easy for clients to stay informed.
5. Legal Fees
There are basically three kinds of legal fees. Hourly fees, contingent fees and task based fees. There are also hybrid fees that combine certain elements of each kind of fee arragment. Hourly fees can add up quickly and this can cause tension between between the law firm and the client. Contingent fees avoid this problem because the fee is paid at the end of the case and out of the settlement or verdict. With a contingent fee,the interests of the client and the lawyer are aligned in that they have a common goal of obtaining maximum value from the case. With task based fees, the lawyer and client agree on a price for a task or phase of the case. For example, the client and lawyer might agree that the fee for drafting a complaint is $2,500. Each task going forward will be priced so that everyone knows what the cost will be - this fee system is good because it avoids the surprise bills associated with hourly billing. The type of fee arrangement can have a big impact on your case so make sure you understand it and can afford it.
6. Customer Service
As a client, you have the right to be treated with respect and care. Your law firm should put your interests first and treat you like gold. Your lawyer is there to serve you. Make sure you take the time to select a law firm that understands the importance of providing exceptional customer service. Pay attention to how the receptionists treat you on the phone. Look for the little things - do the employees seem happy, are they courteous and professional and is the office organized and clean. These are all signs of a well run operation.
7. Reputation
A lawyer's reputation is important. If you have connections to the legal community, ask around to see what other lawyers say about the lawyer you are thinking of hiring.
These are a few points to consider in selecting a good employment lawyer. Take your time and interview several different lawyers so you can make an informed decision. Please call The Ottinger Firm when considering employment law firms. We have been representing employees since 1999. You can reach us at 866-571-5010.
