Documentation Requirements for Attorney Evaluation & Timeline and Deadlines for Attorney Hiring

Case File Preparation for Attorney Review

Chronological Documentation Organization: ` Attorney Consultation File Structure: ├── Case Summary (1-2 pages) ├── Harassment Timeline (detailed chronological log) ├── Key Evidence │ ├── Harassing communications (emails, texts, voicemails) │ ├── Witness statements and contact information │ ├── Company policies and procedures │ └── Performance reviews and employment records ├── Medical Documentation │ ├── Healthcare records related to harassment │ ├── Mental health treatment records │ └── Impact statements from medical providers ├── Employment Information │ ├── Job description and salary information │ ├── Employment contract and benefit information │ └── Career progression and advancement records └── Legal Actions Taken ├── Internal complaints and company responses ├── EEOC charges and agency correspondence └── Any other legal filings or actions ` Case Strength Assessment Documentation: - Quality and quantity of harassment evidence - Credibility and availability of witnesses - Employer's response to complaints and investigation - Damages and impact documentation - Potential defenses and counterclaims by employer Financial Impact Analysis: - Lost wages and benefits from harassment impact - Medical expenses related to harassment - Career damage and future earning potential - Cost of job search and career transition - Emotional distress and quality of life impact

Attorney-Client Privilege Considerations

Privileged Communication Protection: - Communications with attorney about legal matters are privileged - Attorney cannot disclose confidential client information - Privilege extends to attorney's staff and investigators - Documents shared for legal advice are typically privileged - Joint clients may share privilege with limited protection Privilege Limitations and Exceptions: - Crime-fraud exception for communications about future crimes - Disclosure to third parties may waive privilege - Common interest agreements for multiple parties - Corporate attorney privilege limitations in some situations - Court orders may override privilege in limited circumstances

Critical Decision Points for Legal Representation

Pre-EEOC Filing Consultation: - Consult attorney before filing EEOC charge to optimize complaint - Attorney can help identify all potential legal claims - Legal counsel can coordinate state and federal filing strategies - Early attorney involvement can improve evidence preservation - Attorney consultation may prevent procedural mistakes Post-EEOC Investigation Decision Points: - Consider attorney if EEOC finds cause and pursues conciliation - Attorney representation advisable if EEOC files lawsuit on your behalf - Legal counsel critical if you receive right to sue letter - Attorney needed for federal court litigation within 90-day deadline - Consider attorney for settlement negotiations at any stage Emergency Situations Requiring Immediate Attorney Consultation: - Employer threatens or files legal action against you - You're presented with complex settlement or severance agreements - Retaliation escalates to termination or severe adverse action - Criminal conduct is involved in harassment situation - Multiple agencies or courts become involved in case

Cost-Benefit Analysis Timeline

Short-term Cost Considerations (0-6 months): - Initial consultation fees and retainer requirements - Case investigation and evidence gathering costs - Filing fees and administrative expenses - Time investment in working with attorney - Emotional energy required for legal proceedings Long-term Benefit Assessment (6 months-3 years): - Potential monetary recovery from settlement or judgment - Injunctive relief improving workplace conditions - Career protection and professional reputation preservation - Precedent value for other employees and workplace improvement - Personal satisfaction and justice from holding employer accountable